Many of us are familiar with the sensation of pain in the arms or legs. Someone rarely has this problem, others suffer from unbearable pain constantly. In any case, pain in the arms and legs, if this is not an isolated case, signals about problems in the body. And there are many reasons for this ailment.
Pain disrupts the usual rhythm of life, we experience discomfort. The limbs can hurt on their own, but sometimes pain in the arms and legs can occur as a result of malfunctions in other organs. These pains are called irradiating.
Pain in leg
Sometimes, turning to the doctor with a complaint of pain in the legs, a person hears a completely unexpected diagnosis. There are a number of pathologies of the internal organs, in which pain can spread to other parts of the body, including the lower limbs. For example, if there are stones in the urinary tract, pain can be given to the upper thigh. Soreness of the front of the thighs can be a sign of diseases such as sarcoma, lymphoma, carcinoma. In addition, leg pain can be felt with diseases of the spine, chronic prostatitis and in the last months of pregnancy.
Pain radiating to the arms
Painful sensations that pass into the hands can be the result of heart disease, intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis, ulcers or perforated stomach ulcers, diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems. In this case, pain can be felt in one or both hands.
Diseases that provoke pain
The most common diseases that provoke pain in the arms, legs, back are arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism. In addition, the cause of pain is fractures, bruises and other injuries, vascular diseases, paralysis, neuritis, skin diseases, cerebral palsy.
Myofascial pain
This is a condition in which a muscle spasm occurs. Pain sensations are caused by the appearance of special points in the muscles (trigger points). When pressed on, severe pain is felt. Almost everyone faced this problem throughout their lives.
The causes that contribute to the occurrence of such pains are kyphosis, flat feet, sprain, muscle overload, nervous strain, prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, immobilization after injuries, muscle hypothermia. All these conditions lead to the occurrence of microtraumas in the muscles, as a result of which a trigger point arises in them, which causes pain. Pain can be weak and very intense. Muscles weaken, but do not atrophy.
Pain in the arms and legs occurs with myositis. In acute purulent myositis, the pain is very strong, the affected area swells. The patient's body temperature rises, weakness and chills appear, changes occur in the blood, indicating inflammation.
With non-purulent myositis, the only symptom may be pain. In this case, muscle weakness is not pronounced.
Myositis, caused by autoimmune diseases, is characterized by increasing muscle weakness and moderate soreness.
As a result of injuries, a special type of myositis occurs, in which calcium compounds are deposited in the connective tissues.
Phantom pain
Phantom pain in both arms and legs has several properties:
- A person experiences pain even after the healing of damaged tissue. Some pains go away, while others feel them for decades, even after the final healing of the damage. Sometimes painful sensations are similar to those that preceded amputation. A trigger zone can occur in a healthy area of the same or opposite side of the body. A careful touch to a healthy limb can cause severe pain in the phantom part of the body.
- By reducing somatic impulse, long-term relief can be achieved. The introduction of anesthetics into the sensitive areas or nerves of the stump stops the pain for a long time and even forever, although the effect lasts only a few hours.
- A long-term reduction in pain may be due to increased sensory impulses. The introduction of a hypertonic solution in certain areas causes pain that radiates to the phantom part of the body and lasts about ten minutes. Then the pain disappears partially or completely for several hours, days or forever. The method of vibration stimulation, electrical stimulation of the muscles of the stump also helps to improve the patient's condition.
Smoking cessation and pain
A person who has decided to quit smoking has pain in his arms and legs as a smoking cessation syndrome . In addition to pain in muscles and joints, a person's immunity decreases, pressure jumps, anxiety, depression occurs, appetite increases, problems with falling asleep, neurosis, headaches, coughing appear. The body does not receive the usual dose of nicotine, this is stressful for him.
Pain in children
Pain in the arms and legs of a child, which is episodic in nature, is often associated with an unusual load, minor injuries and muscle strain. If your child feels pain in the limbs after playing sports, it may be necessary to reduce his level of physical activity. Such complaints do not require a specialist, a cold compress, a tablet of paracetamol or ibuprofen will help relieve the condition. Pain in the child’s arms and legs during the period of intensive development can be a sign of the so-called “growth pains”. They occur mainly at night and pass without treatment. A dry warm compress will help relieve the condition.
If the pain is accompanied by fever, cough and runny nose, sore throat, then most likely the cause of this condition is a cold.
When to see a doctor
- The painful joint turned red and hot to the touch, the child has a high temperature. These symptoms are characteristic of rheumatological diseases.
- If severe pain occurs in a specific place, the skin around this area is swollen and hot. Consult a specialist to rule out infections of bones, skin, or joints.
- A visit to the doctor is also necessary if the pains are regular and intense, and the child feels constant fatigue.
Before examination, physical activity must be excluded.
What to do with pain in the limbs
Often soreness in the arms and legs occurs after unusual physical exertion. In this case, a hot bath will help, which relaxes and soothes overloaded muscles. You can add sea salt or coniferous extract to the water. Massage has a good effect, but it is better to entrust this procedure to a specialist.
But if you feel pain in your arms and legs, the causes of which are unknown to you, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The reasons for this condition can be quite harmless, but can also pose a serious threat to your health.
Pain in both arms and legs requires diagnosis by a qualified doctor, which consists of a visual examination, passing tests, additional examination methods (x-ray or tomography). Sometimes there is a need for an ultrasound examination. Based on the results, the doctor will prescribe a course of treatment that is suitable specifically for your case.