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Having Severe Pain From Buttock To Calf Muscles. Suggest The Treatment To Ease The Pain?
Question: Hi - I have pain - dull ache - running down both legs from buttock to calf muscles? Left leg is slightly worse . No injury has occurred. Has happened before but ache wasnt quite this bad ? Have had the pain for about 8 hours now .What could this be and is there anything I can do to ease the pain? Many thanks
Brief Answer:
Most Possibly Neurogenic pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
Based on the description of symtoms, I feel that the cause for pain in both of your legs is due to a compressed nerve (possibly L4 nerve) in the Lumbar spine by a protruded intervertebral disc.
An MRI scan of the Lumbosacral spine is necessary to establish the diagnosis of your condition.
The preliminary conserative management protocol is as follows -
* Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back and may worsen your pain in the legs
* Give rest to your back and avoid forward bending activities as it will worsen the disc protrusion
* Use a lumbosacral back support to augment your spinal muscles
* Intermittent pelvic traction may be helpful to cause a regression of the disc
* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided. Chiropractic spinal manipulative techniques may be beneficial in alleviating your pain
* Analgesics like Advil or Tylenol will lessen the pain. Neurotropic pain medications like Pregabalin / Gabapentin / Amitryptiline will help in relieving leg pain.
If your symptoms are not improving with the above measures, approach an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and management.
Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further.
Regards
Most Possibly Neurogenic pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
Based on the description of symtoms, I feel that the cause for pain in both of your legs is due to a compressed nerve (possibly L4 nerve) in the Lumbar spine by a protruded intervertebral disc.
An MRI scan of the Lumbosacral spine is necessary to establish the diagnosis of your condition.
The preliminary conserative management protocol is as follows -
* Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back and may worsen your pain in the legs
* Give rest to your back and avoid forward bending activities as it will worsen the disc protrusion
* Use a lumbosacral back support to augment your spinal muscles
* Intermittent pelvic traction may be helpful to cause a regression of the disc
* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided. Chiropractic spinal manipulative techniques may be beneficial in alleviating your pain
* Analgesics like Advil or Tylenol will lessen the pain. Neurotropic pain medications like Pregabalin / Gabapentin / Amitryptiline will help in relieving leg pain.
If your symptoms are not improving with the above measures, approach an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and management.
Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further.
Regards
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. K. Naga Ravi Prasad
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1996
Answered : 2148 Questions
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