What Causes Pain In The Legs While Treating Diabetes?

Posted on Fri, 27 Oct 2017

Question: I am experiencing pain in both my legs from the knees down. It comes on fast but I can get relief if I sit down. Unfortunately sitting down is not always available. I have diabetes but controlled at 5.9. I am 80 years of age and taking care of my husband who has alzheimers so I must be able to drive and do all that's needed for both of us.
Getting pretty concered here.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
? neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for posting the question on this platform.
I have gone through your question in detail.

Your symptoms suggest of a compressive neuropathy,somewhere in the lumbar spine.Age related lumbar spondylosis or a prolapsed intervertebral disc can be responsible for the compressed nerves leading to pain in the legs.

I would suggest you to get an Xray/MRI of the lumbar spine done.Consult a doctor,preferably an orthopaedician.

Lumbar canal stenosis as well as peripheral vascular disease also can present in a similar fashion and need to be ruled out by getting appropriate investigations done.

Taking analgesic anti inflammatory tablets like paracetamol,tramadol or etodolac can help.
Methylcobalamin,folic acid tablets will help reduce the nerve inflammation.

Using a Lumbar belt with a compression bandage around the calf region will help reduce the intensity of pain.

I hope the answer was useful to you.

Feel free to ask me any doubts that you may have.

Thank you.
Best wishes.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng