[54F] Experiencing severe leg pain when coughing

Question

What is the leg pain all about

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female has been experiencing a deep, severe ache in her thighs, rated as an 8 out of 10 in severity, when coughing. This symptom has been present for about a week and subsides when the coughing stops. The patient has been coughing for two weeks due to a lung infection, for which she is currently taking Prednisone and Doxycycline. Additionally, she is on Gabapentin and Benzonatate (every 8 hours) for cough management. Her medical history includes a broken back from two years ago and degenerative disc disease diagnosed six years ago, but she clarified that her current leg pain is not related to her back condition. She has no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms could include:

  • Muscle Strain: Coughing can put a lot of strain on the muscles in your body, including those in your legs. If you've been coughing a lot due to your lung infection, this could potentially be causing your leg pain.

    • Treatment for muscle strain usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help.

  • Sciatica: This is a condition that results from irritation of your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Symptoms can include pain that radiates along the path of your sciatic nerve, which could potentially be exacerbated by coughing.

    • Treatment for sciatica often involves physical therapy and pain relievers. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

  • Lumbar Disc Herniation: Given your history of degenerative disc disease and a broken back, it's possible that you could have a herniated disc in your lower back. Coughing can increase pressure in your spinal canal, which could potentially exacerbate symptoms of a herniated disc, such as leg pain.

    • Treatment for a herniated disc often involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and potentially surgery.

What you can do

You should definitely consult with a healthcare provider about your symptoms. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to help alleviate your symptoms:

  1. Rest: Try to avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
  2. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may help to alleviate your leg pain.
  3. Heat or Cold: Applying a hot or cold pack to your legs may help to reduce pain and inflammation.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Sudden, severe pain in your lower back or leg
  • Numbness or weakness in your leg
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Difficulty walking or standing

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

Can coughing cause leg pain?

Yes, coughing can cause leg pain, especially if it leads to muscle strain. The repeated force of coughing can strain muscles in the body, including those in the legs, leading to pain.

What is the relationship between coughing and sciatica?

Coughing can exacerbate sciatica symptoms because it increases pressure in the spinal canal, which can irritate the sciatic nerve. This can lead to pain radiating down the leg.

How can degenerative disc disease affect leg pain?

Degenerative disc disease can lead to conditions like herniated discs, which can cause leg pain if the herniated disc presses on nerves that run down the leg. Coughing can increase spinal pressure, potentially worsening these symptoms.

What are the treatment options for muscle strain caused by coughing?

Treatment for muscle strain caused by coughing typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage the pain. It's important to avoid activities that worsen the symptoms.

1 Comments

Leo#17

7 mo ago

An older gentlemen I know sometimes has this issue too, with a history of spinal injury and shooting pains down his legs only when he coughs or sometimes also strains when pooping. Doctor explained that this is because the irritation of the sciatic nerve (the main nerve that runs between spine and your leg) worsens when you do something that suddenly strains it, like coughing or sneezing.

Do you think this makes sense given what you're experiencing?

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