Shamloo Elite Spine & Pain Institute
CONDITIONS / JOINT & MUSCULOSKELETAL

Extremity Pain & Joint Pain

Pain doesn’t always come from the spine. Injuries, arthritis, nerve irritation, inflammation, and damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments can cause persistent pain throughout the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

What extremity pain is

Extremity pain refers to pain affecting the arms, legs, or the joints and structures within them. It can originate from a joint, nerve, muscle, tendon, ligament, or surrounding soft tissue.

Pain may be localized to one specific area or radiate into the surrounding limb. It can develop suddenly following an injury or gradually as a result of arthritis, degeneration, repetitive stress, or another underlying condition.

Dr. Shamloo takes an individualized, multidisciplinary approach to extremity pain, working closely with orthopedic specialists when appropriate to ensure patients have access to the full range of treatment options for their condition.

Because many different structures can cause similar symptoms, accurately identifying the source of pain is essential.

Common areas of extremity & joint pain

Dr. Shamloo evaluates and treats pain affecting many areas of the body, including:

01
Shoulder pain
May result from arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, tendon problems, trauma, nerve irritation, or other conditions affecting the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues.
02
Elbow pain
Can develop following an injury, repetitive use, tendon or ligament problems, arthritis, or nerve irritation — interfering with lifting, gripping, and exercise.
03
Wrist & hand pain
May be associated with arthritis, trauma, nerve compression, or tendon injuries. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
04
Hip pain
Can result from arthritis, injuries, tendon or ligament problems, or inflammation. Pain may be felt in the hip, groin, buttock, or upper leg.
05
Knee pain
Commonly associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, and ligament or tendon problems — making walking, stairs, and exercise difficult.
06
Ankle & foot pain
May develop after an injury, surgery, arthritis, tendon or ligament problems, or nerve irritation affecting the lower extremity.

Common causes of extremity pain

There are many possible causes of joint and extremity pain. Some develop gradually, while others occur following a specific injury or event.

01
Arthritis & joint degeneration
Arthritis can cause chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both affect the joints of the upper and lower extremities.
02
Traumatic injuries
Falls, sports injuries, automobile accidents, and workplace injuries can damage joints, nerves, muscles, ligaments, or tendons — and pain may persist long after the original injury has healed.
03
Post-surgical pain
Persistent pain after surgery may involve nerve irritation, scar tissue, inflammation, recurrent structural problems, or other causes that require specialized evaluation.
04
Ligament & tendon injuries
Injuries from trauma, repetitive stress, or degeneration can cause localized pain, weakness, instability, swelling, or difficulty using the joint. Regenerative treatments may be considered for appropriately selected patients.
05
Nerve-related extremity pain
Pain may originate from an irritated or damaged peripheral nerve rather than the joint itself — often burning, shooting, electric, or unusually sensitive to touch.
06
Persistent pain after an injury
Some injuries continue to cause pain long after the initial trauma has healed, including after fractures, surgeries, falls, or animal bites.

When should you see a specialist?

Not every ache or injury requires specialized pain care. However, an evaluation may be appropriate when pain:

— Persists after an injury
— Continues after surgery
— Is becoming progressively worse
— Interferes with walking, exercise, work, or daily activities
— Causes persistent swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility
— Produces burning, shooting, or electric sensations
— Is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness
— Has not improved with conservative treatment
— Continues despite physical therapy or medications
— Keeps returning or has become chronic

How extremity pain is diagnosed

Dr. Shamloo begins by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries or surgeries, and previous treatments. A detailed physical examination helps identify areas of tenderness, restricted movement, weakness, instability, or nerve involvement.

When appropriate, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to evaluate joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.

In some cases, targeted diagnostic injections or nerve blocks may provide additional information about the specific structure contributing to your pain.

The goal is to determine what is causing your pain — not simply where you feel it.

A personalized, multidisciplinary approach

There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every type of extremity pain. Depending on the underlying condition, Dr. Shamloo may consider targeted injections, nerve blocks, regenerative medicine, or advanced neuromodulation as part of an individualized treatment plan.

For some patients, corticosteroid injections may help reduce inflammation and pain. Others may be candidates for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other regenerative medicine treatments when appropriate.

When pain is primarily nerve-related and has not responded adequately to other treatments, peripheral nerve stimulation may also be considered for appropriately selected patients.

Dr. Shamloo also works closely with orthopedic specialists who focus on the extremities. When a patient’s condition may require orthopedic evaluation, surgical consideration, or another specialized intervention, collaboration helps ensure that all relevant treatment options are considered.

The goal is to provide the full breadth of care — from conservative and interventional treatment to regenerative medicine and orthopedic intervention — while matching each patient with the approach that best fits their condition and goals.