Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Having Diabetes And Arthritis. Did Surgery For Spinal Stenosis. Pain In Calf Muscles And Ankles. Reason?
Question: Hi there, my father has diabetes, and also suffers form rheumatoid arthritis. A few years ago he had surgery for spinal stenosis. At present he suffers from immense pain in his legs particularly his calf muscles and ankles. Can you please advise if this is due to the diabetes or the RA? He gets it on a daily basis and seems to have not found any relief for it. He has been prescribed prednisone for it in the past but unfortunately cant be on it all the time as he now has kidney problems. Please suggest some help?
Brief Answer:
Could be the spine again!
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for your question.
The constant pain in legs could be from spine again as he had spinal stenosis in the past.
The ankle pain can still be coming from spine, but as he has RA then it could be contributing as well.
Diabetes give numbness rather than pain.
I will recommend X- rays of both ankles in standing position, if no severe arthritis to explain the pain, then MRI scan of lumbar spine will be indicated.
Wish your dad speedy recovery
Could be the spine again!
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for your question.
The constant pain in legs could be from spine again as he had spinal stenosis in the past.
The ankle pain can still be coming from spine, but as he has RA then it could be contributing as well.
Diabetes give numbness rather than pain.
I will recommend X- rays of both ankles in standing position, if no severe arthritis to explain the pain, then MRI scan of lumbar spine will be indicated.
Wish your dad speedy recovery
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank-you Dr XXXXXXX
Are you able to suggest any forms of pain relief in the meantime? And the question we all have is whether inactivity cause more pain?
Thank-you
Are you able to suggest any forms of pain relief in the meantime? And the question we all have is whether inactivity cause more pain?
Thank-you
Brief Answer:
detailed below
Detailed Answer:
If you are in UK then I will advise co-codamol two tablets up to 4 times per day, if not enough you can add Ibuprofen 400 mg up to three times per day after meals.
Activity is good if pain is bearable, I will not recommend prolonged period of rest.
Best wishes
detailed below
Detailed Answer:
If you are in UK then I will advise co-codamol two tablets up to 4 times per day, if not enough you can add Ibuprofen 400 mg up to three times per day after meals.
Activity is good if pain is bearable, I will not recommend prolonged period of rest.
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thankyou again
However, his doctor has never prescribed him with Ibuprofen? only Paracetamol. Could this be because it is stronger and could clash with his other medicines and/or contribute to his kidney failure? I know that Ibuprofen is a much stronger painkiller and may elp the pain but can you please confirm that it will not clash wih his other medicines (sugar level, RA tablets etc....)
Thank-you kindly
XXXX
However, his doctor has never prescribed him with Ibuprofen? only Paracetamol. Could this be because it is stronger and could clash with his other medicines and/or contribute to his kidney failure? I know that Ibuprofen is a much stronger painkiller and may elp the pain but can you please confirm that it will not clash wih his other medicines (sugar level, RA tablets etc....)
Thank-you kindly
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Ibuprofen not good in renal failure, so not advisable in his case
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Ibuprofen not good in renal failure, so not advisable in his case.
But there are many pain killers apart from Paracetamol which does not clash with kidneys, diabetes or RA.
Tramadol or Codeine or morphine patches are examples.
I cannot advise on exact tablets in here as it supposed to be for general information only.
Due to many medical medical problems you need to check with his doctor which types of analgesia are suitable for him.
Kind regards
Ibuprofen not good in renal failure, so not advisable in his case
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Ibuprofen not good in renal failure, so not advisable in his case.
But there are many pain killers apart from Paracetamol which does not clash with kidneys, diabetes or RA.
Tramadol or Codeine or morphine patches are examples.
I cannot advise on exact tablets in here as it supposed to be for general information only.
Due to many medical medical problems you need to check with his doctor which types of analgesia are suitable for him.
Kind regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
