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Woke Up W/dull Pain Down Left Side Of Leg. Upon
Question: Woke up w/dull pain down left side of leg. Upon getting out of bed, cramp like pain from buttock, to knee, to calf. Difficult to walk. Knee occasionally feels like it will go out.
Brief Answer:
Could be due to nerve compression
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.
I have gone carefully through your query.
Your pain radiating down the legs could be due to compression of the spinal nerves which leads to muscle spasm. The tendency of the knee to give away seems to be associated with muscle weakness.
The hot compress should provide relief with the pain and muscle spasm. The vicious cycle of pain and spasm needs to be treated and I would insist you to take Acetaminophen 500mg twice or thrice daily for the next 3 days as well (along with Ibuprofen which you're already taking). Do take them after food only. This should ease the problem and make it go away.
If it does not, lumbar spine-related issues would be another cause to consider. I would suggest you get an X-Ray of Lumbosacral spine (AP and lateral) done and to see a physical therapist with the reports. Based on the findings s/he would be able to demonstrate to you proper exercises that should provide relief.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Could be due to nerve compression
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.
I have gone carefully through your query.
Your pain radiating down the legs could be due to compression of the spinal nerves which leads to muscle spasm. The tendency of the knee to give away seems to be associated with muscle weakness.
The hot compress should provide relief with the pain and muscle spasm. The vicious cycle of pain and spasm needs to be treated and I would insist you to take Acetaminophen 500mg twice or thrice daily for the next 3 days as well (along with Ibuprofen which you're already taking). Do take them after food only. This should ease the problem and make it go away.
If it does not, lumbar spine-related issues would be another cause to consider. I would suggest you get an X-Ray of Lumbosacral spine (AP and lateral) done and to see a physical therapist with the reports. Based on the findings s/he would be able to demonstrate to you proper exercises that should provide relief.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
Glad to be of service
Detailed Answer:
Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
Glad to be of service
Detailed Answer:
Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you - I'll certainly give it a try.
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