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Suggest Treatment For Pain And Loss Of Sensation In The Left Leg
Posted on
Thu, 27 Jul 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 27 Jul 2017
Answered on
Wed, 23 Aug 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : What is causing the pain in my left leg. It is worst in the hip area and goes down into my calf. It has twice caused a complete loss of feeling in the whole leg, making it impossible to walk.
Brief Answer:
Nerve compression most likely.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the length of the distribution of the pain it looks likely that the cause is damage to one of the long nerves exiting the spine and supplying sensation and motor functions for the lower limbs. Most commonly it is cause by compression of a nerve root as it exits the spine, from degenerative changes of the spine like bulging discs or osteophytes (bony spurs) which are created as we age due to arthritis and wear and tear of the spine.
In order for the diagnosis to be confirmed imaging studies are necessary, MRI is the exam of choice, though CT scan can provide enough data as well. Management initially consists in physical therapy and pain killers. If not enough even after 4-6 weeks, then local shots of steroids and analgesics guided by imaging findings may help. Surgery may be considered in some cases when other measures do not work.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Nerve compression most likely.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the length of the distribution of the pain it looks likely that the cause is damage to one of the long nerves exiting the spine and supplying sensation and motor functions for the lower limbs. Most commonly it is cause by compression of a nerve root as it exits the spine, from degenerative changes of the spine like bulging discs or osteophytes (bony spurs) which are created as we age due to arthritis and wear and tear of the spine.
In order for the diagnosis to be confirmed imaging studies are necessary, MRI is the exam of choice, though CT scan can provide enough data as well. Management initially consists in physical therapy and pain killers. If not enough even after 4-6 weeks, then local shots of steroids and analgesics guided by imaging findings may help. Surgery may be considered in some cases when other measures do not work.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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