Suggest Treatment For Pain In Leg From Hip To Foot

Posted on Tue, 25 Aug 2015

Question: I have pain in my right leg, from the hip to the foot. it is worse at night, and has been going on for about 3- 4 days. I have history of some joint pain in my hips, and arthirits, but this is different. the pain stays all day, but it not as bad during the day. However my foot feels like its on fire sometimes, and there is sporadic, severe pain in the foot at times. I am 58 and have had a heart attack in 2009. I have 2 stints, one in 1999, and 2009 both from blood clots and blocked arteries. I have had leg cramps at night, but recently quit taking ibpofen for pain, it that seems to have alleviated them? I'm becoming concerned about the leg pain because periodically my leg and foot feels like there is something crawling on it, when there is nothing there. this happens mostly when sitting. There is also periods of numbness in my foot.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be due to nerve compression

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think that this pain can be due to nerve compression.This compression can be at spine or in leg. Other common cause can be vascular claudication. I would like to know little detail before i advised you any further.
1.Are you having any back pain also?
2.Are you a smoker or Diabetic ?
3.Is this pain increases on walking or is it present during rest?
Please send me answers of these questions.I will try my best to help you.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 hours later)

The pain is in my back sometimes also. I am not a smoker. The pain is severe at resting. I get some relief when walking. My leg is continually feeling as if between numbness and pain when I'm up, but becomes very painful at night while laying down.

I responded to your further questions. However since it has taken awhile for your answer I went ahead and seen a PA today. I understand your busy and our need for patience, however when in pain on a weekend I would have thought an answer would be more speedily available. Otherwise paying you and my dr. Would seem futile. With all do respect this was a waste of money for someone retired and on fix income. I hope your service response can be improved.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to get MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry for delay. After studying your case I believe that you must be having disc herniation in back and due to that nerve compression in the spine. This nerve is causing pain in whole leg. For this I would recommend you to get MRI of the spine to confirm how much compression is present and what is the level of compression?
If this is less then fifty percent then you will respond to physiotherapy. You need to start back extension exercises, Avoid weight lifting, forward bending.
You should also avoid travelling.
If MRI is showing more then fifty percent compression then you might need a surgery.
You can start tablet Pregabalin M daily at night time till you get your MRI.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E