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What Causes Leg Pain?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Oct 2014
Question: Had severe pain in the back part of my left leg like a bad cramp - gets really bad certain ways I move. That happened about three weeks ago and lasted for about 10 days then went totally away. Woke up yesterday morning and it was back. It was so bad this morning that I could hardly stand or move. At one point I felt like I was going to vomit, light headed, and cold and clammy. Eventually got better but still is sensitive/hurting continuously and severely with certain movement.
Thanks XXXXXXX
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cramps

Detailed Answer:
Good evening XXXXXXX

thank you for writing on Health care magic

I have gone through your history. I get the understanding that you had an episode of cramps which first happened 3 weeks back and it lasted for 10 days. Now you got another episode yesterday. Cramps are a routine problem in day to day life. But the unusual part in your case is for them to last for so long and to be recurring again

I would like to know a few things here?

1. Did you have any episode of loose motions or vomiting prior to the episode

2. Did you exert yourself , like heavy exercise or so prior to the episode.

3. Any other part of the body get s affected like other calf or the arms

4. Did you experience any weight loss or any other unsual symptoms in the last few months

5. Do you get fatigued easily

6. Do you get any associated knee pains

I would want to rule out the possibility of Vitamin D Deficiency as the low levels of vitamin D can cause low calcium levels in the blood which is responsible for muscle contraction. 2nd thing i want to look at is electrolytes imbalances if they are happening.

Do let me know the answers. I will do my best to guide you further

Take care

Regards

Dr Naval
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (2 hours later)
No loss of motion or vomiting. Weird thing to me is both times the issue started I simply woke up with the symptons. This time it happened yesterdsay and can barely bend in any manner or lift with out causing lots of discomfort. This morning While brushing my teeth I could barley stnad up and that's when for about 5 minutes I felt like I was going to vomit and got very light headed.
I did not exert myself in any manner at least not that i can pin point.
I've recently (a while back - months ago) had joint pains actually stopped take a statin for cholesteral and also was tested for Lyme becuase I did have a tick enbeded in me for nearly a week.
No weight loss or gain.
I feel that I do get fatigued easily, but I am gettign older and have been very active in the past. Most around me are still amzed that I can do what i do at this age. So that might just be me thinking I should be able to do more.
No Knees have been good.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
cramps

Detailed Answer:
Good evening Jef,

Well from the history you have given, one thing I will say is to stop the Statins. Statins are known to cause myalgias and muscle cramps. I am not too sure if you have started it recently or you have been taking it for a long time. But you should try stopping it for a while

Also consult your physician once. You need to get tested for Vitamin D levels, get CPK and LDH levels, Serum electrolytes and maybe a doppler for the lower limbs. That will help us delineate any cause related to these cramps.

The best time to consult your doctor is the time you are having such symptoms. It will give them a fair idea on what exactly is going on.

Do let me know for further queries
Hope the information was useful

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Naval Mendiratta

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 754 Questions

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What Causes Leg Pain?

Brief Answer: Cramps Detailed Answer: Good evening XXXXXXX thank you for writing on Health care magic I have gone through your history. I get the understanding that you had an episode of cramps which first happened 3 weeks back and it lasted for 10 days. Now you got another episode yesterday. Cramps are a routine problem in day to day life. But the unusual part in your case is for them to last for so long and to be recurring again I would like to know a few things here? 1. Did you have any episode of loose motions or vomiting prior to the episode 2. Did you exert yourself , like heavy exercise or so prior to the episode. 3. Any other part of the body get s affected like other calf or the arms 4. Did you experience any weight loss or any other unsual symptoms in the last few months 5. Do you get fatigued easily 6. Do you get any associated knee pains I would want to rule out the possibility of Vitamin D Deficiency as the low levels of vitamin D can cause low calcium levels in the blood which is responsible for muscle contraction. 2nd thing i want to look at is electrolytes imbalances if they are happening. Do let me know the answers. I will do my best to guide you further Take care Regards Dr Naval