Leg Pain

My 17 year old son could hardly walk for the past four days. He complains about muscle pain in both his legs, unable to grab things and feel powerless. He was given medication for gastric treatment but no improvement. He didn't have stomach pain just weakness in both his legs and hands. Can anybody out there help explain. Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.

There can be a variety of causes, ranging from musculoskeletal causes to neurological conditions.  

Chronic muscle pain and weakness should necessitate a workup that includes checking the muscle enzyme levels, as well as rheumatologic blood tests, like the ANA level.  Imaging the brain or spine can be considered if a neurologic cause is suspected.  

A referral to a neurologist or orthopedist can be considered, depending on what your son's personal physician finds.  

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd