Suggest Treatment For Constant Pain In The Leg

Posted on Thu, 23 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 Answered on

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am female, 57 years old and in good physical shape. Generally I can walk 5 miles or more with no aches or pains, swim a mile in less than 45 minutes etc. Nothing has changed in my general health and I take no medications but lately my left leg aches all the time. My shin, knoee and even my thigh have a low level ache when I have done no physical exercise other than the usual amount of walking for daily activities. Should I just wait this out? It's been about 5 days of low level ache. I have a primary but don't want to have to go in if not necessary.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
To check for osteoporosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

This could be due to osteoporosis (as part of the normal wear & tear of the body) or even due to strain.

Would you clarify a few things for me, please?
*have you attained menopause ? If yes, when ?
*are you right handed ?
*have you physically exerted yourself recently ?
*do you drive a manual car ?
*any sores on your feet ?
*any change in shoes ?
*do you have any other medical issues ?
*do your Knees crack while walking, sitting ?
*what is your height and weight ?
*are your on any supplements ?

I'd recommend :

- reduce the level of activity or better, take rest for a week. Avoid exercise. You may go about your usual activities.
- gently massage your leg with an oil (of your choice) daily, to ease the pain.
- maintain joints at 90 degree angles when resting/sitting to keep them neutral.
- Avoid sitting cross-legged.

Monitor the pain and intensity after a week. If better then, take it easy and wait for Another week to start on exercise and start slow.

Of not better or if occurs after restarting exercise, then I'd recommend :
- a physician consult
- X-rays of your left leg
- blood tests (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, vitamin D levels)

Based on this we can arrive at a diagnosis and initiate treatment if necessary.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health. Hope you feel better.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee