HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Leg Pain Inspite Of Having An Ectopic Pregnancy?

default
Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014
Question: Hi, I had an ectopic pregnancy, which was confirmed on 24th January 2014. I was treated with one shot of methotrexate on 5th February which was successful and confirmed back to zero / no longer pregnant on 28th February. My first sign of something being wrong was a stabbing pain in my right thigh, which was the side of the ectopic. Ever since I have had leg pain / discomfort and the doctors said this could be due to the free fluid that I had on my last scan which would take time to self absorb. However, it has been ongoing now for weeks, and I'm worried this could be something more. I am also due to fly on 29th March and I am a bit worried about this leg pain on the flight. The pain varies between my leg feeling numb, my calve feeling stretched and like it's going to burst and my thigh feeling bruised. Any advice you can give me would be really appreciated. Thanks, XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: EXPLAINED BELOW Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. As such, there is no corelation between ectopic pregnancy and leg pain. Does your leg feel warm / is there redness or excessive tenderness when squeezing ? Any or all of this is generally indicative of a blood clot, which is common following a pregnancy and is of concern. If not, the reason could be the pressure on the pelvic nerves by the fluid or the mass formed by an ectopic pregnancy. The fluid might be resorbed, and it takes a few weeks for the mass to get absorbed, so that can explain the pain. If you are not sure, ask your doctor to have a look and rule out a clot clinically, if that is not the case, flying is alright. If it is just due to the residual pressure from the ectopic ( more likely since its the same leg ), then give it time. Take an anti inflammatory which will hasten the resorption / absorption and a multivitamin supplement that will lessen nerve pressure. Make sure you are drinking enough water, as less fluids can cause cramping leg pain, as can calcium and vitamin D deficiency. All the best Please feel free to discuss further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (16 hours later)
Thank you for your response - this is really appreciated. My leg does feel warm sometimes, but that's more so my thigh. When I compare both thighs it doesn't actually feel any warmer to touch than the other, but it gives off a sensation of feeling warmer if that makes sense. I was concerned that it could be a blood clot, but I do not have any redness and do check my leg daily in case I'm missing something. My thigh is more were it feels tenders, and at times it can feel bruised. When I get into bed it's my calf that feels like it may explode, but it doesn't look swollen, it's just a feeling I get. I also find at times that my foot feels like it's screwing itself up i.e. my toes are curling under, but they are not - it's just a sensation. I have also found that on occassions when I pass urine my stomach feels tender, but this is not everyday - seems to come and go. Some days on the right side where the ectopic was my stomach / pelvic area has sharp pains but they go very quickly and I may only have that twice a day on some days. When I asked the Doctor before they did think it could be all related to the free fluid. Does the above sound like that to you? I will try to get an appointment with my GP before I fly on Saturday, and I have also bought some flights socks to help when I do fly. Is there anything else that may be good to help reduce any increased leg pain on the flight? In the past I have suffered from mild sciatica and at times the pain that I have from my thigh to my foot does feel similar to this. I find that if I push with my hand into the top of my thigh just under my bottom then this gives the same feeling as sciatica. Really appreciate your help and guidance on this. Thanks XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 hours later)
Brief Answer: AS BELOW Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thanks for the appreciation ! Do the following - 1. Consult your GP before flying, ask him to examine you specifically for any blood clots and sciatica. 2. Get good anti thrombotic compression stockings, special ones are available. 3. Walk around every hour or so down the aisle if it is a long distance flight. 4. Elevate your feet as much as possible and recline while resting. 5. Drink lots of fluids. 6. The occasional twinges are normal, after the ectopic as the residual fluid / tissue clears itself up. As long as blood clots are ruled out, dont let the flight bother you. Stretch yourself thoroughly frequently throughout the flight at regular intervals. Make sure you have good access to emergency medical care wherever you are travelling, and have a printed record on yourself detailing your health situation, specifically the recent ectopic. Take care !
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Leg Pain Inspite Of Having An Ectopic Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: EXPLAINED BELOW Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. As such, there is no corelation between ectopic pregnancy and leg pain. Does your leg feel warm / is there redness or excessive tenderness when squeezing ? Any or all of this is generally indicative of a blood clot, which is common following a pregnancy and is of concern. If not, the reason could be the pressure on the pelvic nerves by the fluid or the mass formed by an ectopic pregnancy. The fluid might be resorbed, and it takes a few weeks for the mass to get absorbed, so that can explain the pain. If you are not sure, ask your doctor to have a look and rule out a clot clinically, if that is not the case, flying is alright. If it is just due to the residual pressure from the ectopic ( more likely since its the same leg ), then give it time. Take an anti inflammatory which will hasten the resorption / absorption and a multivitamin supplement that will lessen nerve pressure. Make sure you are drinking enough water, as less fluids can cause cramping leg pain, as can calcium and vitamin D deficiency. All the best Please feel free to discuss further.