MS--Question about pain???

[WSLC]

Hello.  I have a specific question about MS pain.  I am currently in limbo waiting a diagnosis.  I do have lesions on the brain (from Oct. 2013).  However, my neuro isn't sure if this is MS.  In Oct. I had several other symptoms, but I feel sure they were anxiety, and they have since left.  I did develop a pain in my right calf that has persisted for months.  

This pain only hurts when I walk.  I am able to run, jump, climb stairs, sit, etc without pain.  I am able to get up and walk about 10 feet before it begins hurting.  It runs along the outside of my calf, normally closer to my knee, but sometimes it hurts more down near my ankle.  I find this somewhat strange...and wonder if this is similar to other's MS pain.  

Also, if this is caused by MS...would it show up as a new lesion on the brain, or a lesion that has grown larger?  I am very fearful...and sick of this pain since it has been going on for 7 months.  

I really appreciate any and all responses and suggestions!  Thank you!

[WSLC]

Thank you. I don't really have any atrophy except a small amount from a knee surgery many years ago...nothing new though. I am on a low dose of NEURONTIN (100 mg/ two times daily) to help with nerves and anxiety (prescribed by my Psychiatrist). This possible diagnosis has sent me in to high anxiety. I have always been a health worrier, but able to handle things without meds.  I find myself obsessing about my pain, and focusing on my leg as I walk. I am very fearful of living every day in pain. Just trying to figure this out.

[essdipity]

Hi. MS is totally nerve-related. But as was pointed out, this is not always such a simple idea.

In MS, demyelinated nerves prevent muscles from working properly--that is, helping us move. To begin with, there is nothing at all wrong with the muscle. But after an extended time of not working because the nerves signaling them to move are impaired, the muscle can atrophy. When that happens, it is not capable of doing its job regardless Or it is only partially capable.

When one muscle or set of muscles gives out, other muscles try to take over. These can be and often are completely healthy, but overuse of them or compensation not intended by nature take their toll. So if, for instance, we limp because of a muscle problem (due to nerve demyelination) on one side, the other side will try to do more than its job. Not surprising that these knees, hips or whatever then begin to hurt.

The simpler kind of nerve pain not relating to anything actually wrong will happen regardless of whether we use the limb, etc. It is a kind of paresthesia, or abnormal sensation. Typical pain medications will not be effective, including narcotics. That's why so many MSers rely on specialized drugs such as Lyrica or Neurontin.

ess

[WSLC]

Thank you Immiesceo. That is exactly what I've wondered. I don't know much about MS, but from what I have learned so far, is that MS is more nerve related, and therefore would hurt regardless of ones activity. However...I wasn't for sure, and I was having trouble finding whether or not this is true. I have been to an orthopedist, and so far he doesn't see anything. Thank you so much for your response-I wish you the best! I would love to hear if the same is true for others??

[immisceo]

Pain that is only experienced with a certain activity or body position actually points away from MS. Although, I have had compensating pain in my upper left thigh due to right drop-foot (as in, the loss of dorsiflexion in my right foot caused me to walk in such a way that my opposite thigh was stressed in an unusual way).

However, pain experienced directly form MS is related to damage in the central nervous system. It can't switch on and off in the way you describe. I would be asking my doctor about a more structural issue. Perhaps you have a stress fracture, for example.

[WSLC]

Thank you HVAC. Can a doctor tell if it is MS related or not? Is there a test to see gray matter on the brain since the MRI shows only white? Finally, does your pain occur only when walking or performing a certain activity? I have been told this could be anxiety, but I wonder how if there are specific signs that would lean more toward MS. For example, if most MS pain hurts whether the person is sitting, standing, walking?? Does it hurt more after exercise or being on your feet a lot? Sorry-just trying to figure this out. Thanks for your response!

[HVAC]

Symptoms such as pain usually come from gray matter damage which does not show up on MRI which show white matter.Neurologists used to think MS had no pain . A good doctor call tell if your pain is nerve pain or muscle spasms or both. There are medication for both.

I go to a pain specialist. He did a Neurological Exam on me. THey have to try different things because none of us react the same to pain meds.

Alex

Alex

[WSLC]

Thank you, PeninaD. Yes, both my cervical and thoracic came back negative. In fact, the only test that suggests MS is my brain MRI. I'm wondering if the pain for other MS patients comes only when performing a certain activity?

[PeninaD]

Have you had MRIs of your neck (cervical) or upper back (thoracic)?  There could be lesions there, too, which would be more likely to be implicated in leg pain.