Health Conditions Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Emed Multispecialty Group

Living with Arthritis

Arthritis is a prevalent condition affecting millions of people worldwide, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that can hinder daily activities. To manage arthritis effectively and improve your quality of life, it is crucial to seek the help of qualified arthritis doctors in Jacksonville who can provide personalized treatment plans and support. Coping with arthritis in daily life can be a challenge, but with the right healthcare team, self-care strategies, and alternative therapies, individuals can take control of their condition and find relief from arthritis pain.

In this article, we’ll provide tips and strategies for managing arthritis pain and improving quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of the condition, these tips and strategies can help you cope with the daily challenges of arthritis.

We’ll cover the importance of medication, physical therapy, exercise, diet, and alternative therapies for managing arthritis pain. Additionally, we’ll provide strategies for stress management, building a support network, self-care, and using mobility aids and assistive devices.

Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of seeking professional help for arthritis, including the benefits of seeing an arthritis doctor in Jacksonville, how to find the right doctors for arthritis in Jacksonville, FL, and the support available for arthritis disability.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to cope with arthritis in daily life and improve your quality of life, so let’s dive in!

Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain

One of the most common methods of managing arthritis pain is through medication. There are many different types of medication available, and your doctor will recommend the best one for you based on your specific condition and symptoms. Some common medications for arthritis pain include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
Analgesics such as acetaminophen and tramadol
Corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine
Biologics such as adalimumab and etanercept

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking medication, and never change or stop taking medication without consulting with them first.

Physical therapy is another useful method for managing arthritis pain. A physical therapist can help you develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective for your specific condition. This may include exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Physical therapy can also help reduce pain and improve your ability to perform daily activities.

Exercise is an essential component of managing arthritis pain. Regular exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, improve flexibility and range of motion, and build strength in the muscles surrounding the joints. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling are great options for people with arthritis, as they put less stress on the joints.

The amount and type of exercise recommended for someone with arthritis can vary depending on the individual’s specific condition, level of pain, and overall health. However, in general, it’s recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or cycling. This can be broken down into shorter sessions throughout the week. Additionally, it’s important to include exercises that focus on strength, flexibility, and balance. Your doctor or a physical therapist can help develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective for you.

Nutrition matters — 84% of arthritis patients believe healthy diet is important for managing arthritis. -Arthritis Foundation INSIGHTS

Maintaining a healthy diet can also help manage arthritis pain. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation and provide essential nutrients for joint health. Some foods to avoid include processed and fried foods, sugar, and saturated fats.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga may also be helpful for managing arthritis pain. These therapies can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying any new therapy, as some may not be safe or effective for everyone.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. The goal of acupuncture is to balance the body’s energy flow, or qi, and promote healing. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of acupuncture for arthritis pain, many people find it helpful for reducing pain and improving their overall well-being.
Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to reduce pain, inflammation, and tension. Massage can be helpful for reducing pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints, and promoting relaxation. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of massage therapy for arthritis pain, many people find it helpful for improving their quality of life.
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, and range of motion, which can be helpful for managing arthritis pain. Additionally, yoga has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can also help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that involves slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. Tai chi can help improve balance, flexibility, and strength, which can be helpful for managing arthritis pain. Additionally, tai chi has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Herbal supplements such as turmeric, ginger, and devil’s claw have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful for reducing arthritis pain. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, as some may interact with other medications or have side effects.

It’s important to note that while alternative therapies can be helpful for managing arthritis pain, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It’s important to work with your arthritis doctors in Jacksonville to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both traditional and alternative therapies.

