OVERVIEW

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a sensation of pain or discomfort that comes from a limb or part of the limb that is not there.

After a part of the body has been removed, the pain still exists and feels like it is coming from that body part. PLP starts soon after the body part is removed, and is most common after removal of fingers or toes. PLP often feels like the pain is coming from the part of the body that is furthest away from the removed body part (e.g An amputee feels pain in the fingers after having their arm removed).

Treatment options

Treatment options may include:

Acupuncture
Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Anticonvulsants
Antidepressants
Beta-blockers
Biofeedback
Imagery
Massage
Mirror box therapy
Muscle relaxants
Music
Opioids (narcotic pain medications)
Propping up the residual limb on a pillow
Surgery
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Virtual reality therapy

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Pain (burning, cramping, crushing, pins and needles, shooting, stabbing, throbbing)
Burning
Continuous pain
Early of pain onset after amputation
Intermittent pain
Itching
Pressure
Twisting

Diagnostic tests

Diagnostic tests include: There is no medical test that diagnoses phantom limb pain, but doctors can use information with symptoms and circumstances associated with the pain. This information might include the date of the surgery, onset of the pain, activity of the person right before the pain began, and any other information that might help provide an accurate diagnosis.

Causes

Causes & contributing factors may include:

Angina
Changes in barometric pressure
Cigarette smoking
Defecation
Exposure to cold.
Herpes zoster
Sexual intercourse
Touch
Urination
Weather changes

Facts

It is estimated that 4 out of 5 amputees report feeling phantom limb pains.
The frequency and duration of phantom limb pain decreases in the first six months after body part removal.

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The Pain Experts of Arizona was founded to bring the highest level of care in a state-of-the-art setting that emphasizes the belief of treating our patients with the same respect, compassion, and dedication we would treat our own friends and family.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment and let us help you get back on your way to an active life without the limitations of chronic pain. From our Phoenix office, The Pain Experts of Arizona, serves pain management patients in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the entire Phoenix area.

Phantom Limb Pain in Gilbert, AZ