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What Causes Hip Pain Radiating To Leg After Lifting Heavy Weights?
Question: Hello Dr. Rynne,
A few days ago, after doing some heavy lifting and a bit of exercise on a new rowing machine, I suddenly developed pain which appeared to originate in my left hip and radiate down my left leg causing numbness, tingling and needle pricks in the upper leg. It is constant throbbing pain although not severe. At night I have difficulty sleeping because of the constant pain and there seems to be no position that improves or relieves the situation. I have been taking ibuprophen tablets in order to get some sleep and over the past three days I have pretty much stayed inactive in order to help heal the problem. At first I thought I had pulled a muscle and that it would go away shortly. That hasn't happened so after some research I now believe it is sciatica. I seem to have all the symptoms of hip/leg sciatica except (and here is my main concern) I have developed a splotchy rash on the inside of my thigh concurrent with the onset of the hip/leg pain. The rash does not itch but seems to coinside with development of the leg pain. My question is "does the rash have anything to do with sciatica and should I be concerned"? Thanks.
A few days ago, after doing some heavy lifting and a bit of exercise on a new rowing machine, I suddenly developed pain which appeared to originate in my left hip and radiate down my left leg causing numbness, tingling and needle pricks in the upper leg. It is constant throbbing pain although not severe. At night I have difficulty sleeping because of the constant pain and there seems to be no position that improves or relieves the situation. I have been taking ibuprophen tablets in order to get some sleep and over the past three days I have pretty much stayed inactive in order to help heal the problem. At first I thought I had pulled a muscle and that it would go away shortly. That hasn't happened so after some research I now believe it is sciatica. I seem to have all the symptoms of hip/leg sciatica except (and here is my main concern) I have developed a splotchy rash on the inside of my thigh concurrent with the onset of the hip/leg pain. The rash does not itch but seems to coinside with development of the leg pain. My question is "does the rash have anything to do with sciatica and should I be concerned"? Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Herpes zoster infection needs to be excluded.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.
I have noted your clinical details and agree with your suspicion that your symptoms are most likely due to "sciatica', where the nerves in the lower back get pinched, most often due to bulged discs. The diagnosis can be confirmed by doing an MRI of lumbar spine. For relief of symptoms, pregabalin (lyrica) capsules would be useful.
Appearance of skin rash in the thigh could be due to herpes zoster infection, which can also lead to a similar pain (just like sciatica), called as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). An examination by a dermatologist would confirm the diagnosis.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
Herpes zoster infection needs to be excluded.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.
I have noted your clinical details and agree with your suspicion that your symptoms are most likely due to "sciatica', where the nerves in the lower back get pinched, most often due to bulged discs. The diagnosis can be confirmed by doing an MRI of lumbar spine. For relief of symptoms, pregabalin (lyrica) capsules would be useful.
Appearance of skin rash in the thigh could be due to herpes zoster infection, which can also lead to a similar pain (just like sciatica), called as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). An examination by a dermatologist would confirm the diagnosis.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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