Strategies for Improving Quality of Life

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several strategies that can help improve quality of life for those living with the condition. Here are some tips for managing arthritis and improving overall well-being:

Stress can exacerbate arthritis pain, so it’s important to practice stress management techniques to help manage symptoms. This can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Taking breaks throughout the day to stretch, rest, or engage in a favorite hobby can also help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
Living with arthritis can be challenging, so it’s important to have a support network of friends, family, or a support group to help manage the condition. Talking to others who are experiencing similar challenges can be helpful for reducing stress and improving emotional well-being. Joining a support group can also provide an opportunity to learn from others who are managing arthritis and offer helpful tips and advice.
Practicing good self-care is important for managing arthritis and improving overall well-being. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. It’s also important to take care of mental health by engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones.
Mobility aids and assistive devices such as canes, braces, and splints can help reduce pain and improve mobility for those living with arthritis. These devices can be helpful for reducing stress on joints and providing additional support. Working with a physical therapist or occupational therapist can help determine which mobility aids and assistive devices may be most helpful for an individual’s specific needs.

Movement is the best medicine. Movement is the best medicine. But moving can be difficult when your joints hurt.

Occupational therapy can be a helpful tool for managing arthritis and improving overall quality of life. Occupational therapists can work with individuals to identify specific challenges related to arthritis, such as difficulty with daily activities like cooking or dressing. They can then provide strategies and exercises to help manage symptoms and improve mobility.

By incorporating these strategies into daily life, it is possible to manage arthritis pain and improve quality of life. However, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so it may take some trial and error to find the best strategies for managing arthritis pain. It’s also important to work closely with arthritis doctors in Jacksonville to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the condition.

Seeking Professional Help for Arthritis

Arthritis is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. While there are several self-care strategies for managing arthritis pain and improving overall well-being, seeking professional help when needed is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition.

Finding the right healthcare providers can be a daunting task, but it is essential for effective arthritis management. Patients should consider seeking out arthritis doctors in Jacksonville who specialize in treating arthritis and have expertise in diagnosing and treating the specific type of arthritis they are experiencing. It is also important to seek out providers who can provide comprehensive care and guide patients on lifestyle changes, pain management, and exercise programs.

In some cases, arthritis can be disabling and impact a person’s ability to work and engage in daily activities. Seeking disability benefits can be a helpful way to obtain financial support and resources for managing arthritis. The Social Security Administration offers disability benefits for those with arthritis who meet certain criteria, but the application process can be complex and time-consuming. Seeking support from organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation can provide helpful resources and guidance for managing arthritis and obtaining disability benefits.

1.28 million Annual projected total knee replacements in U.S. by 2030

Life with Arthritis is Not an End

Living with arthritis can be a challenging experience, but there are several tips and strategies that can help individuals manage pain and improve their quality of life. In this article, we have covered various self-care strategies, alternative therapies, and professional resources that can be helpful for those living with arthritis.

It is important to remember that every individual’s experience with arthritis is unique, and finding the right combination of strategies and treatments may take time and experimentation. However, with the right support and resources, it is possible to manage arthritis and live a fulfilling life.

We want to encourage those living in the Duval region with arthritis to prioritize self-care and seek professional arthritis doctors in Jacksonville to help when needed. By practicing stress management, building a support network, and incorporating exercise and alternative therapies, individuals with arthritis can take steps towards improving their well-being and managing their pain.

In conclusion, we hope this article has provided helpful tips and strategies for managing arthritis in daily life. Remember, it is possible to live well with arthritis, and with the right support and resources, individuals can take control of their condition and improve their quality of life. If you are living with arthritis, we encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider, seek out professional resources, and prioritize self-care as you navigate your journey with this condition.

Living With Multiple Conditions

The Population Reference Bureau estimated that by 2040, more than 160 million people in the United States will have chronic age-related illnesses. These illnesses will impact more older Americans.

The nervous system is involved in everything you do, from managing your breathing to controlling muscles and sensing temperature changes.

There are 3 different types of nerves in your body:

Autonomic nerves – These nerves control the automatic activities of your body, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.
Motor nerves – control your movements and actions by passing information from your brain and spinal cord to your muscles.
Sensory nerves – They relay incoming information from your body (skin and muscles) back to your spine and brain. The information is then processed to let you feel pain and other sensations.

As you can see, nerves are essential to all you do. This is why nerve pain and nerve damage can have a huge impact on your quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms?

Nerve damage can surface with a wide array of symptoms. It can vary wildly depending on the location and type of nerves that are affected.

