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What Causes Severe Pain In Hip, Leg, Knee And Calf?
Question: Dear Doctor, I am up at 2 a.m. due to severe pain in my hip, leg, knee/calf. The pain is much worse at night when I lie down. Can't figure this out. Whenever I had pain before I felt better after a little rest. This started a few weeks ago--for the past couple years have had trouble sleeping on either side due to hip pain, but this is a new development. Took hot bath, iced it but no relief. I am exhausted. Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
most probably because of a pinched nerve
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Based on your description, this is most probably because of a pinched nerve or lower limb radiculopathy (Sciatica).
Common cause is bulging intervertebral discs in the vertebral column that compress on the nerves as they come out of the spinal cord - symptoms are experienced along the area of distribution / path of that particular nerve.
Here the treatment varies from conservative to surgery. Conservative treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications (pain killers), physical therapy or chiropractic treatment, and avoiding activity that strains the back. Majority of radiculopathy patients respond well to this conservative treatment and symptoms often improve within six weeks to three months.
You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case.
Some life style modifications to prevent pain– Take break every 40 min from computer/work and do some lumbar rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your back, and good posture in bed.
Do not use too soft foam bed to sleep.
I would suggest you to see a spine specialist who will take into account severity of your symptoms and if needed advise Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to guide about the treatment.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
most probably because of a pinched nerve
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Based on your description, this is most probably because of a pinched nerve or lower limb radiculopathy (Sciatica).
Common cause is bulging intervertebral discs in the vertebral column that compress on the nerves as they come out of the spinal cord - symptoms are experienced along the area of distribution / path of that particular nerve.
Here the treatment varies from conservative to surgery. Conservative treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications (pain killers), physical therapy or chiropractic treatment, and avoiding activity that strains the back. Majority of radiculopathy patients respond well to this conservative treatment and symptoms often improve within six weeks to three months.
You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case.
Some life style modifications to prevent pain– Take break every 40 min from computer/work and do some lumbar rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your back, and good posture in bed.
Do not use too soft foam bed to sleep.
I would suggest you to see a spine specialist who will take into account severity of your symptoms and if needed advise Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to guide about the treatment.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Saurabh Gupta
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2004
Answered : 5930 Questions
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