HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Have MS, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis. Got Cold Hand, Mottled Skin. Suspected For Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

default
Posted on Fri, 19 Apr 2013
Question: I have MS, fibromyalgia, arthritis. Two yrs ago my right arm became mottled and cold, at mid-bicep region, but it is not present all the time. My hand is so cold sometimes that I have to wear a glove to bed. This arm and hand are bigger than the left. Now I am getting the mottling on my legs, and my right knee is purple. Saw a rheumatologist, dermatologist, neurologist, internist - no one knows what the problem is. It even gets cold and mottled in the summer. Besides being embarrassing I would like to know what is going on. I have been told that I have thoracic outlet syndrome but a vascular surgeon said I didn't. Could it be from an injury - like regional pain dystrophy. I severely injured my knee 2 yrs ago and it is still swollen. All blood tests are negative for other auto immune diseases, ultrasound was negative.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (3 hours later)
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Functions like temperature regulation and sensation, pigment production by the melanocytes, blood vessel diameter alterations etc are carried out by impulses through peripheral nerves.

If there is any sort of damage to those nerves or defect in conduction, symptoms like abnormal temperature sensations, defective blood circulation leading to cold, purple extremities, mottling due to improper melanin stimulation etc can occur.


Such peripheral nerve damages are commonly seen in conditions like Multiple sclerosis. I believe that the symptoms you have are secondary to nerve damage that occurs in MS.

Treatment with medications like Pregabalin which improve the nerve health will help to get rid of such symptoms. Do discuss about the same with your neurologist.

Hope I answered your query.

Please let me know if there are any other concerns.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Raju A.T

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 4923 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Have MS, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis. Got Cold Hand, Mottled Skin. Suspected For Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Functions like temperature regulation and sensation, pigment production by the melanocytes, blood vessel diameter alterations etc are carried out by impulses through peripheral nerves.

If there is any sort of damage to those nerves or defect in conduction, symptoms like abnormal temperature sensations, defective blood circulation leading to cold, purple extremities, mottling due to improper melanin stimulation etc can occur.


Such peripheral nerve damages are commonly seen in conditions like Multiple sclerosis. I believe that the symptoms you have are secondary to nerve damage that occurs in MS.

Treatment with medications like Pregabalin which improve the nerve health will help to get rid of such symptoms. Do discuss about the same with your neurologist.

Hope I answered your query.

Please let me know if there are any other concerns.

Regards,