Autonomic nerve damage can have some of the following symptoms:

Difficulty sensing chest pain
Too much sweating or too little sweating
Feeling of lightheadedness
Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Constipation
Bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction

Damage to motor nerves may produce the following symptoms:

Weakness in related extremities
Muscle atrophy
Twitching, also known as fasciculation
Possible partial or complete paralysis

Sensory nerve damage may produce the following symptoms:

Pain
Sensitivity
Numbness
Tingling or prickling
Burning
Problems with positional awareness

Many people with nerve damage have multiple symptoms at the same time. For example, you might experience weakness and tingling of your legs at the same time.

What Causes It?

This can be very complicated to answer as there are more than 100 different types of nerve damage. Each type has different symptoms and will require different treatments.

Nerve damage becomes increasingly common as you get older. It is estimated that 70% of people with diabetes have some amount of nerve damage.

What is neck pain?

Your neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the upper torso. Cervical discs absorb shock between the bones. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of your neck support your head and allow for motion. Any abnormalities, inflammation, or injury can cause neck pain or stiffness.

Many people experience neck pain or stiffness occasionally. In many cases, it’s due to poor posture or overuse. Sometimes, neck pain is caused by injury from a fall, contact sports, or whiplash.

Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a critital condition and may be relieved within a few days. In some cases, neck pain can indicate serious injury or illness and require a doctor’s care. If you have neck pain that continues for more than a week, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of neck pain

Neck pain or stiffness can happen for a variety of reasons.

Muscle tension and strain

This is usually due to activities and behaviors such as:

poor posture
working at a desk for too long without changing position
sleeping with your neck in a bad position
jerking the neck during exercise

Injury

The neck is particularly vulnerable to injury, especially in falls, car accidents, and sports, where the muscles and ligaments of the neck are forced to move outside of their normal range. If the neck bones, or cervical vertebrae, are fractured, the spinal cord may also be damaged. Neck injury due to sudden jerking of the head is commonly called whiplash.

Heart attack

Neck pain can also be a symptom of a heart attack, but it often presents with other symptoms of a heart attack, such as:

shortness of breath
sweating
nausea
vomiting
arm or jaw pain

If your neck hurts and you have other symptoms of heart attack, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In people who have meningitis, a fever and a headache often occur with a stiff neck. Meningitis can be fatal and is a medical emergency. If you have the symptoms of meningitis, seek help immediately.

Other causes

Other causes include the following:

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling of the joints, and bone spurs. When these occur in the neck area, neck pain can result.
Osteoporosis weakens bones and can lead to small fractures. This condition often happens in hands or knees, but it can also occur in the neck.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle pain throughout the body, especially in the neck and shoulder region.
As you age, the cervical discs can degenerate. This is known as spondylosis or osteoarthritis of the neck. This can narrow the space between the vertebrae and adds stress to your joints.
When a disk protrudes, as from a trauma or injury, it may add pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots. This is called a herniated cervical disk, also known as a ruptured or slipped disk.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column narrows and causes pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots as it exits the vertebrae. This can be due to long-term inflammation caused by arthritis or other conditions.

In rare instances, neck stiffness or pain occurs due to:

congenital abnormalities
infections
abscesses
tumors
cancer of the spine

When to see your doctor

If symptoms persist for more than a week, check with your doctor as soon as possible. You should also see a doctor if you have:

severe neck pain without apparent cause
a lump in your neck
a fever
a headache
swollen glands
nausea
vomiting
trouble swallowing or breathing
weakness
tingling
pain that radiates down your arms or legs
unable to move your arms or hands
unable to touch your chin to your chest
bladder or bowel dysfunction

Knee pain is an extremely common injury for many people, especially athletes. The most frequent reasons for knee pain include inflamed or damaged ligaments, damage to the cartilage, and runners knee. In addition, other situations may be the reason for knee pain. These include bone chips, bursitis, and a partially dislocated kneecap.

Diseases such as Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Medial Plica Syndrome, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Osteoarthritis, and Tendonitis are also causes of knee pain.

