J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2009 Jun;44(3):391-394. 10.4055/jkoa.2009.44.3.391.

Eythromelalgia Mimicking Lower Leg Pain of Spinal Origin : Case Report

• Shim DM
• Kim TK
• Park JY
• Oh SK
• Woo YH

• KMID: 2186349
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2009.44.3.391

Abstract

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition, of uncertain etiology, characterized by episodic erythema, intense burning pain and warmth of the hands and/or feet. We present here a case of erythromelalgia that was almost mistaken for lower leg pain of spinal origin. The diagnosis is based on a thorough history and physical exam during a painful episode along with diagnostic test to exclude other causes. A 69-year-old man developed recurrent attacks of redness, swelling and burning painful sensations of both feet. His symptom was aggravation of pain with warm water immersion. His symptom improved by antidepressant and steroid. To be learned an important general lesson is to pay attention to performing extensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It should be appreciated that discontinuation of medication can also be used as a simple diagnostic test for clinical syndromes, such as erythermalgia.

Keyword

Erythromelalgia; Lower leg pain

MeSH Terms

Aged
Burns
Diagnostic Tests, Routine
Erythema
Erythromelalgia
Foot
Hand
Humans
Immersion
Leg
Sensation
Water
Water

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Photograph of case. Both foot shows erythematous swelling and dilation of superficial veins.

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  Fig. 2 Photograph of diagnostic test. Aggravation of pain with warm water immersion is almost pathognomonic.

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