Extremities Pain Treatment in St. Clair Shores, MI
Pain in Extremities
Pain in the extremities means pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, hands, legs or feet, and it can start in the limb itself, in a nerve, or in the spine. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we use in-office nerve testing to find where the pain comes from and treat that source.
Symptoms of Arm and Leg Pain
Extremity pain can feel very different depending on its source:
- Sharp, shooting pain that travels down the arm or leg, often from a pinched nerve in the spine
- Burning, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, common with nerve damage
- Aching or cramping in the calves when walking, which can come from the spine or the blood vessels
- Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
- Weakness, a heavy feeling, or trouble gripping or lifting the foot
What Causes Pain in the Extremities?
Because the arms and legs depend on nerves that start in the spine, the cause is not always where you feel the pain. Common causes include:
- A pinched nerve root in the neck or lower back, such as sciatica (see back pain and neck pain)
- Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes
- Nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome or piriformis syndrome
- Arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after an injury
- Poor circulation, which needs a vascular check
How We Treat Pain in the Arms and Legs
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and has more than 25 years of experience treating pain. We start with a careful exam and, when nerves may be involved, an EMG and nerve conduction study performed in our office without sedation. Treatment depends on what we find and may include:
Nerve Blocks and Epidural Injections
Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections calm inflamed nerves in the limb or spine. See our interventional procedures.
MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy reduces pain and inflammation without medication, and is often used for joint and nerve pain in the hands and feet.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy restores strength, balance and range of motion, and teaches nerve gliding exercises when a nerve is irritated.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
For nerve pain in the legs or arms that has not improved with other care, spinal cord stimulation may help. It starts with a short trial.
Acupuncture and Pain Management
Medical acupuncture, part of our holistic pain relief care, and a coordinated pain management plan round out treatment.
When to See a Doctor for Arm or Leg Pain
Book a visit if pain, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps coming back, wakes you at night or affects your balance or grip.
Bring a list of your medicines and any recent blood work to the visit, and note when the pain started, what makes it worse and whether it is in one limb or both. That pattern helps us narrow down the cause quickly.
Call 911 for sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or a cold, pale limb. Get urgent care for a swollen, warm, painful calf, which can be a blood clot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pain in the Arms and Legs
What could be causing pain in the front of my leg?
Pain in the front of the thigh or shin can come from a pinched nerve in the lower back, an irritated nerve in the thigh, a muscle strain or shin splints. An exam and nerve testing can find the source.
Can a back problem cause leg pain without back pain?
Yes. A pinched nerve root in the lower back can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot even when the back itself does not hurt much.
What helps numbness in the legs?
Treating the cause comes first. Staying active, gentle exercise to improve circulation and balance, managing blood sugar and checking vitamin levels all help. Numbness that lasts deserves an exam.
What are some home remedies for diabetic leg pain?
Keep blood sugar in range, walk daily if you can, wear well-fitting shoes, check your feet every day and avoid smoking. Talk with a doctor before starting supplements, and see us if pain keeps you up at night.
Do you accept insurance?
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments, such as regenerative injections, may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage and costs with you before you start.
Get Help for Arm and Leg Pain in St. Clair Shores
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your arm and leg pain and talk you through every option before anything is decided.