Treatments for knee pain include resting the knees, putting ice/ heat on your knee, putting a bandage around your knee to reduce swelling. Put your feet up, take non-prescription medication to reduce the swelling and practice exercises that will strengthen and stretch your knee. Please seek a doctor’s advice before attempting any exercises.

Many people have had a minor knee problem at one time or another. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems. But it’s not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or injury. Knee problems and injuries most often occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, or home projects.

Knee joint function

It enables hinge and rotating movements as the connection between the upper and lower leg. This means that we can not only bend the lower leg backward but also rotate the lower leg and foot towards the upper leg.

Two menisci located between the upper and lower leg bones in each knee, one on the right and one on the left side.

The kneecap serves the transmission of force while extending the knee and protects the internal regions of the joint.

This smooth, firm and elastic layer ensures that the knee moves easily and without friction.

Both of these ligaments have significant importance for the stability of the joint. Furthermore, the medial and lateral ligaments of the knee are important for it to be precisely guided through the full range of motion of the knee.

Aside from that, adequately trained muscles are quite imperative for good knee joint function. They also ensure support and stability. Muscles which are too weak often lead to knee problems.

As we age, so do our bones. There are many various types of bone pain and they can occur in all parts of the body. One pretty common type of bone pain is Pseudarthrosis.

Pseudarthrosis is when the bones shift at the break point. This causes the break to not heal correctly. Some potential causes of this are smoking (nicotine can stop the capability to generate new bone), poor nutrition, aging, obesity, and osteoporosis.

Other causes include diabetes, steroids, certain medicines that reduce swelling (non-steroids), not enough downtime after fusion surgery, and neck pain (some people experience no symptoms or a combination of symptoms). The pain can push out into the arms and shoulders. More inflammation & pain can develop over time by moving the neck.

Diagnosis is usually confirmed with an X-ray.

Post Stroke Pain: is a pain the patient experiences immediately after a stroke. First, the pain sometimes occurs in the following weeks or months after a stroke.

As such there are two different types of stoke pain:

Local – impairment of muscle or soft tissue. Generally, this occurs in the joints.
Central – post stroke pain is identified by mild to harsh discomfort.

Following a stroke, the brain cannot comprehend the nerves signals sent by the body including reaction to touch, warmth, cold and others. The body now understands these as hurtful things. Consequently, symptoms of this condition include non-stop pain, repeating pain, the pain felt on the affected side of the body, pain in the face, legs, arms or torso, and throbbing/hot/stinging pain. As a result, individuals may stop moving painful body parts allowing their muscles to become lethargic.

Treatments for pain following a stroke are:

Anti-depressants – which help alleviate the physical pain.
Surgical techniques include deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor cortex stimulation. Counseling may also be of great help.

Consequently what kinds of pain might I feel after stroke? Headache

These are more common after hemorrhagic stroke than ischaemic stroke. Consequently, it is not always known what causes headaches, but it can sometimes be a side effect of medications.

Shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal problems

High tone (also called hypertonia or spasticity) means having a high amount of tension in your muscles. If you have high tone your muscles will be very stiff or tight.
Contracture means that muscles or joints become shorter or less flexible. This may happen if there is muscle weakness or high muscle tone that limits the movement in your arm or leg.
Shoulder subluxation caused by weak muscles allowing the top of your arm to slip out of the shoulder socket slightly. Some people will feel shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal pain without any of these causes. See the Upper limb movement after stroke fact sheet for more information.

Pharmacological Management

Consequently, your doctor is the best person to determine if medication may help with your pain. Sometimes medications prescribed by your doctor will interact with other medications including over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies. As such it is important that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking. This includes natural remedies or vitamin supplements. There are many types of medications that may help depending on the type of pain you feel. Such as:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and paracetamol. To help to reduce inflammation.
Opioids. These act like hormones your body produces to reduce pain.
Anti-depressants. These change the number of specific chemicals in your brain and ‘dampen down’ the pain messages and may be useful for CPSP. Anti-epileptic medications. To reduce excess electrical activity in the brain which can be associated with neuropathic pain and may be useful for CPSP.

