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What Causes Sharp Pain In The Lower Leg?
I have a very sharp stabbing pain in my left lower leg, in the muscle to the left of the shin a few inches above the ankle. No recent trauma or excessive exercise or strain. This has occurred in the past, over the past couple of years. I m 65 years old. Any guesses what might be causing it?
Tue, 9 Apr 2019
Hello,
It looks like you are having sciatica pain. Sciatica presents with a sharp pain that shoots down the legs to the foot. It occurs when a nerve gets pinched in a herniated disc or in a muscle spasm.
Sometimes sprains and strains may cause discomfort and pain. You are suggested to visit ER, get physically checked. You may have to go through X-rays, MRI, EMG & CT scan.
Get Nerve Conduction tests done to rule out PAD, Peripheral artery disease. Take vitamin B6, B12, Zinc with folic acid.
Treatment will depend upon the severity of the pathology detected. Medications like anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants, narcotics are effective.
You may need steroid injections or physical therapy. Do stretch exercises, apply hot or cold packs. Stay away from addictions if any, control blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes. Get treated at the earliest.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
It looks like you are having sciatica pain. Sciatica presents with a sharp pain that shoots down the legs to the foot. It occurs when a nerve gets pinched in a herniated disc or in a muscle spasm.
Sometimes sprains and strains may cause discomfort and pain. You are suggested to visit ER, get physically checked. You may have to go through X-rays, MRI, EMG & CT scan.
Get Nerve Conduction tests done to rule out PAD, Peripheral artery disease. Take vitamin B6, B12, Zinc with folic acid.
Treatment will depend upon the severity of the pathology detected. Medications like anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants, narcotics are effective.
You may need steroid injections or physical therapy. Do stretch exercises, apply hot or cold packs. Stay away from addictions if any, control blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes. Get treated at the earliest.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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