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Suggest Treatment For Shooting Pain In Lower Legs And Thighs

Posted on Tue, 23 Sep 2014

Question: I had a right knee (hardware) implant two years ago and left knee (hardware) implant 19 months ago. I would say I am aware of them all day but am able to walk 2 or more miles without any increased sensation. (Lower legs do often feel slightly tingly-numb.) But at night, as i toss and turn to avoid sleeping on hips (because I am told I have bursitis there), as the night goes on my knees become more and more painful, mu lower legs definitely seem tingly-numb, and then I also often get shooting pains in the bones in my lower legs and thigh. I do not expect a detailed diagnosis, but what specialist(s) should I be consulting?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern.

Sir, I have read your history carefully. The assessment of your pain requires a physical exam to rule out if the pain is referred from the back or if its a primary disorder. subsequent imaging diagnostics eg MRI etc may then be advised.

Consultations with specialist include initially
Orthopedic Surgeons
Neurosurgeon, specifically a Spinal surgeon
Physiotherapist, as it has proven benefit if followed for long term

if the MRI is normal, Gabapentin, B 12, NSAIDs may be advised with PPI cover for two weeks in consultation with your doctor, to see for improvement.

let me know if you have any query
thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (7 hours later)

Thank you for your response. As you might assume, of course I have a general physician and I shall be discussing this with him but I wanted to get a "second opinion," so to speak, and your explanation gives me something to discuss. (Don't worry-I wont quote you!) I am a bit surprised that you focus on my back and spinal column but I shall certainly ask about that.. But what is still mysterious: Why can I walk 2 miles with no pain--but I am about to go to bed here and fully expect to experience pain during the night while lying in bed?!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

I would be more than glad to elaborate.

The nature of your pain i.e paresthesias like numbness and tingling plus shooting pains indicate a back issue but a neurological exam would be essential to look for tone, motor and sensory problems. Back leg and hip problems often present with neuropathic pain due to nerve fibre damage, that may explain the nocturnal pain you experience. I would also advise a doppler ultrasound of lower limbs to see for any peripheral vascular insufficiency.

Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (14 hours later)

Once again, many thanks for your obviously thoughtful response. Although I chose not to tell you in my communications that in fact I often do experience lower back pain (right where the spine joins the pelvic area), I never to feel this pain once in bed--mainly only during long walks. Even tossing and turning to favor my hip pain--I don't feel that lower back pain, so I did not feel it necessary to mention to you. But now I am beginning to think that there may well be a connection.

So I am most grateful to you for your followup. I wish there were some way I could eventually tell you what is the outcome of my problem! It may be some months from now, of course, because it takes time to get appointments with good specialists in the USA. My knee in-plant operations, by the way, were performed by one of the country's leading such specialists in Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,

hope your fine.
I am glad to be of service to you.

We have many competent doctors at health care magic. If you wish to specifically consult me then I would be more than happy to help you out and guide you through.

You may directly ask me your query on my profile after your specialist appointment. When you do so, I would also like to know your Labs and results of other investigations which may be indicated afterwards.

I would also like to inquire if you have any symptoms related to frequent urination, urinary urgency or incontinence. Similarly , have you ever experienced or noticed anything unusual w.r.t your bowel habits recently.

Best Wishes
Thanks.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju