[28F] Experiencing persistent tingling and left-sided rib and back pain

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female presents with persistent tingling described as a pins and needles sensation in the right foot and hand, specifically on the palm and the outer part of the bottom of the foot. The tingling began three days ago and is exacerbated by sitting. Additionally, the patient reports a year-long history of sensitivity in the ribs, with a recent onset of acute pain three days ago, rated 7 out of 10 in severity. The pain is described as a burning sensation, radiating from the front of the left ribs to the back, and sometimes feels like a band around the ribs. The patient also experiences sharp back pain on the left side, between the spine and shoulder blade, with radiating numbness and pain under the shoulder blade. The back pain has been present for a year, fluctuating in intensity, and is currently rated at a 6 out of 10 in severity. It is particularly worse in bed. A heating pad and Advil provide partial relief. There is no reported history of recent injuries or trauma to the chest or ribs.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

Nerve Compression or Neuropathy: The tingling in your hand and foot could be due to nerve compression or neuropathy. This can happen due to various reasons such as prolonged pressure on the nerve, nerve injury, or an underlying medical condition like diabetes.
- Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause. Physical therapy, medications, or in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone. This could explain the rib pain you're experiencing.
- Treatment usually involves pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy.
Musculoskeletal Pain: The back pain you're describing could be due to a musculoskeletal issue, such as a muscle strain or a problem with the discs in your spine.
- Treatment usually involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

What you can do

Try to maintain good posture, especially if you're sitting for long periods.
Regular physical activity can help keep your muscles strong and flexible, which can help with both back and rib pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with the pain, but they should not be used long term without consulting a healthcare provider.
If the tingling continues or gets worse, make sure to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

What you should look out for

If the tingling becomes constant or spreads to other areas
If you experience severe pain, weakness, or loss of movement in any part of your body
If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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[28F] Experiencing persistent tingling and left-sided rib and back pain

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?