[39F] With shooting calf pain and fatigue

Patient Description

A 39-year-old female presents with shooting pain in the right calf that has persisted for about a week. The pain is rated as an 8 out of 10 in severity and worsens with activities such as walking, going up and down stairs, and running. The patient also reports feeling extra tired and having trouble walking. There is slight swelling in the right calf, but no redness, warmth, or changes in skin color or temperature. The pain came on suddenly without any recent injuries or changes in physical activity. The patient has a history of high blood pressure, vitamin D deficiency, recent gallbladder removal, gastric bypass surgery, anxiety, depression, and a herniated disc. She suspects a tooth infection and has an upcoming dental appointment. Rest provides some relief for the calf pain. No recent fever has been confirmed, and the patient has not measured her temperature. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications were reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential explanations for your calf pain and related symptoms:

Muscle Strain or Overuse: Given that you walk a lot at your job, it's possible that your calf pain is due to muscle strain or overuse. This can cause shooting pain, especially when engaging in activities like walking or climbing stairs.
Sciatica: You mentioned having sciatica, which can cause shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. This could be contributing to your calf pain, especially if the pain is shooting in nature.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although you don't have a history of blood clots or recent immobility, slight swelling and sudden onset of pain could be concerning for a DVT. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to rule out.
Tooth Infection: Your feeling of being very hot and tired could be related to a tooth infection, which can cause systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue.

What you can do

Calf Pain:

Rest: Continue to rest your leg as much as possible to allow any potential muscle strain to heal.
Ice and Elevation: Apply ice to the affected area and elevate your leg to reduce swelling.
Compression: Consider using a compression bandage to help with swelling and support.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Tooth Infection:

Dental Appointment: It's important to keep your dental appointment to address the tooth infection, as this could be contributing to your overall feeling of being unwell.
Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to prevent further infection.

General Health:

Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms using a journal or an app like MDandMe to share with your healthcare provider.
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you suspect a fever.

What you should look out for

Increased Swelling or Redness: If you notice increased swelling, redness, or warmth in your calf, seek medical attention immediately as these could be signs of a DVT.
Fever or Chills: If you develop a high fever or chills, it could indicate that the infection is worsening, and you should seek medical care.
Worsening Pain: If your pain becomes more severe or spreads, consult a healthcare provider.

Remember, while this advice is based on the information provided, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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2 mo ago

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