Pressure pain can have a variety of causes. They are often a result of internal or external pressure.
What is pressure pain?
The pressure may originate from an internal organ. However, it can also be created by a doctor for the purpose of diagnosis. The pressure can originate from an internal organ. However, it can also be generated by a physician for the purpose of diagnosis. Third, pressure pain is pain that can be felt or self-initiated when palpating a bruise or area of the body. Pressure pains are locally occurring types of pain acts. The pressure may be exerted by a person – for example, during an examination – or by a swelling or diseased organ. Pressure pain characterizes a specific type of pain that is different from other types of pain.
Causes
Causes of pressure pain can be just as varied.These include, for example, bumps and bruises. Clothing that is too tight can cause rubbing and pressure pain. Certain diseases can be determined by pressure pain. In the case of fibromyalgia, certain trigger points are known where even light touches trigger pressure pain. Pressure pain can also indicate liver or kidney problems, gastritis or an internal hematoma. Increased pain sensitivity and pressure pain can also occur with muscle strains or indurations. The location of the pressure pain and any accompanying symptoms will provide information about the eventual diagnosis.
Diseases with this symptom
- Appendicitis
- Heart attack
- Muscle hardening
- Brain tumor
- Sprain
- Liver disease
- Crush injuries
- Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
- Decubitus
- Thrombosis
- Renal pelvic inflammation
- Kidney congestion
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle injuries
- Migraine
Diagnosis and course
Pressure pain can vary greatly in diagnosis and course, depending on where it occurs. Pressure pain develops differently after a fall than would be expected after days of bed rest. Locality, extent, and intensity are considered in making the diagnosis, as is the duration of the pressure pain and its possible history. After surgery, pressure pain can be expected around the wound. Pressure pain in the head may indicate altered blood pressure, a brain tumor, vision problems, improper eyeglasses, environmental toxins, and other triggers. Not all pressure pains belong in the hands of a doctor. In most cases, pressure pains go away after a foreseeable period of time. People who are sensitive to the weather or stress occasionally need to take a pain pill for pressure pain in the head. The situation is different in the case of sudden, unusually severe pressure pains or one-sided headaches with visual disturbances for which one has no explanation. In this case, a doctor should be consulted promptly. Some pressure pains may indicate a dramatic event inside the body. More harmless are pressure pains on tense or overacidified muscles or caused by mechanical stimuli. If you lie on your back for a long time or sit on a hard chair, you will eventually experience pressure pain in your back and buttocks. Pressure pain in the heart area may indicate heart disease. In the abdomen, problems of various kinds that require treatment are associated with pressure pain. In all cases, further testing can provide information about diagnosis and progression.
Complications
Pressure pain can also occur as a result of tumors, abscesses, or inflammatory processes. Possible complications depend on the underlying disease in question and can lead to severe pain, the formation of further abscesses, and often also to circulatory problems and severe headaches. If the pressure pain occurs as a result of pus accumulation or water retention, it can also lead to pressure sores and, in turn, to skin damage. In some cases, pressure pain in the chest area heralds a heart attack – the complications are accordingly severe. Less problematic are the consequences of mild pressure pain in the stomach area. In most cases, vomiting or diarrhea occur before the symptoms subside. However, pressure pain can also be an indicator of a serious illness of the organism, which requires clarification by a doctor.Pressure pain in the oral cavity usually stems from ill-fitting dentures and primarily leads to an increase in pain, often supplemented by difficulties in chewing and swallowing. After adjustment or replacement of the dentures, the discomfort subsides. This is not the case with pressure pain, which cannot be attributed to any particular cause. In this type of pressure pain, the persistent strain not infrequently severely restricts the quality of life of those affected due to pain and exertion. Pressure pain in the area of the head brings complications such as migraine and visual disturbances.
When should you see a doctor?
