What Causes Pain In Lower Leg And Cold Sensation Of Left Foot?

Posted on Tue, 28 Oct 2014

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

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 Answered on

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My left calf/lower leg hurts almost constantly and has for the last 3 months, from the knee to the ankle--it is slightly larger than my right calf, I have seen a Dr in the ER about this and they didn't have a reason, other than it's not a clot. My left foot feels colder than my right. No injury and rest/heat/ice nor anti-inlammatory meds have made the pain go away. On a side note, last night I sneezed and then had a nosebleed--not sure if that is related or not, have history of hypertension, but really no other symptoms other than fatigue for the last few months.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vasculitis/neuropathy may be the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. The symptoms could well be due to vasculitis (Inflammation of small vessel) or neuropathy. To help you further I would like to know-
1. Do you have chronic disease like diabetes/thyroid dysfunction?
2. Do you smoke or take alcohol?
3. is there any numbness and tingling sensation if foot or leg?
4. Are you able to walk on toes and heels?
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (9 minutes later)

No diabetes, thyroid generally normal--last year had a small nodule that was biopsied-negative, smoke 1/2 pack of cigarettes per day, no alcohol, a little numbness/tingling at times (not consistent, comes and goes).

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Complete smoking cessation will help

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
I have gone through your reply carefully and it looks to be that cigarette is the culprit. You should give up the habit at the earliest rather right now. Your suffering may be the early stage of Buerger's disease. Angiograms of the lower extremities can be helpful in making the diagnosis of Buerger’s disease.
All the best.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj