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Pain In Hand, Leg. Should I Immediately Seek Emergency Care For?
Over the last couple of days, I’ve been having very sharp pains (almost like a severe stabbing pain & cramp ) in my left hand between the ring finger and middle finger just below the knuckles and they are becoming more frequent. In addition, I’m having the same pain in my right leg thigh but it’s much more intense. When I have the stabbing pain in my leg, it almost causes me to fall over because the pain is so intense. A little about me… I’ll be 50 years old this June and I haven’t been practicing good health over the last few years. I chew (dip) tobacco and have been doing so for many years. I drink alcohol regularly (3-4 times a week) and I haven’t exactly been eating right nor doing exercises for the last 3-4 years. I’m sure my unhealthy lifestyle could have something to do with this but I would like to know, is this something I should immediately seek emergency care for? Thank you! Rob
Sat, 7 Sep 2013
Hi and thanks for the query,
Acute onset of pain in hand and leg, without any notion of trauma could somewhat demand for sure, an evaluation in an emergency setting. Other symptoms like fever, malaise and any joint stiffness could be helpful in making a diagnosis before then. The causes could range from inflammatory joint disease, autoimmune disease, infectious and other rare conditions. An evaluation by your primary care physician, coupled with blood tests to evaluate inflammation, infection and X rays if need be could be very useful.
I do suggest you seek emergency care first to have a hold of the gravity of the situation. Thanks and kind regards as I wish you good health.
Bain LE, MD.
Acute onset of pain in hand and leg, without any notion of trauma could somewhat demand for sure, an evaluation in an emergency setting. Other symptoms like fever, malaise and any joint stiffness could be helpful in making a diagnosis before then. The causes could range from inflammatory joint disease, autoimmune disease, infectious and other rare conditions. An evaluation by your primary care physician, coupled with blood tests to evaluate inflammation, infection and X rays if need be could be very useful.
I do suggest you seek emergency care first to have a hold of the gravity of the situation. Thanks and kind regards as I wish you good health.
Bain LE, MD.
I find this answer helpful
Hi Rob!
welcome to HCM!
Sharp shooting pain in your left hand and right thigh can be muscle cramps that occur due to electrolyte imbalance,which can be prevented by measures such as adequate nutrition and hydration, Most muscle cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched.
Another possibility is of neuropathic pain.it refers to nerve damage. Metabolic neuropathies can cause shooting pains in the limbs.causes for metabolic neuropathy which may be involved in your case are alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies and may be diabetes or thyroid disease.
A test for blood sugar is required to rule out diabetes and a thyroid profile should be done.
I sincerely hope that it will help you!
welcome to HCM!
Sharp shooting pain in your left hand and right thigh can be muscle cramps that occur due to electrolyte imbalance,which can be prevented by measures such as adequate nutrition and hydration, Most muscle cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched.
Another possibility is of neuropathic pain.it refers to nerve damage. Metabolic neuropathies can cause shooting pains in the limbs.causes for metabolic neuropathy which may be involved in your case are alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies and may be diabetes or thyroid disease.
A test for blood sugar is required to rule out diabetes and a thyroid profile should be done.
I sincerely hope that it will help you!
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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