Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Leg Pain?
Question: My wife 46yo is experiencing severe cramps and pain in her left leg. She has been seen 2x in last week including yesterday at Urgent Care Clinic. Had ultra sound to rule out blood clot. Prescribed Prednisone and Valium and hydrocodone. These have not provided any pain relief and cramps continue. Symptoms began about 2 weeks ago ...got better and have now worsened as she resumed walking routine. Very frustrating as pain persists. Hamstring injury or pinched nerve have been stated as possible causes...any thoughts ??
Brief Answer:
Stretching of muscles can prevent cramps
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. The Cramps are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles.Cramps at rest are very common, especially in elderly people.
To understand better I would like to know-
1. Is there any numbness and tingling sensation in her left leg?
2. What is the pattern of pain does it start's from lower back, back of thigh and goes up to foot?
Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain muscle relaxant prescription only drugs like baclofen/thiocolchicoside are helpful.
Physiotherapy also helps. Quinine water tonic is also useful to prevent night cramps before going to bed.
I hope this information will be helpful to reduce her suffering. If you have further query I shall be glad to answer.
Take care
Regards
Stretching of muscles can prevent cramps
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. The Cramps are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles.Cramps at rest are very common, especially in elderly people.
To understand better I would like to know-
1. Is there any numbness and tingling sensation in her left leg?
2. What is the pattern of pain does it start's from lower back, back of thigh and goes up to foot?
Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain muscle relaxant prescription only drugs like baclofen/thiocolchicoside are helpful.
Physiotherapy also helps. Quinine water tonic is also useful to prevent night cramps before going to bed.
I hope this information will be helpful to reduce her suffering. If you have further query I shall be glad to answer.
Take care
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. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
