Pain
Pain is your body telling you that you have hurt it. This is a good thing, important when you are injured. It can also help diagnose problems with your body. Sometimes pain continues long after it's necessary. Amputees report phantom pain in the legs or arms they no longer have.
There are different kinds of pain, and describing the type is useful in diagnosis: recurring, constant, steady, knife-like, radiating, sharp, dull. Medicines that dull pain are analgesics. Those that kill all feeling are anesthetics.
Recently Answered
- Q How do I care for someone with phantom limb pain?
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If you have a loved one suffering from phantom limb pain, the best thing you can do is be supportive. If they have mobility problems, help them when needed to go about their daily tasks. If their pain is lasting, encourage them to engage in the... Full Answer
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- Q Is phantom limb pain serious?
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While phantom limb pain can be severe, it is not life-threatening. Most people who experience phantom limb pain directly after amputation surgery find that their pain goes away in a fairly short amount of time. When people experience long-term pain, it... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for phantom limb pain?
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There is no definitive cure for phantom limb pain. Some people's pain goes away on its own after only a short period of time. Persistent pain can be harder to cure; however, there are many methods available for relief. Medications like anticonvulsants,... Full Answer
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- Q How can rehabilitation help phantom limb pain?
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Phantom limb pain is sometimes caused by an ill-fitting prosthetic limb. If this is the case, then participating in rehabilitation to help you with your prosthetic may also aid in alleviating your pain. Being comfortable in a well-fitting prosthetic... Full Answer
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- Q How do I prepare for an appointment about phantom limb pain?
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Preparing for your appointment to diagnose phantom limb pain is important. There are several things you can do to make the most of your visit to the doctor. Think of any questions you have about your condition or future and write them down. Supply your... Full Answer
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- Q What are some complications of phantom limb pain?
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Complications of phantom limb pain are not numerous since phantom pain itself is a complication of limb amputation. Sometimes neuromas, a type of growth, can develop on the amputated nerves, increasing your pain. You may have trouble sleeping or develop... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about phantom limb pain?
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Speaking with a doctor about phantom pain is important. Be honest with your doctor and describe symptoms accurately, and try to remember as much information as you can about your pre-amputation condition. Care for phantom limb pain encompasses a broad... Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for phantom limb pain?
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The incidence of phantom limb pain after surgery has been reported to be around 80 percent. Most people, however, find that their pain goes away over time, and it is less common for people to experience enduring phantom limb pain. Phantom limb sensation,... Full Answer
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- Q How do I prevent phantom limb pain?
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Preventing phantom limb pain may be difficult, but some methods hold promise. Treatment should be started as soon as possible. For those who have had limb pain prior to amputation, a doctor may choose to inject an epidural into the area before surgery,... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage phantom limb pain on a daily basis?
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Managing phantom limb pain on a daily basis can be challenging, but there are several self-help methods available. For instance, you can try relaxation methods for phantom pain such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, or doing deep breathing... Full Answer
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