How Can I Sleep With A Swollen Leg
If you have swollen legs from the knee down, it is important to elevate your legs to keep the swollen area higher than the level of your heart. One way to do this is to place a pillow or two under your feet while you sleep.
You may also want to consider using a recliner instead of your bed. If the swelling is caused by a medical condition such as lymphedema, you may need to wear compression stockings or a compression bandage while you sleep.
Symptoms Commonly Associated With Leg Pain
The most common symptoms that may accompany leg pain are:
- Weakness. Leg weakness commonly occurs when a lumbar and/or sacral spinal nerve is compressed. A feeling of heaviness3 in the affected leg may make it difficult to lift the foot off the floor .
- Altered sensation. When a nerve is affected, a pins-and-needles sensation, tingling, or other nerve-related sensations may occur in the affected leg.
- Foot pain. The leg pain may travel down into one or more areas of the foot, causing an ache or a burning pain. Foot weakness and/or numbness may also occur.
- Postural pain. Leg pain and numbness may increase with certain postures or activities, such as standing for a prolonged period of time, walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a sitting position.
The above list includes several common symptoms that co-occur with leg pain but is not meant to be complete. It is possible for leg pain and/or numbness to be accompanied by signs of diabetes, cancer, certain types of nutritional deficiencies, and more.
Risk Factors For Sciatica
Most people aged between 30 to 50 years old are at a higher risk of getting sciatica.
Weight
Obese people have increased risk since the extra weight puts pressure on your lumbar spine, increasing the tendency of getting a herniated disk that will compress the sciatic nerve.
Diabetes
Diabetic people have increased risk since the disease causes sciatic nerve damage.
Occupation
Some jobs put people at more risk of getting sciatica, especially those involving a lot of heavy lifting or sitting for prolonged periods. These may cause disc damage in the lumbar region.
Genetics
Studies show that genetics play a big part in the development of sciatica by causing intervertebral disc degeneration.
Some gene mutations may change the structure and function of collagen proteins that are part of the intervertebral discs. This results in weakened discs that degenerate, which leads to irritation of the sciatic nerve.
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Should I Be Worried About Burning Pain After Surgery
Burning pain can be associated with either nerve damage or an infection in the knee.
These are some of the signs to look out for with an infected knee:
- Redness in the knee, or red streaking down the leg
- Fevers or chills
- General feeling of being unwell
If you have some of these signs, you will need to consult a medical professional to make sure you dont have a knee infection.
If there is none of the above signs, then its usually an indication that a nerve is still inflamed, probably because of surgery. When a nerve is stretched, often fibres can be torn resulting in a small amount of nerve damage also called neuropraxia.
Neuropraxia results in swelling and inflammation in the nerve as it attempts to repair the damaged fibres. While the nerve is inflamed it is very common to have altered sensation such as pins and needles, numbness, pain or a cold feeling.
Nerves are generally good at healing themselves and in 6-12 weeks you should notice the pain will improve. There are ways to aid recovery if the nerve is particularly painful:
Leg Pain And Numbness: What Might These Symptoms Mean
Leg pain can be intermittent or constant and can range from a dull ache to a searing, throbbing, or burning sensation. Numbness may be felt like a loss of sensation or a cold, icy feeling in one or more areas of the leg.
Leg pain may be the symptom of a variety of underlying causes or conditions, and getting a correct diagnosis is essential to informing the most effective course of treatment.
Leg pain often starts as a problem in the lumbar spine, or low back. Watch:Sciatica Causes and Symptoms Video
This article provides an in-depth review of common causes of leg pain, along with prominent symptoms and progression of the pain.
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Does Numbness In The Knee Go Away After Surgery And How
The above percentages spoken about were taken 10 years after surgery. This means that even if there is a portion of people where numbness will improve, it will most likely stay.
Some people will experience transient numbness which does improve, and it can even completely resolve. Lets talk about why that might be:
Nervesare bundles of long axons, kind of like rope. All these individual axons are wrapped in a sleeve to keep them in one package. You will also find little blood vessels that help to transfer nutrients and keep the nerve alive.
Electrical signals are passed down through the nerve axons and this allows for motor function or sensation.
During surgery the nerve will either be completely cut or just stretched.
If the nerve is completely cut, either end will slowly grow to try and find each other. If the two ends meet, the nerve will likely re-join, and therefore sensation will return.
Keep in mind, nerves grow at a rate of 1-4mm/day. Sensory nerves are more resilient and therefore can recover after months or years in some cases.
