What Causes Pain In The Left Leg Post Shingles Treatment?

Posted on Sun, 10 Dec 2017

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

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 Answered on

Thu, 10 May 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I think I have nerve pain from shingles. I cannot drive my car for so long without pain from my rear to my left leg to foot what meds do you recommend.

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Post Shingles neuropathic pain killer treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi Larrybatery, thanks for asking from HCM.

I can understand your concern. The pain after Shingles is very severe, current like/burning type, radiates to a particular dermatome as you mentioned. It can be treated by

- Avoid touching/scratching/pouring warm water over it.

- Applying capsaicin ointment locally at pain site.

- Lidocaine patch to get relief for long term.

- Taking neuropathy pain killers like
Gabapentine (usual adult dose is 300mg what I prescribe)
Pregabaline (usual adult dose is 150-450mg what I prescribe)
Combination of Gabapentine or Pregabaline with Nortriptyline
Oxcarbamazepine therapy

- If still no relief, you can also take opioid agonists along with above medication like tramadol, hydrocodone (only after prescription).

- If still no relief, nerve ablation therapy with alcohol/phenol/radiofrequency ablation can also be done. It is attempted upon the involved nerve root.

I think this much treatment will help you. If you have nay doubt, please let me know.
I will be happy to help you.
Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng