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What Causes Severe Itching On The Forearm And Calf Muscles?
Question: Sometimes when I am itching my forearm and calf, I am feeling a nerve in that area of the body. For example, today when I itched my right calve, I felt a nerve from my calve to my Achilles heel. This just started happening last week. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Can be due to lipitor but rule out other causes too
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately.
Based on the history you have shared, it can be a normal response as nerves in these area attain a very superficial course and external pressure or stimuli may trigger a nerve impulse or radiating parasthesias as you might have seen in some cases like if elbow strikes against an arm rest or something a jerky or current like sensation runs through.
But of course if you feel that such sensations or parasthesias or itching or some strange feeling is getting frequent without any particular trigger this needs to be evalauted. It should ideally start with a detailed neurological and sensory examination and followed by blood levels for B12, folic acid and sugar profile. If any abnormality is noted on examination it can be followed by nerve conduction studies but hopefully it will not be needed. Replacing these supplements may help as well.
Another apparent cause can be drug induced as lipitor may cause myopathies and that can present with such symptoms later however routine parasthesias and itching is one of the rare side effects of this drug. Discuss with the primary physician about continuing or stopping it preferably after a fresh fasting lipid profile and CPK levels.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Can be due to lipitor but rule out other causes too
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately.
Based on the history you have shared, it can be a normal response as nerves in these area attain a very superficial course and external pressure or stimuli may trigger a nerve impulse or radiating parasthesias as you might have seen in some cases like if elbow strikes against an arm rest or something a jerky or current like sensation runs through.
But of course if you feel that such sensations or parasthesias or itching or some strange feeling is getting frequent without any particular trigger this needs to be evalauted. It should ideally start with a detailed neurological and sensory examination and followed by blood levels for B12, folic acid and sugar profile. If any abnormality is noted on examination it can be followed by nerve conduction studies but hopefully it will not be needed. Replacing these supplements may help as well.
Another apparent cause can be drug induced as lipitor may cause myopathies and that can present with such symptoms later however routine parasthesias and itching is one of the rare side effects of this drug. Discuss with the primary physician about continuing or stopping it preferably after a fresh fasting lipid profile and CPK levels.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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