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What Causes Left-sided Tight Painful Leg Muscle Above Ankle?

Posted on Wed, 14 Oct 2015

Question: Hello Doctor, I have a very tight painful muscle on the left side of my left leg just above the ankle. Many times during the day the pain is so bad I can't walk and have to sit and rest. They pain continues even while resting. Sometimes my foot starts to go to sleep while I'm standing (which is not good as I am a claims adjuster who climbs roofs). I went to a massage therapist which massaged the leg and prescribed stretching which helped. However, after a couple weeks, I stopped the morning stretching because I was feeling better, and the problem came back. Is there anything else I should be doing besides stretching? I have history of flat feet and had severe foot pain from wearing shoes that I finally discovered were too narrow. I have worn custom made orthotics over the years (am "not" presently using them). In the last year I have spend several hundred dollars on high quality shoes at a comfort shoe store and spent $400+ on shoe inserts (didn't use them because couldn't tolerate them), but am still having foot pain. My leg pain started 20 years ago when I over did it on an exercise bike over a period of 2 months while trying to loose weight. Ever since then I have had leg problems off and on. I am 5' 9 and weight 220. Thanks very much, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Must lose weight, East healthy, Wear soft footwear, surgical procedures

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Thanks for the query.

According to your history, it appears that your being overweight had taken a toll on your feet and legs.

The overweight has caused stretching of the plantar fascia in the feet which is associated with tightening of the calf muscles causing the pain behind the heel and lower part of leg.

A stretching program is very important as well as wearing night foot drop splints. Losing weight is of prime importance in your case to avoid further stretching of the plantar fascia which is compounded by the flat foot.

There are options available like surgery for plantar fascia release, Steroid injection, Calf tendon lengthening, bony procedures to treat a rigid flat foot which require the consultation with a trained For and Ankle surgeon.

Eat healthy. Keep well hydrated. Must exercise regularly to keep fit. Do not stress very much on the exercise cycle and do at low to moderate resistance. Once you begin to lose weight and also use shoe insoles to reduce the flat foot, along with a proper plantar fascia stretching program, you will find good relief. Take pain killer twice a day for a week for now and focus on losing weight. Also wear soft slippers like MCI rubber slippers.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj