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Suggest Treatment For Muscle Cramps In Legs
Question: I went to the doctor today because I have been getting really bad chills at night and have also woken up sweating profusely with painful muscle cramps in my legs. This has happened almost every night for the past two weeks. I got blood work done at the office and they said the test results would be back in a few days. I just now noticed a really painful red lump with a black center on the back of my leg about the size of my thumb. I am really concerned. I don't actually have the urgent care doctors information to tell him. Should I be worried about this, or might it just be independent of what I have? Should I put anything on it?
Brief Answer:
I advise you go in to the ER.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
The picture you posted looks like there is an area of cellulitis (bacterial tissue infection). I can't make out what is in the center. It could possibly be from a puncture wound or a spider bite that got infected. When cellulitis is small, in a local area, sometimes it can be nipped in the bud by soaking it in hot water or putting hot wet wash cloth on it a few times per day. But if it gets out of control, then you can become bacteremic and have fever, chills, sweating. I can't say for sure if the two (the leg sore and your fever/chills) are connected, but given the possibility, I think you should go in to the ER tonight. I realize that you had blood work done and the ER may not have access to it. But at this point, while I recommend you mention the blood work (as they may be able to access it electronically), if they can't, just let them repeat blood tests. They should at the very least check a complete blood count (CBC) with a differential (which counts what the numbers of the various white blood cell numbers are). In the ER, they can get most blood tests (except for cultures) processed right away.
So do go in to be seen.
And if you are willing, please let me know how you are doing later.
I advise you go in to the ER.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
The picture you posted looks like there is an area of cellulitis (bacterial tissue infection). I can't make out what is in the center. It could possibly be from a puncture wound or a spider bite that got infected. When cellulitis is small, in a local area, sometimes it can be nipped in the bud by soaking it in hot water or putting hot wet wash cloth on it a few times per day. But if it gets out of control, then you can become bacteremic and have fever, chills, sweating. I can't say for sure if the two (the leg sore and your fever/chills) are connected, but given the possibility, I think you should go in to the ER tonight. I realize that you had blood work done and the ER may not have access to it. But at this point, while I recommend you mention the blood work (as they may be able to access it electronically), if they can't, just let them repeat blood tests. They should at the very least check a complete blood count (CBC) with a differential (which counts what the numbers of the various white blood cell numbers are). In the ER, they can get most blood tests (except for cultures) processed right away.
So do go in to be seen.
And if you are willing, please let me know how you are doing later.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I went back to the urgent care today, and it was checked on by a PA. She thinks the lump is just an ingrown hair, which it may be; however, she also thought my ankles weren't swollen even though they are like fat marshmallows compared to how they usually are, and the tendons hurt. I scheduled an appointment with an actual doctor Wednesday, so that I can go over my tests with him. Hopefully, I just stop feeling awful at night soon and everything is just from stress and lack of sleep. Last night was the first night in a while I didn't wake up to painful muscle cramps, so maybe I'm getting over it.
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
I'm glad you went in but I'm sorry the urgent care scheduler gave you a PA. For your symptoms, you need a physician. Often the receptionists or triage nurses don't really understand the difference in a PA, NP and an actual physician. Just so you know for the future, ask for and demand a physician. Even as a doctor, I've had the reception staff be resentful when I've demanded that my daughter be seen by a physician, so brace yourself for some resistance. But know that you have a right to have a real doctor.
If your symptoms are getting better, I suppose you can wait until Wednesday. I am concerned though if you have fevers, which I am guessing you have been, if you've had chills and sweating. Try to check your temperature with a thermometer during these times and record it. Stress and lack of sleep don't cause the degree of symptoms you are describing.
Regarding the area in question on your leg, you had mentioned that it is about the size of your thumb. If it is that big, it is more than an ingrown hair. Also, while it is possible for men to get ingrown hair (folliculitis), it is more typical for women who shave to have this happen. Put hot wet compresses on it a few times a day.
I will not push you to be seen sooner if you feel you are getting better. But if you have fevers, or the area on your leg looks worse, or you are just feeling worse, then please don't wait for Wednesday. Either let your doctor know you are getting sicker and he may squeeze you in, or go in to the ER.
Thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
I'm glad you went in but I'm sorry the urgent care scheduler gave you a PA. For your symptoms, you need a physician. Often the receptionists or triage nurses don't really understand the difference in a PA, NP and an actual physician. Just so you know for the future, ask for and demand a physician. Even as a doctor, I've had the reception staff be resentful when I've demanded that my daughter be seen by a physician, so brace yourself for some resistance. But know that you have a right to have a real doctor.
If your symptoms are getting better, I suppose you can wait until Wednesday. I am concerned though if you have fevers, which I am guessing you have been, if you've had chills and sweating. Try to check your temperature with a thermometer during these times and record it. Stress and lack of sleep don't cause the degree of symptoms you are describing.
Regarding the area in question on your leg, you had mentioned that it is about the size of your thumb. If it is that big, it is more than an ingrown hair. Also, while it is possible for men to get ingrown hair (folliculitis), it is more typical for women who shave to have this happen. Put hot wet compresses on it a few times a day.
I will not push you to be seen sooner if you feel you are getting better. But if you have fevers, or the area on your leg looks worse, or you are just feeling worse, then please don't wait for Wednesday. Either let your doctor know you are getting sicker and he may squeeze you in, or go in to the ER.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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