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Leg pain in 21 yr old female

3 weeks ago, I woke up one day with pain in my legs. Over the next few days, the pain became more localized and I developed hard lumps that hurt like a bruise except they didn't exhibit any coloration associated with a bruise. I thought it was because I was sleeping on the couch but I changed where I sleep. Fast forward three weeks later and it has become very difficult to walk, especially use stairs, and I have severe pain in my legs. I also experienced rapid weight loss, about 4 - 5 pounds in a week, and have back pain. I am 21 years old, a female, weigh 123 pounds and am 5' 5'' Right now, as I am typing, I have a burning sensation in my ankles and it feels like they are going to swell up. Any suggestions as to what this may be?
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Avatar universal
My leg pain is most severe in the morning after I wake up and then seems to completely subside. Once bed time rolls around again, the pain starts. I am not sexually active, I have been very stressed out and I may be too young for clots in my legs. I know I can't rule out clots, however. I kind of feel that the doctors will say nothing is wrong with me since the pain isn't bad during the afternoon/evening. I guess I am afraid that they won't take me seriously. Thanks for your suggestions and I will definitely go to my doctor ASAP.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
I agree with Caregiver that you need an urgent assessment by a doctor. It could be a vascular pathology like clot and you may need dopplar or angiogram. It can also be neurological and a MRI of lower spine may be needed.
Unintentional and unexplained weight loss is definitely not good. There are many causes like worms in stool, depression, anorexia nervosa, AIDS, cancers especially colon cancers, drug abuse, infections and loss of appetite. Loss of appetite can again be due to certain medications, drug abuse, depression, AIDS, acute and chronic infections, cancers and hypothyroidism. Either you do not eat well or there is increased metabolism as in hyperthyroid states, HIV, cancer etc. Poor absorption as in irritable bowel syndromes and malabsorption syndromes too is possible. Malabsorption syndromes are seen in intestinal tuberculosis, HIV, tropical sprue, parasites in stool and Whipple’s Disease. Diabetes too can be the cause and you could be having diabetic neuropathy and atherosclerosis and deep vein thrombosis associated with it.
Please consult a doctor ASAP, I am not sure how—maybe ER or your PCP. Take care!


Helpful - 0
144586 tn?1284666164
You need a professional medical examination STAT. That means as soon as possible.

I would go so far as to suggest a visit to an emergency room. The first though is that you may have vascular issues, but there are other scenarios. If you are developing clots and they travel you may end up paralyzed from a stroke.

All of these symptoms point to a potential life-threatening problem. Not necesssarily so, but the reality is you require a professional evaluation.
Helpful - 0
1510549 tn?1290082000
It could be Blood Clogs, you should check up with your doctor, it sounds serious to me.
Helpful - 0
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