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Pain in left thigh after walking 20-30 minutes
I have pain after walking 20-30 minutes in my upper thigh muscle, a small area at the top of my left leg on the side and in the front. I am 56 years old. I started having this happen last fall. I thought I had over worked the muscle so I resting it but it hasn't gone away. I can ride my bicycle and use the elliptical machine without it hurting. It only hurts while I'm walking. I told my doctor and she said I should do stretching exercises. I've done some stretching but it doesn't seem to be helping. I'm thinking that maybe I should ask for an x-ray. I'm wondering if it is arthritis or maybe bursitis. Since it only hurts while I'm walking, I haven't taken any anti inflammatory medicine since it would take a while before the medicine would start to help. A woman I know that is about my age (but has a history of arthritis in her family) said that was exactly what she felt and she ended up needing hip replacement surgery. I don't believe mine is that serious but what she said worries me. Can anyone help me know what is causing this and what I should do?
Oh, sorry!
I am not very familiar with what initial letters stand for most of the time and it took me ages and the only thing that I could think of was Old Person :)
I am not very familiar with what initial letters stand for most of the time and it took me ages and the only thing that I could think of was Old Person :)
I'm sorry for using the term OP, but in other threads I cover, they use this term to refer to the "Original Poster" as the OP.
Thank you for your explanation, but I am a health care provider, who also suffers from some of the conditions I post in, so I can empathize with the posters.
Thank you for your explanation, but I am a health care provider, who also suffers from some of the conditions I post in, so I can empathize with the posters.
Thank you for the link, I will check it out, even though I already know about all these issues and am unfortunate to suffer with these problems myself. I did not ask for advice and help, but BlueSapphire777 did and I and philnoir have answered the query and have given our thoughts on the matter - and that is all we can do.
If you suffer from any form of bone problem, you will also experience muscle pain. When there is bone degeneration, the muscles around that area will go into spasm and will also be tender and painful. Of course there are other muscles and tendons, ham string, nerve ends etc and it may be any one of these too. Sometimes pain can also be referred from a problem in another part of the body and that is why it is very important to get the right medical assessment to find out what exactly the problem is.
The only way to know for sure if there is an underlying bone problem is to get an image done The doctor would decide which imaging would be appropriate and refer the person to get that done. Once the doctor gets the results the appropriate advice and/or medication on care and management can be given.
At 57 I would also not call the person an OP. I presume OP means old person.
It does not matter if the "OP" returns to the thread or not. People do read the responses to the post, but not necessary get back with a response or feedback.
If you suffer from any form of bone problem, you will also experience muscle pain. When there is bone degeneration, the muscles around that area will go into spasm and will also be tender and painful. Of course there are other muscles and tendons, ham string, nerve ends etc and it may be any one of these too. Sometimes pain can also be referred from a problem in another part of the body and that is why it is very important to get the right medical assessment to find out what exactly the problem is.
The only way to know for sure if there is an underlying bone problem is to get an image done The doctor would decide which imaging would be appropriate and refer the person to get that done. Once the doctor gets the results the appropriate advice and/or medication on care and management can be given.
At 57 I would also not call the person an OP. I presume OP means old person.
It does not matter if the "OP" returns to the thread or not. People do read the responses to the post, but not necessary get back with a response or feedback.
This link will give you the answer you were looking for: http://www.neuroanatomy.wisc.edu/SClinic/Radiculo/Radiculopathy.htm
However, the OP is complaining of "muscle pain" and it has been 2.5 weeks since her post with no response to our questions. We don't know if she has low back or hip pain, is taking Fosomax, has a history of arthritis or sciatica, her past medical history or what she has taken to alleviate the pain.
I do agree that she should report back to her MD that the stretching has not helped as she was instructed to do, and agree on the next plan of care.
Until the OP returns to the thread, there is not much we can do.
However, the OP is complaining of "muscle pain" and it has been 2.5 weeks since her post with no response to our questions. We don't know if she has low back or hip pain, is taking Fosomax, has a history of arthritis or sciatica, her past medical history or what she has taken to alleviate the pain.
I do agree that she should report back to her MD that the stretching has not helped as she was instructed to do, and agree on the next plan of care.
Until the OP returns to the thread, there is not much we can do.
You should make an appointment to see your doctor again and explain that you have been doing the stretching exercises and this has not helped.
Getting an xray done of the hip area and lower back would be a good way to find out if there is any degeneration in the hip or the lower spine. Hip problems are usually felt in the groin area and lumbar spine problems can also be felt in the side of the hip.
Best to get it checked out and then see a physiotherapist for the right type of exercises to do.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen do not suit everyone and can also cause stomach problems. If you do take any of this medication always take it with or after food to protect your stomach. You may find an anti-inflammatory gel applied directly to the area of pain may be of help instead of taking anti-inflammatories. You may find applying a heat pad or a cold pad helpful.
Take normal pain relief medication that you can purchase from the pharmacy and take as directed on the packet.
Getting an xray done of the hip area and lower back would be a good way to find out if there is any degeneration in the hip or the lower spine. Hip problems are usually felt in the groin area and lumbar spine problems can also be felt in the side of the hip.
Best to get it checked out and then see a physiotherapist for the right type of exercises to do.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen do not suit everyone and can also cause stomach problems. If you do take any of this medication always take it with or after food to protect your stomach. You may find an anti-inflammatory gel applied directly to the area of pain may be of help instead of taking anti-inflammatories. You may find applying a heat pad or a cold pad helpful.
Take normal pain relief medication that you can purchase from the pharmacy and take as directed on the packet.
Do you take any ostoeporosis mediation like F0somax? If you do, contact your doctor immediately. There is a link with medications in this class and femur pain.
If you don't, please see the following link: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/thigh-pain . I suggest you do follow up with your PCP about this after reviewing the link as to the cause of your pain.
Let us know how you do and if we can be of further assistance. :-)
If you don't, please see the following link: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/thigh-pain . I suggest you do follow up with your PCP about this after reviewing the link as to the cause of your pain.
Let us know how you do and if we can be of further assistance. :-)
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