Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Soft Tissue Injury In Foot
Question: About a month ago I hurt my leg I think it was when I was riding my stationary bike. (I am a 50 yr. old woman) It has hurt for a month. I'm afraid if I go to the doctor he/she will tell me I need an MRI or surgery, I'm afraid of both. My leg still hurts, it feels better when I put it up but I wonder why it doesn 't seem to be getting better.
Brief Answer:
Most likely soft tissue injury that will heal without surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. If there is no swelling and severe pain with difficulty in movements then it is unlikely to be a fracture or any serious concern.
2. There is a possible muscle or soft tissue injury that has occurred. This happens due to injury to the muscles or its attachments and is a mild form of injury.
3. You are doing the right thing by soaking it in bath tub for a short duration, applying heating pad and elevating the limb to make it feel better. You can also try applying ointment or spray containing pain reliever and muscle relaxant to the hurting area.
4. Since the pain doesnt seem to be getting better, it is always better to consult your doctor and get your leg examined, should there be requirement of any specific treatment to relieve your symptoms.
5. Soft tissue and muscle injuries usually take 6 weeks to heal completely and regain its strength.
6. Please do not worry for MRI and surgery if you go to the doctor. Tests like X ray and ultrasound scan might give the desired information and MRI is not essential in every case. In most patients the treatment is non surgical and heals in weeks.
7. Please avoid doing heavy physical activity using your injured leg.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Most likely soft tissue injury that will heal without surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. If there is no swelling and severe pain with difficulty in movements then it is unlikely to be a fracture or any serious concern.
2. There is a possible muscle or soft tissue injury that has occurred. This happens due to injury to the muscles or its attachments and is a mild form of injury.
3. You are doing the right thing by soaking it in bath tub for a short duration, applying heating pad and elevating the limb to make it feel better. You can also try applying ointment or spray containing pain reliever and muscle relaxant to the hurting area.
4. Since the pain doesnt seem to be getting better, it is always better to consult your doctor and get your leg examined, should there be requirement of any specific treatment to relieve your symptoms.
5. Soft tissue and muscle injuries usually take 6 weeks to heal completely and regain its strength.
6. Please do not worry for MRI and surgery if you go to the doctor. Tests like X ray and ultrasound scan might give the desired information and MRI is not essential in every case. In most patients the treatment is non surgical and heals in weeks.
7. Please avoid doing heavy physical activity using your injured leg.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
