[55F] With sharp leg pain post-fall

Patient Description

A 55-year-old female reports experiencing sharp pain from the left buttock down to the knee for the past 5 days, following a trip that she thought resulted in a pulled muscle. The pain is rated as 8 out of 10 in severity and is accompanied by difficulty walking, numbness, and tingling that comes and goes, as well as weakness in the leg. The patient also reports harder bowel movements. She has a history of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the lower lumbar region from a previous fall. Current medications include Motrin and Orphenadrine. No recent travel or new exposures reported.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms and history, a possible explanation could be:

  • Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg, is irritated. It often causes sharp pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the leg. Your recent fall and history of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the lower lumbar region could contribute to this.

    • Treatment: Typically involves pain relief with medications, physical therapy, and sometimes steroid injections. In severe cases, surgery might be considered.
  • Lumbar Radiculopathy: This is similar to sciatica and involves nerve root compression in the lower back, often due to DJD or a herniated disc.

    • Treatment: Similar to sciatica, focusing on pain management and physical therapy.

What you can do

  1. Rest and Ice: Rest your leg and apply ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
  2. Pain Management: Continue taking Motrin as directed for pain relief. Ensure you follow the dosage instructions.
  3. Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle stretching exercises to relieve pressure on the nerve.
  4. Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Worsening pain or weakness
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Persistent numbness or tingling

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

8 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Tingling or Cold Sensations at the Back of Your Head

People Also Ask


What is sciatica and what causes it?

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It is often caused by a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compressing part of the nerve.


How is lumbar radiculopathy different from sciatica?

Lumbar radiculopathy is similar to sciatica in that it involves nerve root compression in the lower back, but it specifically refers to the irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lumbar spine. Sciatica is a symptom of lumbar radiculopathy, but not all lumbar radiculopathy results in sciatica.


What are some effective treatments for nerve pain in the leg?

Effective treatments for nerve pain in the leg include pain relief medications like NSAIDs, physical therapy, stretching exercises, and in some cases, steroid injections. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.


When should I seek medical attention for leg pain and numbness?

You should seek medical attention if you experience worsening pain or weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or persistent numbness or tingling, as these could indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate treatment.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback