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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Mom 72 with leg pain
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Mom 72 with leg pain
by embliegus, Jul 22, 2002 12:00AM
My mom is 72 years old and has been 40-50 pounds overweight most of her adult life. She refuses to go to the doctor - hasn't been for 15 years at least. She has been having extremely excrutiating pain down her left leg. She says the pain goes all the way from her hip to her ankle. She also said her hip seems a bit swollen and that she's also been having pain in her stomach that she feels is associated with this leg pain (left side stomach pain). Advil releives the pain somewhat to where she can walk, but without that she wouldn't be able to move. Although I've encouraged her to go to the doctor, she most likely won't.
She has no known medical problems (since she doesn't go to the doctor!!) with the exception of arthritis in her hands for years. She says this pain is much worse than the pain of arthritis, and doesn't feel that arthritis is what this is. Any ideas what could cause this sort of leg pain?
Thanks for your help.
She has no known medical problems (since she doesn't go to the doctor!!) with the exception of arthritis in her hands for years. She says this pain is much worse than the pain of arthritis, and doesn't feel that arthritis is what this is. Any ideas what could cause this sort of leg pain?
Thanks for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-DT, Jul 22, 2002 12:00AM
Thank you for visiting the Family Practice Forum.
You mention the pain is in the hip and into the leg and appears to be relieved with Advil. It is most likely, based on the symptom complex you describe that she has an arthritic hip. Being overweight, of course makes matters worse.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. Its incidence increases with age. At least half of individuals over the age of 65 will have evidence of osteoarthritis on Xray. This disorder is characterized by cartilage damage and the response of the bone to this damage. This week we discuss the causes, prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Cartilage between the bones in the joints usually provides for a very smooth surface with very little friction (similar to rubbing baby oil between your fingers). Osteoarthritis begins as the cells which making cartilage in the joints begins to grow abnormally. The result is an initially thickened layer of cartilage, which soon becomes thin and develops cracks on the surface. The bone in the joint responds to this damage and produces small bumps on the surface of the bone (called “osteophytes”). In addition tiny cavities or pits in the bone may form. The end result is the smooth, slippery surface of the bone becomes rough and pitted. The joint is no longer able to move smoothly. The inflammation associated with this rough surface leads to further cartilage breakdown and osteophyte formation.
Many times, Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be all that is needed for treatment of osteoarthritis. Two extra-strength Tylenol, taken 4 times a day will relieve the discomfort of osteoarthritis very well in most patients. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin are helpful if there is increased pain or swelling to the joint. Some newer medications known as “COX-2 inhibitors” are very helpful at reducing pain and inflammation but with a lower incidence of stomach irritation. Celebrex and Vioxx are two COX-2 inhibitors available presently. They are both taken as a once-daily dose.
You mention the pain is in the hip and into the leg and appears to be relieved with Advil. It is most likely, based on the symptom complex you describe that she has an arthritic hip. Being overweight, of course makes matters worse.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. Its incidence increases with age. At least half of individuals over the age of 65 will have evidence of osteoarthritis on Xray. This disorder is characterized by cartilage damage and the response of the bone to this damage. This week we discuss the causes, prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Cartilage between the bones in the joints usually provides for a very smooth surface with very little friction (similar to rubbing baby oil between your fingers). Osteoarthritis begins as the cells which making cartilage in the joints begins to grow abnormally. The result is an initially thickened layer of cartilage, which soon becomes thin and develops cracks on the surface. The bone in the joint responds to this damage and produces small bumps on the surface of the bone (called “osteophytes”). In addition tiny cavities or pits in the bone may form. The end result is the smooth, slippery surface of the bone becomes rough and pitted. The joint is no longer able to move smoothly. The inflammation associated with this rough surface leads to further cartilage breakdown and osteophyte formation.
Many times, Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be all that is needed for treatment of osteoarthritis. Two extra-strength Tylenol, taken 4 times a day will relieve the discomfort of osteoarthritis very well in most patients. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin are helpful if there is increased pain or swelling to the joint. Some newer medications known as “COX-2 inhibitors” are very helpful at reducing pain and inflammation but with a lower incidence of stomach irritation. Celebrex and Vioxx are two COX-2 inhibitors available presently. They are both taken as a once-daily dose.
Thank you.