If the nerve is stretched during the surgery, theres a much better chance sensation will improve. During the stretch, the outer wrap will squeeze down on the spindles and cut off the blood supply inside the nerve.
After the stretch the blood supply returns and the nerve can begin to regenerate.
Are There Any Risks Involved With The Treatment
Again, it is imperative to talk with your doctor before beginning any treatment for this condition. Some symptoms may require more advanced treatments like surgery, which could involve risks such as infection or complications during recovery from the procedure itself . It would be best if you considered how much trouble youre willing to take versus quality of life when making decisions about your treatment plan.
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What Causes Pain In The Shin Just Below The Knee
The pain caused by patellofemoral arthritis runs from the kneecap to the shinbone . Its the first sign of a kneecap infection, usually between your kneecap and where the tendon attaches to your shinbone.
Vitamin D Deficiency: A Common Cause Of Shin Pain
Although there are numerous causes of shin pain, vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common. Because vitamin D is essential for bone health, it can cause tenderness and pain to the knee and shin. People who are overweight are also more likely to develop shin splints because excess weight can cause additional strain on lower leg bones. Aside from shin splints, obesity can also lead to other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, increasing the chances of developing them. If you have shin pain, you should consult with your doctor to determine the cause and determine whether you should take vitamin D supplements.
Get Help Early For Leg Numbness
Its important that you identify whats causing your leg numbness as early as possible. With the right treatment, you can improve the health of your legs and preserve their function in the long-term.
The diagnostic testing services Dr. Bo offers can help confirm or rule out issues that are causing numbness in your leg. We also offer comprehensive and customized treatment plans that address spine-related causes of leg numbness including herniated discs, sciatica, and tumors.
Dr. Bo initially focuses on conservative therapies to stop leg numbness. However, he is also highly skilled inminimally invasive surgical techniques to address the root cause of numbness and pain, so you can enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Get help with your leg numbness by today or by booking a consultation online.
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What Foods Can Help Reduce Leg Swelling
The best foods to reduce swelling may vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some general tips include eating a healthy diet that is low in salt, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods.
It is also important to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to develop a personalized diet plan that will help reduce swelling in your legs.
What Causes Pain From Knee To Ankle
Leg pain can affect people in any areas. It can appear as pain from knees to ankles, in the foot, in the knee, behind the knee, in the ankle, down the back of your leg, etc. In most cases, those who have pain from their knee to ankle have lower leg pain. Even though your legs are affected the most by your daily activities, you shouldnt be in pain. Pain in your lower legs may be due to issues with nerves, blood clots, or a number of other potential problems.
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Repetitive Strain Injury Of The Hamstring
Repetitive strain injury of the upper leg is caused by consistent repetitive use.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: upper leg numbness, thigh weakness, hamstring pain from overuse
Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the hamstring: hamstring pain from overuse
Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the hamstring: upper leg injury, severe upper leg pain
Urgency: Self-treatment
The 5 Most Common Causes Of Nerve Pain In The Lower Leg
by Desert Spine & Scoliosis Center | Jun 24, 2022 | Neck and Back Pain |
Nerve pain in your lower legs can be scary, confusing, and uncomfortable. From pins-and-needles tingling to fiery electrical shock sensations, and from a dull ache to searing shooting pain, nerve pain in the lower legs can come in all varieties. And, while there are a number of things that might cause nerve pain in your lower legs, there are a few common, and in many cases treatable, culprits.
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How Is The Cause Of Knee Numbness Diagnosed
The diagnosis starts with a physical exam evaluating strength, sensation, and reflexes in the affected leg. Imaging of the knee, back, or brain may be required to evaluate for structural abnormalities or stroke. In addition, the function of particular nerves can be examined using tests that measure electrical activity. Blood tests will be performed if a chronic medical disease like diabetes is the suspected cause of numbness.
How Is Numbness In The Legs And Feet Treated
In many cases of numbness and tingling in the legs and feet, treating the underlying cause is key to relieving this symptom. For example, if diabetes is the cause of your neuropathy, managing your blood sugar levels is an important step to take to avoid further damage.
If you develop recurring numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, talk with your doctor about the possible causes and treatments. Addressing chronic issues can take time, though. Your doctor can offer some things to help reduce discomfort from numbness and tingling while you work on bigger problems.
