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What Causes Pain In Buttocks And Legs After Treatment Of Shingles?
Question: I an a 59 year old male pharmacist, and was diagnosed with shingles about two weeks ago. I noticed extreme burning in my right buttock, groin and scrotum. A "C" shaped rash appeared in the middle of my right buttock, and when I when to my doctor I thought I must have a severe sciatic attack. Turns out it was shingles, and I received immediate treatment with Valtrex, Lyrica 75mg, and APAP with codeine 30mg.
I had a bad dose of flu back in February, which presumably weakened my immune system to the point where the Herpes zoster virus could reactivate.
The rash has cleared, but I am experiencing pain in my buttock and down the posterior sections of my right leg. Also some muscle weakness in my right leg, heat and pain in the hamstring, and calf.
Please can you tell me whether this is the sciatic nerve reacting to the virus, and how long these symtoms might persist. Oh and I forgot to ask - what treatment would you expect to give for the continuing pain?
I had a bad dose of flu back in February, which presumably weakened my immune system to the point where the Herpes zoster virus could reactivate.
The rash has cleared, but I am experiencing pain in my buttock and down the posterior sections of my right leg. Also some muscle weakness in my right leg, heat and pain in the hamstring, and calf.
Please can you tell me whether this is the sciatic nerve reacting to the virus, and how long these symtoms might persist. Oh and I forgot to ask - what treatment would you expect to give for the continuing pain?
Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy, Accupressure, Medications
Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
It does appear that you indeed had an attack of the shingles or Herpes Zoster.
No one can predict how long the symptoms may last & yes the nerve may be afflicted but more on account of the viral load reaction. Having said that, yes there are lots of options other than only medicines that you could choose to allay your symptoms subject to affordability & availability.
Physiotherapy is definitely a proven player & do go across to a physical rehab centre nearest you & they can recommend some excercises to regain that muscle tone & some therapy eg wax/TENS/ultrasonic therapy etc to relieve the pain.
Accupressure/Accupuncture in good qualified hands is a super alternative.
For the moment, oral intake of a substance called Pregabalin together with multivitamins B1/B6/B12 will help nerve regeneration; An anti-inflammatory agent eg Brufen or/& an anti-epileptic agent like 'Tegretol' (carbamazepine) may be helpful but all these are suggestions that have to be routed through your treating doctor at ground 0 for best results.
Trust this information will have cleared your doubts, given you a sense of direction & is prompt. Godspeed & here's wishing you continued good health!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Physiotherapy, Accupressure, Medications
Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
It does appear that you indeed had an attack of the shingles or Herpes Zoster.
No one can predict how long the symptoms may last & yes the nerve may be afflicted but more on account of the viral load reaction. Having said that, yes there are lots of options other than only medicines that you could choose to allay your symptoms subject to affordability & availability.
Physiotherapy is definitely a proven player & do go across to a physical rehab centre nearest you & they can recommend some excercises to regain that muscle tone & some therapy eg wax/TENS/ultrasonic therapy etc to relieve the pain.
Accupressure/Accupuncture in good qualified hands is a super alternative.
For the moment, oral intake of a substance called Pregabalin together with multivitamins B1/B6/B12 will help nerve regeneration; An anti-inflammatory agent eg Brufen or/& an anti-epileptic agent like 'Tegretol' (carbamazepine) may be helpful but all these are suggestions that have to be routed through your treating doctor at ground 0 for best results.
Trust this information will have cleared your doubts, given you a sense of direction & is prompt. Godspeed & here's wishing you continued good health!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
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