Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Legs While On Methocarbamol

Posted on Sun, 15 Oct 2017

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

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 Answered on

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing pain in my legs first I thought it was XXXXXXX horses but now I question that . My PA /Dr. test prescribes methocarbamol and I'm not comfortable that this is what I really need. After about four hours of sleep start getting pain in my legs the backside of my thighs down the left side of my left calf area and my ankles and when I stand up on him pain does not go away anywhere near as quick as a XXXXXXX horse, and the pain that I feel is at least a level eight . If I don't stand up then the pain continues and gets worse and worse . The pain in these muscles , I assume it's muscles, continue during the day and feels like I have stretched and work these muscles to the extreme and they ache all day. This problem happens consistently every night and I don't feel that what has been described is what I need I have not taken the medication because of the side effects warnings. Do you have any idea what this could be and what medical specialty I need to see to deal with this ? Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be due to electrolyte imbalance

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. It seems that somehow you have developed an electrolyte imbalance and that could precipitate the muscle spasms that you are describing. I would insist you to take juicy fruits like citrus fruits. They contain plenty of potassium which should help in proper functioning of the muscles and in reduction of the cramps. You also need to increase total fluid (water) intake and to take plenty of ORS (oral rehydration solution) to replenish the lost fluids and salts. I hope that would suffice and you would not need to see a doctor. If it does not, it would be worthwhile visiting a general physician and getting your electrolyte levels checked.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 days later)

I still have pain in my legs as I described, even after increasing my liquid intake and my fruit intake, citrus type, as you recommended. I have not had a good night sleep since they started and now they're starting about 2 o'clock in the morning . I have contacted my primary care provider with this additional information and I am waiting for callback . I recently have gone through steroid shots for my back and my left hip don't know if steroid shots can cause this kind of side effect . I don't know whether I need to see a neurologist or what specialty but it has not gotten any better and doesn't seem like it's going go away. Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated . XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Specialist opinion advisable

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the update. Try taking Aleve (naproxen) 500 mg one or two tablets together and see if it helps. If not, you would need to see either a neurologist or a surgeon. The former would be able to evaluate whether peripheral neuropathy is likely. The latter, after possibly a Doppler study, will be able to suggest issues concerning arteries, veins and muscles.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar