What Do I Do About Muscle Pain In The Left Leg Months After A Fall?

Posted on Fri, 16 Feb 2024

Question: a 75 yo Philipino female has muscle pain in her left leg. A number of months ago, this pain developed after a fall into a artificial rock formation at nearly beach. In this accident she ended upside down in this rock formation and I had to have assistance in pulling her out by her ankles. This week she has developed pain in the just below the left kidney area and her left foot is cooler to the touch than the right. Yesterday, using a BP monitor in a grocery store, her systolic pressure reached 198. She doesn't take BP medicine, but instead drinks hibiscus tea for her BP.

Answered by Dr. Malik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
She needs treatment of hypertension and diagnosis of a leg coldness

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

She is highly likely had soft tissue injury (most likely sciatic nerve) from the trauma. Sciatic nerve injury may cause back and leg pain.
But her recent symptoms suggestive of circulatory problem. Coldness on the left leg comparing to the right is mostly likely from peripheral artery disease-narrowing of leg arteries by plaque. Hypertension is also a risk for PAD. The condition needs prompt diagnosis and treatment. Please, visit the hospital for the diagnosis and proper treatment. A doctor may order blood, urine tests and imaging tests. PAD of legs can easily be diagnosed by measuring the ankle-brachial pressure index.

Her hypertension (high blood pressure) should also be addressed and properly treated with blood pressure medicines. Hibiscus tea may slightly decrease (10-12%) high blood pressure. It can be used in slight increase in blood pressure. But she has Stage 2 Hypertension and that needs blood pressure control with medications.

Hope the information is helpful for you. Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know. I will be happy to help you further.

Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Malik (1 hour later)

Once in a while her toes on both feet kind of cramp up in an odd position. She says she feels like there are bubbles in her calves sometimes. Thank you for your assistance Dr. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Malik (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Electrolyte disturbance, sciatica or circulatory problems may cause it

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You are welcome.

Thank you for the follow-up.

There are many conditions that may cause toe cramping or bubbling sensation in the calves. She might have dehydration or electrolyte disturbances that cause the symptoms. However based on her current health condition I think either she has sciatica or circulatory problems in the legs that may also cause the same feeling and toe cramps. But only physical exam and diagnostic tests can properly diagnose her condition.
Please, visit a hospital. She should have complete blood count test, electrolyte test, and urine test to check whether she has electrolyte disturbances or dehydration. Physical examination and checking ankle brachial index may differentiate circulatory problems and nerve problems.

I hope you find the information helpful.

Regards

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