neuropathy or something else? - Neuropathy Message Board

Tschuess · 05-21-2004, 04:55 PM

I hope someone can help me figure out what's going on, or point me in the right direction. I've been experiencing a number of annoying, and sometimes downright painful, symptoms such as burning/tingling on the tops of both feet and sometimes along the tops of my forearms/wrists. Lately, these sensations are accompanied by a cramp-like muscle soreness (but no detectable muscle contraction) in the same area that seems to radiate up the front of my shins. Finally, this cramp-like pain is often experienced in both calves, especially on the inside upper sections. Massaging these areas causes excruciating pain. This has been going on for several years but is getting more severe/frequent. I have not discussed with my doctor because it makes absolutely no sense - I am not diabetic, am of normal weight, and exercise on a regular basis (which actually makes the symptoms worse). Does anyone else experience this, or similar problems, and do you have ideas about what this could be?
Thank you for any help.

Aro · 05-22-2004, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tschuess

I hope someone can help me figure out what's going on, or point me in the right direction. I've been experiencing a number of annoying, and sometimes downright painful, symptoms such as burning/tingling on the tops of both feet and sometimes along the tops of my forearms/wrists. Lately, these sensations are accompanied by a cramp-like muscle soreness (but no detectable muscle contraction) in the same area that seems to radiate up the front of my shins. Finally, this cramp-like pain is often experienced in both calves, especially on the inside upper sections. Massaging these areas causes excruciating pain. This has been going on for several years but is getting more severe/frequent. I have not discussed with my doctor because it makes absolutely no sense - I am not diabetic, am of normal weight, and exercise on a regular basis (which actually makes the symptoms worse). Does anyone else experience this, or similar problems, and do you have ideas about what this could be?
Thank you for any help.

It is possible that a joint is out of place in the bones somewhere & pressing on a nerve somewhere (most likely the area where you feel it most), such as a vertabrae or disc (herniation maybe?). From what I understand, when there is a joint problem the muscles contract to protect it, but stays in that form no matter what you do to relieve it despite normal means. It is best to see a neurologist &/or orthopedist as soon as you can, maybe an x-ray &/or MRI might help find it?

I've had chronic neck pain for 3 years now & just found out the other day why--herniated disc at c5-6 with muscle abnormality (more or less)--which is affecting my muscles in my neck area. Waiting now to see what my neuro will say myself since none of my other treatments really helped in anyway. There are various surgeries for it I understand. Don't take too long finding it, if it stays too long it can wear you down.

A lotta people, I understand, have this problem, most of which have been really active,mostly sick free, & leading normal lives themselves prior to joint injury. Have you tried the spinal cord disorders thread out of curiosity. I would emplore you to look all around the board if you can & try to get as much info as you can about your situation. I wish you the best!
--A.Ro.

apriltones · 05-22-2004, 01:53 PM

hi, i have this too but without pain, its so horrible isnt it. Tingling is the worst! april

nero · 05-31-2004, 05:32 PM

Hi folks,

I originally set foot on the spinal cord disorders forum because I fell April 2000 and injured my c5-6 disc which pressed on my spinal cord. Also my lower back disc l5-s1 triggered a mild herniation.

I have since had ACDF for my neck in Nov 03 and low back microdiscectomy l5-s1 on April 04

Your symptoms are exactly what you feel with spinal cord compression at the neck .. that is the tingling burning sharp stabbin pains, twitching. I had the surgery to rid myself of the intense sharp cut off your arm pain when the disc fully herniated but I still have the above symptoms. They diminished but returned fiercely this past week and I am quite upset about it as I was doing really well. I have found out from physio chap that this is due to recoiling .. I guess that spine curls back to some degree and I have yet to find out about this unfortunate side affect when I attend for physio commencing June 7

Anyway, the pain, tingling etc is very extremely uncomfortable and I have resorted to going back on my meds which I hate taking and extremely limited myself from when really sick.

I can only tell you that these symptoms are a form of spinal cord compression and you need to get an MRI and find out what is going on before it leads to weakness or further damage.

I wish you luck.. it can be helped but unfortunately you have to be extremely proactive and help yourself..which is hard to do when you are oppressed by pain and when others can clearly see it.

You will be okay though...I can attest to it... good days..bad days..etc. but this is mechanical and has a chance at being fixed.. hang in there.

Sincerely nero

Robocci · 06-10-2004, 10:07 AM

Tschuess

I have the same symptoms as you. I was wondering if you ever found out what it was that is causing it.