Non-Pharmacological Management

Psychological techniques. Aim to change thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors related to pain. This might include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), hypnosis, attention-diversion strategies, biofeedback or stress management and relaxation techniques.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This may be useful for CPSP and shoulder pain.
Exercise. Your therapist may recommend exercises, positions, and supportive devices to help support a painful limb.
Keeping active. This is very important. Being active releases endorphins throughout your body. Endorphins are naturally occurring pain reducing substances in the body. Try to exercise or be active as much as you can within your own limits, and talk to your primary care doctor or physiotherapist before beginning a new exercise program.
Such as eating a healthy diet. Also limiting the use of tobacco, alcohol and caffeine.
Finally, a specialist pain management team. Consequently, if the pain doesn’t resolve within a few weeks, your doctor may refer you to a specialist pain team. This is a group of health professionals who specialize in assessing and managing complex or chronic pain problems.

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic (lasting greater than six months) pain condition that most often affects one limb (arm, leg, hand, or foot) usually after an injury. The peripheral nervous system involves nerve signaling from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. CRPS is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area.

CRPS symptoms vary in severity and duration, although some cases are mild and eventually go away. In more severe cases, individuals may not recover and may have long-term disability.

Who can get CRPS?

Although it is more common in women, CRPS can occur in anyone at any age, with a peak at age 40. CRPS is rare in the elderly. Very few children under age 10 and almost no children under age 5 are affected.

What are the symptoms of CRPS?

The key symptom is prolonged severe pain that may be constant. It has been described as “burning,” “pins and needles” sensation, or as if someone were squeezing the affected limb. The pain may spread to the entire arm or leg, even though the injury might have only involved a finger or toe. In rare cases, pain can sometimes even travel to the opposite extremity. There is often increased sensitivity in the affected area, known as allodynia, in which normal contact with the skin is experienced as very painful.

People with CRPS also experience changes in skin temperature, skin color, or swelling of the affected limb. This is due to abnormal microcirculation caused by damage to the nerves controlling blood flow and temperature. As a result, an affected arm or leg may feel warmer or cooler compared to the opposite limb. The skin on the affected limb may change color, becoming blotchy, blue, purple, pale, or red.

Other common features of CRPS include:

changes in skin texture on the affected area; it may appear shiny and thin
the abnormal sweating pattern in the affected area or surrounding areas
changes in nail and hair growth patterns
stiffness in affected joints
problems coordinating muscle movement, with decreased ability to move the affected body part
abnormal movement in the affected limb, most often fixed abnormal posture (called dystonia) but also tremors in or jerking of the limb.

What causes CRPS?

It is unclear why some individuals develop CRPS while others with similar trauma do not. CRPS represents an abnormal response that magnifies the effects of the injury.

Peripheral nerve abnormalities found in individuals with CRPS usually involve the small unmyelinated and thinly myelinated sensory nerve fibers (axons) that carry pain messages and signals to blood vessels. (Myelin is a mixture of proteins and fat-like substances that surround and insulate some nerve fibers.) Because small fibers in the nerves communicate with blood vessels, injuries to the fibers may trigger the many different symptoms of CRPS. Molecules secreted from the ends of hyperactive small nerve fibers are thought to contribute to inflammation and blood vessel abnormalities. These peripheral nerve abnormalities in turn trigger damage in the spinal cord and brain.

Blood vessels in the affected limb may dilate (open wider) or leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, causing red, swollen skin. The dilation and constriction of small blood vessels are controlled by small nerve fiber axons as well as chemical messengers in the blood. The underlying muscles and deeper tissues can become starved of oxygen and nutrients, which causes muscle and joint pain as well as damage. The blood vessels may over-constrict (clamp down), causing old, white, or bluish skin.

CRPS also affects the immune system. High levels of inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) have been found in the tissues of people with CRPS. These contribute to the redness, swelling, and warmth reported by many patients. CRPS is more common in individuals with other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as asthma.

Genetics & CRPS

Limited data suggest that CRPS also may be influenced by genetics. Rare family clusters of CRPS have been reported. Familial CRPS may be more severe with earlier onset, greater dystonia, and more than one limb being affected.

