What Causes Intermittent Pain In Upper Left Thigh?

Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2015

Question: yes please...since this afternoon, I have been having a pain in my up[per outer left thigh, and it comes every 5 minutes or so, and lasts for about 30 seconds....Initially I also had pain ion the upper arm, but took gas medication, and that has subsided...any suggestions??

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could be muscle spasm.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Pain in the outer thigh, recurrent could be due to muscle spasm. Similar pain in the upper arm could also be due to muscle spasm. History of twitching of muscles in the same area or other areas may be seen in few patients. As there is no history of loss of sensation, or tingling, neural cause cannot be thought of at present.
2. Insufficient stretching, dehydration, calcium or potassium deficiency are common causes.
3. Try slow stretching of the involved muscle group. Hydrate well. Take at least 6-7 liters of water per day, and if necessary more.
4. Calcium supplements along with Vit D will be helpful. For potassium, you can improve through diet rich in beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yogurt, fish, avocados, mushrooms, and bananas.
5. If the pain is severe, muscle relaxants like chlorzoxazone will be beneficial.

Hope you are not diabetic or hypertensive. If you have anything further to add in past medical history, I will be able to correlate and help you better.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (12 minutes later)

Doctor XXXXXXX
Is the continued regularity of the spasms and the same length of time that each one lasts consistent with the spasm diagnosis...Does this mean then that I do not need to go to the Emergency to ensure that it has nothing to do with the heart??
Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No Heart related symptoms at present.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

I can totally assure you, the pain is in no way related to the heart. However, if the spasm becomes totally unbearable, then you might need to go to emergency. Otherwise, not necessary.

Not to worry.
Stay well hydrated along with other details as discussed earlier.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (0 minute later)

I understand that, but unfortunately it is 4.45 am, and my doctor is not available, so I was hoping that you would either panic me into rushing off in the middle of the night to the Emergency, or leave it until the morning, but I guess that the time that this has taken is also time where the symptoms have not worsened, but stayed the same, so I guess that I'll try to get some sleep and got o my doctor in the morning. If it is a cramp, I can handle it...if it gets worse, I'll go to the Emergency
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, get some sleep. It could go away.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I understand.
You can take rest and it should resolve.
I do not think, a doctor visit or an emergency visit is necessary at this point of time.

Stay well hydrated. Take good rest.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (4 hours later)

Thank you very much Dr. XXXXXXX ..you put my mind at rest, I was able to sleep, and am feeling better this morning..I also remembered when you emphasized spasms, that Tonic Water helps with cramps....and it did!
Again many thanks
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Good to know you are well.

You are welcome to ask further queries, if any.
At this age, hydration is important. Adequate stretching and warm up is always necessary.

If you do not have any further questions, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Glad to be of help to you.

Regards,

Dr. Prakash HM

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar