Painful leg

I have a pain down my right leg from my bum down past my knee. It is very painful to walk. I wonder if I need a hip replacement or whether it is sciatica. I have had both knees replaced .I usually walk with a stick but now have to use a frame as the pain makes me feel as my leg will give way and I certainly don’t want to fall. Any suggestions?

[AgedCrone]

Could be anything...I’m afraid only seeing a doctor will give you an answer.

I’d make an appointment soon...nothing is worse than having pain when you don't Know what is causing it.

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

The rheumatologist ex rayed my hip and said it didn’t look any different from last time. I have pins in where I broke my femur several years ago

[AgedCrone in reply to Hidden]

Have you seen him since the Pain got so much worse? Maybe you could have a word with your rheumy nurse & she could get you some more effective pain killers?

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

I am due to see the nurse practitioner next week.

It got worse after I had been round the super market in the morning then did a lot of walking round the hospital when seeing the rheumatologist and having x rays. This was using a stick and holding on to my husband’s arm. Maybe I overdid it!

[AgedCrone in reply to Hidden]

I think we all do that....try taking your painkillers & having a few restful days.

Show your husband how the oven works & retire to the sofa with a good book!!

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

My husband does all the cooking now. I cannot stand for very long.

[Genie11]

Sounds like Sciatica to me. With Hip problems you normally feel pain in the groin area.

[JDQuinn75]

I’ve the same thing. I was told that mine is the sciatica nerve . I feel it through my buttocks. I also get it to the bottom of my foot as well. Every so often I’ll get a burning sensation down my thigh. Usually I get that if I’m relaxing with my legs stretched out. . It can be an intense burning sensation at times. Mine is from degenerative in my spine though. I have my good days and bad day at times. Good luck with yers.

[Hidden in reply to JDQuinn75]

Thanks for your reply. Sometimes when I walk I feel as though my leg is going to give way. Scared of falling. Did you have any treatment for sciatica?

[JDQuinn75 in reply to Hidden]

I brought it up to my gp a few years ago. He’s not really done anything or suggested anything to me. I have some days as well that are very painful. I just deal with it when mine acts up on me.

[Imom in reply to JDQuinn75]

I have exactly the same thing. If you google sciatica it will explain. Pain is from back and is worst upon waking in the morning. I just finished six weeks of physical therapy for it. It helped a lot but not entirely. I’ve been referred to back specialist. Exercise is the beat thing for it. I was told not to sit for too long at a time - to get up and walk a bit, although it’s the last thing you feel like doing!! Applying an ice pack also helps as does a topical ointment (I use CBD or prescription Voltaren Gel which is topical ibuprophen). Check into stretches for the lower back. I. Truly feel your pain and wish you well. Hugs!

[JDQuinn75]

I've only had X-rays on my lower spine area. Thus far nothing else has been done other than that>

[RAreyna]

Usually sciatica goes all the way down to the ankle. You could have piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a hip muscle that very easily becomes tight. The sciatic nerve can run parallel, on top of, under, or even through the piriformis. I know, because I used to be a massage therapist and I have to stretch my hips every day to avoid that pain! If you google "piriformis stretches", you'll get a few options. I do Pigeon Pose from yoga when my knees allow.

[Blot]

Yes a trip to the doctor is advisable. However, if the pain goes down to the knee and then further down, this does sound like Sciatica. An osteopath could help you there, as your pelvic girdle could be out of sinc causing the sciatic nerve to rub against the sides of the notch it slides through as it continues down the leg. An osteopath will straighten you up. Pain in the groin is a tell tail sign of hip problems of all kinds but the GP could order an X-ray to see what’s happening to the joint. I would go soon for advice.

[medway-lady]

I had a similiar sounding pain. From bottom of spins down left buttock down to knee and back to groin. Felt awful it was Shingles so please go to your GP asap. If its not then great if it is then you need anti virals.

[Hidden]

Thank you all very much for your replies.

[NeonkittyUK]

I have sciatica when I am on a car journey for more than two hours and it feels like my nerves are being jumped on down my buttock and thigh and back of leg. It subsides afrer aqua/hydro and movement but I do have an arthritic hip too. Moving is best for me.

[Hidden]

Thanks for your reply.i amseeing the nurse practioner next week