Pain-related conditions that can be treated with Compounded Pain Creams
Arthritis is inflammation in one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness. The two major types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, typically caused by normal use and wear of joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease, though there are other forms (such as gout). Arthritis can also result form an underlying condition, like lupus or psoriasis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which controls sensation in the palm side of the thumb and three middle fingers, is pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist through which the median nerve and tendons pass. This channel can be narrowed by swelled tendons or some other irritation, causing the median nerve to be compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause burning, tingling, itching or numbness and affect the grip and movement of the palm and fingers.
An epicondyle is a projection on the surface of a bone’s condyle (a prominence at the end of the bone) where ligaments and tendons attach. Epicondylitis is inflammation of or damage to the area of the epicondyle, usually resulting from repetitive use. Two common types of epicondylitis are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury to the area of the lateral (outside) epicondyle of the elbow end of the humerus, while Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is an overuse injury to the area of the medial (inside) epicondyle.
Failed back syndrome (FBS) (also known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) or post-laminectomy syndrome) is a condition characterized by persistent back and/or leg pain following back/spinal surgeries. It is a chronic pain syndrome and multiple factors can contribute to the onset and development of FBS, such as residual or recurrent disc herniation, persistent post-operative pressure on a spinal nerve, altered joint mobility, joint hypermobility with instability, fibrosis (scar tissue formation), depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and spinal muscular deconditioning. Systemic disorders, including diabetes, autoimmune disease and peripheral blood vessel disorder/peripheral vascular disease, can predispose a patient to the development of FBS. Smoking is a risk factor for poor recovery.
Fibromyalgia is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by long-term, widespread pain, particularly at tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or alongside other musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Gout is a form of arthritis (joint inflammation) that results from abnormally high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream, which then causes inflammation, pain, and tenderness in joints. Gout can affect only one joint (acute gout) or cause repeated episodes of inflammation and pain in multiple joints (called chronic gout). Excesses of uric acid occur when the body either produces too much uric acid or has difficulty eliminating uric acid. Gout can be aggravated by obesity, weight gain, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, and certain types of foods.
Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of muscles and can be precipitated by a variety of conditions and factors. This can result from overuse and exhaustion, such as in athletes or those who perform strenuous work, or from preexisting conditions like atherosclerosis, systemic illnesses such as diabetes, anemia, kidney disease, or thyroid problems, or disorders of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis.
Musculoskeletal pain can occur in any of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones in the body. Likewise, the causes of musculoskeletal pain are varied, including trauma, injury, spinal misalignment, repetitive movements or overuse. The resulting pain can be an aching over the entire body, a burning and twitching, or fatigue.
Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve fibers sending faulty signals to pain centers. These nerve fibers have impaired function, often due to some damage, injury, or other dysfunction. A range of conditions can cause neuropathic pain, including alcoholism, amputation, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and shingles. Neuropathic pain can manifest as a shooting, burning pain, or as tingling and numbness.
Plantar fasciitis is irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia: thick tissue at the arch of the foot, which connects the heel bone to the toes. The condition usually causes pain at the bottom of the heel or foot. A variety of factors can predispose a patient to developing plantar fasciitis, including foot arch problems (flat feet or high arches), long-distance running, sudden weight gain, and tight Achilles (back of the heel) tendons.
Radiculopathy is the technical term for a spectrum of conditions arising from neuropathy (dysfunction of a peripheral nerve) occurring at the root of the nerve (radix = “root”). This can result in (radicular) pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty controlling specific muscles. Although radiculopathy occurs at the nerve root, pain and other symptoms can manifest in the extremity (a process called referred pain). For example, a nerve root impingement in the neck can cause pain and weakness in the forearm. Likewise, an impingement in the lower back or lumbar-sacral spine can produce symptoms in the foot. When more than one spinal nerve root is affected, the condition is called polyradiculopathy.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a condition characterized by diffuse pain, swelling, and limitation of movement following an injury, such as a fracture in an arm or leg. The symptoms are out of proportion to the injury and may linger long after the initial injury has healed.
Shingles is a viral infection which causes a painful rash. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. In those who have had chickenpox, the shingles virus lies dormant and can reactivate later in life, usually due to a compromised immune system or certain medications. Shingles is not life-threatening and most patients will recover and never have shingles again. Shingles is most often treated with antiviral and pain medications.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located in front of the ear on both sides of the head and connects the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). The TMJ is a complex ball-and-socket joint incorporating muscles, tendons, and bones. A variety of complications can arise to inhibit its normal function and thereby impact an individual’s daily life. TMJ disorders (abbreviated as TMD) cause pain in the jaw area during normal daily activities like talking, yawning, or chewing. It is often difficult to identify the specific cause of an individual’s TMJ disorder, though TMD can typically be managed.
Deterioration of a tendon is known as tendinosis. Tendons are tough, flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendons glide smoothly and easily with the contraction of muscles, allowing movement. Tendon deterioration takes place when an injured tendon fails to heal properly. Although it typically occurs in middle-aged to elderly people, tendinosis can also affect younger people who exercise vigorously or who perform repetitive movements in the workplace.
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are tough, flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. Tendons glide smoothly and easily with the contraction of muscles, allowing movement. Inflammation of the tendon (often resulting from repetitive movement) will cause pain and further irritate the tendon. Tendonitis can occur in any of the body’s tendons, though it is most common in the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and Achilles tendons (located at the back of the heel). Joints afflicted with tendonitis can experience tenderness, mild swelling, and pain, particularly with movement.
Each of the two trigeminal nerves conducts sensory information from the lips, eye, nose, scalp, forehead, gums, cheek, and chin on one side of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia, also called tic douloureux, causes intense paroxysms of electric-shock-like pain in the areas of the face connected to the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve). A less common form of the disorder causes a more constant, dull, burning, or aching pain. Attacks can be triggered by stimuli as harmless as touching the face, brushing the teeth, applying makeup, or a soft breeze. A specific cause of trigeminal neuralgia is usually not identified, but it can be caused by multiple sclerosis or pressure on the trigeminal nerve by a swollen blood vessel or tumor. Though a person of any age may be affected, onset is typically after the age of 50. Antidepressant or anticonvulsants (such as Tegretol or Neurontin) may be effective treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. Neurosurgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve or to reduce nerve sensitivity.