Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Keep Getting A Sharp Shooting Pain Down The Back
Question: I keep getting a sharp shooting pain down the back of my left leg. It mostly seems to be at the back of my knee
Brief Answer:
Sciatica is the likely cause, treatment options explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
Shooting pain that goes down for the back to one leg is generally typical of sciatica. This is pain that originates by the nerve that supplies the leg and happens when it is pinched on the way. Most often it is due to a prolapsed disc pressing the nerve.
Generally, it is not dangerous, even though the pain may sometimes be very intense. To treat it you will need to take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, as you are already taking, but in a relatively high dose. You can take 400-800 mg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours after food and can combine it with paracetamol 500 mg taken at the same time.
Physiotherapy may help relax the muscles that go in spasm due to the pain and will help you feel better soon. It also reduces the pressure over the nerve, thus I would recommend you to see a physiotherapist if the pain is not improving enough with the medications.
If you develop any numbness in the private area or any problem with urine or bowel control, these are symptoms that warrant a visit with a doctor.
I hope this answers your query and is helpful to you, but I remain at your disposal in case more assistance is needed.
I wish you quick healing.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician.
Sciatica is the likely cause, treatment options explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
Shooting pain that goes down for the back to one leg is generally typical of sciatica. This is pain that originates by the nerve that supplies the leg and happens when it is pinched on the way. Most often it is due to a prolapsed disc pressing the nerve.
Generally, it is not dangerous, even though the pain may sometimes be very intense. To treat it you will need to take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, as you are already taking, but in a relatively high dose. You can take 400-800 mg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours after food and can combine it with paracetamol 500 mg taken at the same time.
Physiotherapy may help relax the muscles that go in spasm due to the pain and will help you feel better soon. It also reduces the pressure over the nerve, thus I would recommend you to see a physiotherapist if the pain is not improving enough with the medications.
If you develop any numbness in the private area or any problem with urine or bowel control, these are symptoms that warrant a visit with a doctor.
I hope this answers your query and is helpful to you, but I remain at your disposal in case more assistance is needed.
I wish you quick healing.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
