What Could Be The Cause For Bilateral Leg Stiffness And Spasms In Right Calf?

Posted on Sun, 22 Dec 2013

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

Sun, 22 Dec 2013 Answered on

Wed, 8 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am a 47 year old female who got bilateral leg stiffness this August overnight from the hips down. I had a hysterectomy for excessive bleeding 2.5 years before. I also ruptured L5S1 a year beforehand ( I had one epidural injection for this which largely took pain away ) As I had been very physically active now carrying weight, also hypothyroid. any ideas why so stiff?? pain often feels like lactic acid in legs, sometimes get spasms in right calf when asleep, as I did long ago when pregnant... pain in base of buttocks and going into right femer and hamstring.. I have no swelling anywhere. Bloods only revealed a raised anti nuclear factor, non specific marker.. possibly immature thyroid antibodies..

Answered by Dr. Manjeth Kumar G (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Due to L5-S1 disc rupture. Microdiskectomy. Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Since your symptoms are restricted on to the lower limbs, it is unlikely to be due to an systemic illness. I suspect it to be due to L5-S1 ruptured disc. Thus I would order further investigations and examinations pertaining to L5-S1 disc problem. Thorough neurological examination to detect muscle weakness or sensory loss, MRI scan and Electromyogram (EMG) are few tests that might be needed. Epidural injection doesn't give you permanent solution. It only provide short term pain relief. Therefore I would urge to see your treating doctor and plan further investigations. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad