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What Causes An Intermittent Sharp Pain In The Left Leg About 4" Above The Knee Lasting A Few Seconds?
Question: intermittent pain left leg, inside, just about 4" above knee cap...last for a few seconds the reoccurs in about 5 minutes..not muscular or bone/arthritis type pain...slightly sharp and maybe 3-4 on a pain scale of 10
Brief Answer:
may be neuralgia-nerve related pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Intermittent pain that lasts a few seconds is often related to the nerves that supply the particular area.
It may be nerve related pain-Neuralgia.
This can be temporary or permanent and it has different possible causes.
The most common causes are--(1)trauma to the nerves-- this can occur in the spine/backbone as the nerve leave the spinal cord. Arthritis of the back can do this.
It can also occur at any point along the path of the nerve.
(2)diabetes
(3)liver or kidney disease
(4)autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc
(5)exposure to toxins
(6)low levels of vitamin b12 or folate
(7)thyroid disease
(8)abnormal levels of vitamin b6
(9)infection such as shingles
In some persons the cause is not known
If it continues or worsens then you can see your doctor for assessment which would involve physical examination and possible imaging of the back (where nerves originate).
In some persons, blood tests may also be needed as well
There are medications that can help nerve related pain
I hope this helps.
Take care,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
may be neuralgia-nerve related pain
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Intermittent pain that lasts a few seconds is often related to the nerves that supply the particular area.
It may be nerve related pain-Neuralgia.
This can be temporary or permanent and it has different possible causes.
The most common causes are--(1)trauma to the nerves-- this can occur in the spine/backbone as the nerve leave the spinal cord. Arthritis of the back can do this.
It can also occur at any point along the path of the nerve.
(2)diabetes
(3)liver or kidney disease
(4)autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc
(5)exposure to toxins
(6)low levels of vitamin b12 or folate
(7)thyroid disease
(8)abnormal levels of vitamin b6
(9)infection such as shingles
In some persons the cause is not known
If it continues or worsens then you can see your doctor for assessment which would involve physical examination and possible imaging of the back (where nerves originate).
In some persons, blood tests may also be needed as well
There are medications that can help nerve related pain
I hope this helps.
Take care,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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
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