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Nerve Pain In Lower Leg
The sciatic nerves branch from your lower back all the way down your hips and buttocks, and all the way down your legs. When you have sciatica, a pain that radiate from your lower back to your hips and buttocks, your legs, and down your hip and buttocks, it is called sciatic nerve pain. sciatica is typically caused by a problem with the only part of the body that it affects.
People experience leg pain at some point in their lives, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. If you experience nerve pain in your legs, consult a doctor to schedule an appointment. Your best bet is to make a wise decision now so that you can live a happy life for the rest of your life. Nerve pain in the legs caused by Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can be described as follows: This type of leg pain is caused by narrowing the spinal canal , which causes compression of the spinal cord. If you take alternating heat and ice baths, you can get immediate relief of sciatic nerve pain.
Possible Causes Of Leg Numbness
There are several reasons why you might develop numbness in your legs. In many cases, the issue is a temporary one.
If you sit with your legs crossed or practice poor posture, you might be reducing blood flow to your lower limbs that causes weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations . You can also cut off the blood supply to your legs and feet if you wear pants or socks that are too tight.
Leg numbness can also be a warning sign of more serious conditions like:
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How Is Leg Swelling Medically Evaluated
When you visit your doctor with swelling in your lower extremities, the doctor will first want to know how long the swelling has been present and the frequency of your symptoms. The doctor will also ask about your medical history and whether you are experiencing symptoms such as discomfort, redness, warmth, or changes in skin color. Next, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination to check for signs of inflammation, infection, and any other visible conditions. If a circulatory problem is suspected, your doctor may order tests, such as an ultrasound or venography x-ray.
How Long Should I Try Self
Every person with sciatic pain is different. The type of pain can be different, the intensity of pain is different and the cause of the pain can be different. In some patients, a more aggressive treatment may be tried first. However, generally speaking, if a six-week trial of conservative, self-care treatments like ice, heat, stretching, over-the-counter medicines has not provided relief, its time to return to a healthcare professional and try other treatment options.
Other treatment options include:
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What Does Sciatica Pain Feel Like
People describe sciatica pain in different ways, depending on its cause. Some people describe the pain as sharp, shooting, or jolts of pain. Others describe this pain as burning, “electric or stabbing.
The pain may be constant or may come and go. Also, the pain is usually more severe in your leg compared to your lower back. The pain may feel worse if you sit or stand for long periods of time, when you stand up and when your twist your upper body. A forced and sudden body movement, like a cough or sneeze, can also make the pain worse.
When To Seek Medical Help
In some cases, feelings of numbness and tingling in the leg can indicate a serious medical condition or injury. Talk with your healthcare provider about numbness and tingling if:
- It lasts for long periods of time or occurs frequently.
- It is accompanied by other symptoms .
- It is accompanied by changes in the color, shape, or temperature of your leg.
- There is no obvious cause.
- You feel dizzy, have a rash, or muscle spasms.
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Most Lower Leg Pain Is Caused By Wear And Tear Overuse Or Injuries
Wear and tear, overuse, and injury are the most common causes of lower leg pain. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers will usually help if the pain is caused by a problem with the knee or ankle. If the pain is caused by something other than a stroke or a stroke-related infection, it may necessitate treatment. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, which is the most common type of lower leg pain, is characterized by pain centered on the inner portion of the tibia in the middle/lower thirds of the lower leg and the surrounding soft tissue. The pain of MTSS is usually reduced or eliminated as soon as the activity causes it.
When Should You Contact A Doctor
If youre experiencing persistent or recurring numbness or tingling in your legs and feet, make an appointment to talk with a doctor. Though occasional numbness can occur, persistent numbness and tingling can be an indication of a serious underlying medical condition.
The sooner a diagnosis is made the sooner treatment can start. Early treatment usually leads to better outcomes and fewer complications. Your doctor may run tests after asking about your other symptoms, conditions, and family medical history in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
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How To Treat A Numb Lower Leg At Home
If the numbness in your legs is persistent, painful, or frequent, you should have it evaluated by your doctor. Treating the underlying condition will be the best way of combating the tingling feeling.
However, there are a few treatment methods you can try at home to ease the discomfort in the meantime:
How Can I Tell If Pain In My Hip Is A Hip Issue Or Sciatica
Hip problems, such as arthritis in the hip, usually cause groin pain, pain when you put weight on your leg, or when the leg is moved around.
If your pain starts in the back and moves or radiates towards the hip or down the leg and you have numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg, sciatica is the most likely cause.
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