Occasionally CRPS develops without any known injury. In these cases, an infection, a blood vessel problem, or entrapment of the nerves may have caused an internal injury. A physician will perform a thorough examination in order to identify a cause.

In many cases, CRPS results from a variety of causes. In such instances, treatments are directed at all of the contributing factors.

Currently, there is no specific test that can confirm CRPS. Since other conditions can cause similar symptoms, careful examination is important. As most people improve gradually over time, the diagnosis may be more difficult later in the course of the disorder.

The outcome of CRPS is highly variable. Younger persons, children, and teenagers tend to have better outcomes. While older people can have good outcomes, there are some individuals who experience severe pain and disability despite treatment.

Rehabilitation and physical therapy. An exercise program to keep the painful limb or body part moving can improve blood flow and lessen the circulatory symptoms. Additionally, exercise can help improve the affected limb’s flexibility, strength, and function. Occupational therapy can help the individual learn new ways to work and perform daily tasks.

Psychotherapy. People with CRPS may develop depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which heighten the perception of pain and make rehabilitation efforts more difficult. Treating these secondary conditions is important for helping people cope and recover from CRPS.

Drugs to treat CRPS include:

bisphosphonates, such as high dose alendronate or intravenous pamidronate
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat moderate pain, including over-the-counter aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
corticosteroids that treat inflammation/swelling and edema, such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone (used mostly in the early stages of CRPS)
drugs initially developed to treat seizures or depression but now shown to be effective for neuropathic pain, such as gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and duloxetine
botulinum toxin injections
opioids such as oxycontin, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and Vicodin.
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists such as dextromethorphan and ketamine, and
topical local anesthetic creams and patches such as lidocaine.

All drugs or combination of drugs can have various side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, increased heartbeat, and impaired memory. Inform a healthcare professional of any changes once drug therapy begins.

Types of Drug Therapy

Sympathetic nerve block. Sympathetic blocks involve injecting an anesthetic next to the spine to directly block the activity of sympathetic nerves and improve blood flow.

Surgical sympathectomy. The use of this operation that destroys some of the nerves is controversial. Some experts think it is unwarranted and makes CRPS worse, whereas others report a favorable outcome.

Spinal cord stimulation. Placing stimulating electrodes through a needle into the spine near the spinal cord provides a tingling sensation in the painful area. Electrodes may be placed temporarily for a few days in order to assess whether stimulation is likely to be helpful. Approximately 25 percent of individuals develop equipment problems that may require additional surgeries.

Other types of neural stimulation. These include near injured nerves (peripheral nerve stimulators), outside the membranes of the brain (motor cortex stimulation with dural electrodes), and within the parts of the brain that control pain (deep brain stimulation). A recent option involves the use of magnetic currents applied externally to the brain (known as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or rTMS).

Intrathecal drug pumps. These devices pump pain-relieving medications directly into the fluid that bathes the spinal cord, typically opioids, local anesthetic agents, clonidine, and baclofen. There are no studies that show benefit specifically for CRPS.

Emerging treatments for CRPS include:

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Researchers in Great Britain report low-dose IVIG reduced pain intensity in a small trial of 13 patients with CRPS for 6 to 30 months who did not respond well to other treatments. Those who received IVIG had a greater decrease in pain scores than those receiving saline during the following 14 days after infusion.
Ketamine. Investigators are using low doses of ketamine—a strong anesthetic—given intravenously for several days to either reduce substantially or eliminate the chronic pain of CRPS.
Graded Motor imagery. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of graded motor imagery therapy for CRPS pain. Individuals do mental exercises including identifying left and right painful body parts while looking into a mirror and visualizing moving those painful body parts without actually moving them.

Options include behavior modification, acupuncture, relaxation techniques (such as biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided motion therapy), and chiropractic treatment.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.

The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger).

Cancer-related pain is a pain that develops from many different factors. From the medications one takes to cancer itself, the list of factors can vary. The patient experiences pain as individual as the person. Consequently, the pain experienced is dependent upon several different factors.

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