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What Causes Intermittent Numbness In Feet, Pain In Left Thigh And Calf?

Posted on Sat, 7 Nov 2015

Question: I have pain in my left leg( thigh and calf)sometimes numbness in feet.Uric acid is OK.I feel more at home, and less while out of home.I visited a doctor. He said it's nerve pain.(He is a departmental doctor and he provides me departmental medicine ASONAC-200 SR and NEUROMET.)It started about 2 month ago. At the beginning it was very little and i felt only in the morning time but now it is getting bigger and i feel it many times.I always feel it while wearing and removing shocks.I feel pain in left hip side while fart also.

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Features are suggestive of a pinched nerve

Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome.
Thanks for posting your concern on HCM.
After having gone through the history it seems to me you have developed symptoms suggestive of a pinched nerve in the lower spine.

The prescribed medications Asonac (Aceclofenac)-200 SR & Neuromet (Mecobalmin) are used in the treatment of such painful nerve conditions.

However, I would suggest you to

1. Get clinically examined by an orthopedic doctor or neurosugeon and get an x ray of lumbar spine & MRI scan done to confirm the diagnosis
2. If pain is not relieved by the above prescribed medications you may have to take medicines like Amitryptiline or Pregablin which are effective
3. Avoid lifting heavy objects
3. Avoid sleeping on the soft mattress

Hope the suggestion given above could be useful.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (5 hours later)

Thanks Doctor,

How long can I have these medicines (Amitryptiline or Pregablin)?

Is there any physical exercise which is helpful to this problem?

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take the medications initially for a period of 4-6 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome back.
Thanks for your reply.

These medications are initially prescribed for a period of 4-6 weeks to check their response, if the response is good they have to be continued for a longer period of time.

Since the pain is due to nerve root irritation or suspected compression in the lower spine, the following exercises which involve a combination of specific stretching & strengthening are found to be useful in relieving the pain:

1. Back flexion. Lie on the back and gently pull the knees to the chest until a comfortable stretch is felt. After 30 seconds, slowly return to starting position. Aim to complete 4 - 6 repetitions of this flex.
2. Get down on the hands and knees, then sit back on the heels with the chest down and arms outstretched. After 30 seconds, slowly return to starting position. Aim to complete 4 - 6 repetitions of this stretch.
Do not bounce on heels.

Hope the suggestions made could be helpful in getting rid of pain till the neurosurgical consultation is made.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 days later)

Thanks Doctor,
Is there any side effects of pregablin? if yes, then its normal or harmful?

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Generally it is a safe drug.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your reply and the compliments.

Generally Pregablin is a safe drug, however it can cause some side effects which are not harmful like drowsiness, loss of balance or coordination, problems with memory or concentration or tremors.
Although rare other side effects include easy bruising, swelling of the hands or feet, weight gain or vision problems are reported.

Hope this answers your query.
Best regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj