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Ache/cramp In Right Leg That Moves From Calf To Upper

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Posted on Sun, 16 Jun 2019
Question: Ache/cramp in right leg that moves from calf to upper thigh. Also goes down into ankle at times. Experiencing pain for two months off and on but consistently for the last two weeks. Ibuprofen doesn’t help at all. Met with PCP who ordered ultrasound on both legs and said there was no clot. Wondering if there could still be a clot even with neg ultrasound.
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (34 minutes later)
Also wondering if blood clot pain would move around like this pain is. I wouldn’t say it is severe, but it does hurt and is annoying. It worries me that ibuprofen doesn’t help at all. Any time I have had leg cramps ibuprofen always helps. This doesn’t feel like any leg cramp I’ve ever had. Once I had the ultrasound my PCP just brushed it off and told me to eat a banana. The pain is only in one leg.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do x-ray or MRI of spine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think a x-ray of spine is needed to check the nerve roots that come out of lumbar spine because it's inflammation or compression can cause pain and numbness.
It is a good news that legs and their vein conditions are normal according to ultrasound you did so you don't have to worry about possible thrombosis.
Doctor told you to eat bananas since they are rich on potassium and can have a good electrolyte balance.
So a a conclusion do a x-ray or MRI of spine.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (34 minutes later)
I have noticed my right foot being colder than the left foot. I feel that my right leg is overall generally weaker than the left since the pain started. If it is nerve pain, is that why ibuprofen doesn’t not help? The pain is unlike anything I’ve experienced before and I really can’t describe it. It ranges from a dull ache to slightly burning to crampy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Peripheral artery disease is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again. As you describe it it seems that pain may be caused by vascular origin since it is cooler and weaker than other foot.
Probably this ultrasound missed something.
You may need to visit a vascular surgeon and probably do an angiography to see the vascularisation of it.
Peripheral artery disease is possible according to your symptoms.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (9 hours later)
Would it also be possible for an ultrasound to miss a clot? Does clot pain move around? It is primarily in my lower leg but travels around.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
An ultrasound shouldn't miss a clot.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
Most probably an ultrasound is very accurate and is supposed not to miss a clot but it depends on the experience of the person who is using it.
A pain from a blood clot doesn't move around. Possibly it can be pain from peripheral artery disease.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Best regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Olgeta Xhufka

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 10169 Questions

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Ache/cramp In Right Leg That Moves From Calf To Upper

Also wondering if blood clot pain would move around like this pain is. I wouldn’t say it is severe, but it does hurt and is annoying. It worries me that ibuprofen doesn’t help at all. Any time I have had leg cramps ibuprofen always helps. This doesn’t feel like any leg cramp I’ve ever had. Once I had the ultrasound my PCP just brushed it off and told me to eat a banana. The pain is only in one leg.