Overview:
- Phantom limb pain is a complex condition that affects individuals with amputated limbs.
- This condition should not be confused with “stump pain,” which is an ailment that usually develops in amputees with a poor-fitting prosthesis or in amputees who overuse their prosthesis.
- In this blog, the chronic pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain Consultants share treatment modalities for patients suffering from phantom limb pain.
Although many physicians don’t quite understand why some patients experience phantom limb pain over others, many believe nerve damage from the operation, referred pain, or reorganization of neural pathways inside the brain may be to blame. Regardless, phantom limb pain may exhibit a number of symptoms that range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning pain.
Patients who report feeling their amputated limb without pain typically experience phantom limb sensations, which is different from phantom limb pain. Phantom limb sensations can produce tingling, warmth, coldness, and itchiness around areas of the missing limb. Phantom limb pain, on the other hand, is pain that is experienced from a limb that is not longer a part of the body.
Symptoms of phantom limb pain generally include:
- Pain that develops a few days after the amputation
- Pain that is inconsistent or continuous
- Pain that described as burning, throbbing, shooting, or stabbing
- Pain that occurs after an emotionally stressful event or from physical pressure
Risk factors of this unique condition often include pain that is felt before the amputation, an ill-fitting prosthesis, or chronic stump pain. Although there is no cure for phantom limb pain, there are various treatment modalities that may reduce a patient’s discomfort. At Tulsa Pain Consultants, patients with this condition often benefit from the following treatment techniques:
- Prescription pain medications
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
- Behavioral medicine
Minimally invasive surgery, such as deep brain stimulation and a stump revision, may also provide significant pain relief. Interventional pain care can be incredibly beneficial in mitigating phantom limb pain. Regardless, patients may want to seek the help of a behavioral therapist to manage some of the emotional difficulties that tend to follow an amputation. For more information about ways to treat phantom limb pain, call Tulsa Pain Consultants today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians!
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.