[60F] Experiencing severe pain and weakness in legs with significant weight loss

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to the peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body, including your legs. Your diabetes could be a contributing factor, as high blood sugar levels can injure nerve fibers throughout your body.

  • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing the neuropathy. In your case, managing your diabetes could help. Pain medications, topical treatments, and certain therapies might also be recommended.

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

  • Treatment often involves a team approach, including your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health professionals. Medications, therapy, stress-reduction measures, and getting enough sleep can all help.

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). It can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, pain, and coordination problems.

  • There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.

• Myopathy: This refers to diseases of the muscle which cause muscle fibers to not function properly, leading to muscular weakness. Myopathies can be inherited (muscular dystrophies) or acquired (such as those caused by inflammation, medications, or an imbalance of electrolytes).

  • Treatment depends on the cause. In some cases, treatment may involve dealing with the condition that's causing your myopathy. In other cases, treatment may consist of medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

Please remember that these are only possibilities, not a definitive diagnosis. You should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you haven't already, please make an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can perform a physical examination and order any necessary tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

What you should look out for

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

• Sudden, severe pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion or changes in mental function
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or worsening reaction to medication, such as rash, fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.