Odd Reoccurring pain

[ryanshar]

I have a very painful burning and tearing sensation in my hands around my knuckles when I stretch or make a fist.  Sometimes it is in my feet as well around my heels.  It has also moved into my right knee lately.  I had it once a few years ago and it went way after a few months.  It has been 8 months and it is getting worse and my doc has not been much help.  I am a former marine and am very used to pain but am becoming concerned because it is getting to be intense pain.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Ryan,

Excuse my tardy Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm sorry to hear about your puzzling pain.

Allow me to thank you for your service to our marvelous country. Ppl like you make me even prouder to be an American.

I'm sure you're aware that some of our military men and women have strange painful symptoms that are often very difficult to DX. Have you had your Sed Rate checked?  Sed Rates are lab values that can be instrumental in diagnosing an inflammatory processes within the body.  

Consulting a Rheumatologist may be a good place to start. If no inflammatory disorder is at work then the next step I'd take would be a Neurologist. Your symptoms sound as though they could be inflammation and/or neurological.

Conditions like Lymes, Lupus, different forms of arthritis, connective tissue disorders and so forth should be ruled out. I assume diabetes has been considered and already ruled out.

Burning pain is often associated with problems with a nerve(s). Do you have redness or swelling with the pain - that would make me think of gouty arthritis. Are these bouts of pain follow a certain activity - or do they occur during certain seasons - or following the consumption of a specific food family? There are multiple possibilities that will require a good diagnostician to provide you with the right diagnosis.

Try keeping a journal of activities and food, including everything you consume including meds. This may assist in determining if there is any correlation between your pain and lifestyle.  

I wish I had better answers for you -  I don't. However I do know that an astute medical practitioner will have them. Don't give up. Sometimes you find that right diagnostician right off that bat - other times it takes time and perseverance. Please keep searching.

I hope you'll in touch and let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to hearing from you again soon - and/or seeing your questions or comments.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[remar]

It sounds like you need to see a different Dr. Has your current Dr done any testing or recommended a specialist?
To me, it sounds like possible arthritis. If might be a good idea to see a specialist to have some tests done. You might want to also have your back checked. If it's out of alignment or you have any other back issues going on it can cause pain in other areas of the body. I have back issues and sometimes my feet and ankles hurt so bad I can hardly walk.
We're always here to listen and help any way we can. We have a great pain forum so I'm pretty sure some of our other members can offer more advice.