Pressure pain can occur with both external and internal pressure. Numerous triggers can be considered as causes of pressure pain. Pressure pain triggered by external factors is often due to bumps or bruises. Tight-fitting clothing can also cause pressure pain. Pressure pain also plays a role as a clinical diagnostic tool. In this case, the attending physician presses specifically on a certain region of the body in order to localize or exclude diseased organs on the basis of the patient’s reaction. This is the case, for example, with kidney or liver examinations, a suspected gastritis or an internal hematoma. But diseased organs themselves can also trigger pressure pain in the case of inflammation, ulcers or fistulas. Among other things, pressure pain in the form of headaches due to weather sensitivity and migraine are also known. Anyone who complains of pressure pain is best to go to the practice of his family doctor. He can already treat many pressure pains himself. Otherwise, he or she will refer the patient to a suitable specialist, such as an internist or neurologist. In addition, the ophthalmologist may also be in demand, since visual disturbances also frequently trigger pressure pain. In the case of pressure pain, a brain tumor should also be considered. Here an oncologist would be addressed.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment depends, as so often, on the underlying disease. In the case of fibromyalgia, bruising, surgical pain or pressure pain in internal organs, one must treat differently. Even pressure pains in the head area can have various causes. They can lead to detoxification treatments, jaw surgery, migraine medication or other therapy suggestions. Pressure pain in the jaw may indicate ill-fitting dentures and implants, inflamed tooth roots, ulcers, fistulas or gum pockets. Pressure pain in the arms and legs may indicate hyperacidity and tension, unless it is along a vein. If redness or heat are noticeable, thrombosis, sprains or muscle strains may also be behind the pressure pain. Occasionally, even harmless fatty growths hurt. Old surgical scars and healed fractures can occasionally cause pressure pain. Pressure pain can indicate incorrect posture or an unsuitable desk chair, among other things. In elderly people who must lie down for the majority of the time, pressure pain in the back or buttocks may indicate a pressure sore or pressure ulcer. This condition must be treated and then prevented by regular repositioning. In paralyzed people, pressure pain is often not noticeable when changes occur in the paralyzed body part. In this case, precautionary measures and treatment must be particularly careful. Certain areas of the body are naturally sensitive to pressure and do not require treatment. Others suddenly become sensitive to pain and pressure due to certain circumstances. One can treat some of the discomfort oneself with ointments, pain pills or diet.
Outlook and prognosis
Various problems and complications can occur with pressure pain. In most cases, ordinary daily life is no longer possible, as any touching and procedures are associated with pain. This can have a negative effect especially towards the family or the partner. Sitting and standing can also lead to unpleasant feelings in the case of pressure pain, so that going to work is no longer possible. It is not uncommon for the pressure pain to also lead to a lack of sleep and thus to reduced concentration and headaches. If the pressure pain occurs temporarily, it can be treated with painkillers. This is a possible approach, especially after an accident. However, painkillers should not be taken on a long-term basis. If the pressure pain lasts longer, a doctor must be consulted.They can equally lead to migraine or visual disturbances. Whether treatment can be carried out depends largely on the cause of the pressure pain. In many cases, surgical procedures are necessary to treat the pressure pain. If the pressure pain is due to ill-fitting prostheses or other appliances, they will need to be readjusted. Not all pressure pain leads to serious complications.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Pressure pain can have different causes, and self-help is not advised in all cases. However, there are triggers for pressure pain that patients can treat themselves very well, at least in simple cases. In the case of pressure pain in the feet, poorly fitting or too tight shoes are often the trigger. Patients should therefore always buy their shoes in the early evening, when the feet are usually at their most voluminous. Pointed shoes or shoes with high heels should generally be avoided and worn only rarely and for short periods of time. If the pressure pain is caused by calluses or corns on the feet, these can be gently removed after a warm foot bath. If the corn is already too large or acutely inflamed for this, special plasters from the pharmacy can help. These protect the affected tissue and cushion the pressure and friction caused by shoes when walking. For pressure pain caused by blunt injuries, decongestants can help. In naturopathy, for example, compresses with acetic acid clay are recommended. Plasters or bandages protect the affected areas from accidental irritation in everyday life.
