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Suggest Treatment For Constant Pain In The Leg
Question: I am female, 57 years old and in good physical shape. Generally I can walk 5 miles or more with no aches or pains, swim a mile in less than 45 minutes etc. Nothing has changed in my general health and I take no medications but lately my left leg aches all the time. My shin, knoee and even my thigh have a low level ache when I have done no physical exercise other than the usual amount of walking for daily activities. Should I just wait this out? It's been about 5 days of low level ache. I have a primary but don't want to have to go in if not necessary.
Brief Answer:
To check for osteoporosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
This could be due to osteoporosis (as part of the normal wear & tear of the body) or even due to strain.
Would you clarify a few things for me, please?
*have you attained menopause ? If yes, when ?
*are you right handed ?
*have you physically exerted yourself recently ?
*do you drive a manual car ?
*any sores on your feet ?
*any change in shoes ?
*do you have any other medical issues ?
*do your Knees crack while walking, sitting ?
*what is your height and weight ?
*are your on any supplements ?
I'd recommend :
- reduce the level of activity or better, take rest for a week. Avoid exercise. You may go about your usual activities.
- gently massage your leg with an oil (of your choice) daily, to ease the pain.
- maintain joints at 90 degree angles when resting/sitting to keep them neutral.
- Avoid sitting cross-legged.
Monitor the pain and intensity after a week. If better then, take it easy and wait for Another week to start on exercise and start slow.
Of not better or if occurs after restarting exercise, then I'd recommend :
- a physician consult
- X-rays of your left leg
- blood tests (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, vitamin D levels)
Based on this we can arrive at a diagnosis and initiate treatment if necessary.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health. Hope you feel better.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
To check for osteoporosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
This could be due to osteoporosis (as part of the normal wear & tear of the body) or even due to strain.
Would you clarify a few things for me, please?
*have you attained menopause ? If yes, when ?
*are you right handed ?
*have you physically exerted yourself recently ?
*do you drive a manual car ?
*any sores on your feet ?
*any change in shoes ?
*do you have any other medical issues ?
*do your Knees crack while walking, sitting ?
*what is your height and weight ?
*are your on any supplements ?
I'd recommend :
- reduce the level of activity or better, take rest for a week. Avoid exercise. You may go about your usual activities.
- gently massage your leg with an oil (of your choice) daily, to ease the pain.
- maintain joints at 90 degree angles when resting/sitting to keep them neutral.
- Avoid sitting cross-legged.
Monitor the pain and intensity after a week. If better then, take it easy and wait for Another week to start on exercise and start slow.
Of not better or if occurs after restarting exercise, then I'd recommend :
- a physician consult
- X-rays of your left leg
- blood tests (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, vitamin D levels)
Based on this we can arrive at a diagnosis and initiate treatment if necessary.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health. Hope you feel better.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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