Understanding My Recent Leg Pain
I am a 34-year-old female, maintaining a normal weight, with a non-smoking history. I have previously experienced plantar fasciitis and have limited walking activity for the past five years, along with some back issues linked to that condition. Recently, I underwent facet joint injections for pain management. The onset of my current symptoms is puzzling; there was no specific injury or intense physical activity involved. I do not have a history of prior ankle injuries, aside from a known left ankle os trigonum and an impingement that had never caused any pain before now. About a month ago, I woke up to intense cramps in my left calf that persisted for five continuous days. I found it difficult to flex my ankle inward, and the cramps radiated to my ankle, hamstring, and knee, causing my entire leg to feel tight and making it hard to straighten. Thankfully, the discomfort eased up after two weeks; however, it returned a week later, manifesting as significant ankle swelling and severe pain. The primary location of the pain is on the outer side of the ankle, though it also affects the inner part. On my other leg, the pain appeared more gradually. I have shared images for evaluation regarding the swelling on all sides of my ankles. My ultrasound didn’t show any edema in the tendons, but I'm curious as to what the observations might suggest. Recently, I received injections of dextrose and lidocaine into the peroneal nerve of my left ankle, as well as treatments for Baxter's and the tibial nerve. The swelling was present prior to these injections. My doctor insists that my condition is not tendonitis, but I have my reservations, especially since the pain is felt on both sides of my ankle.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 6:50:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant pain and discomfort in your left ankle and leg, particularly with symptoms like cramps, swelling, and tightness. Given your history and the recent treatments, it’s understandable to have concerns about what might be going on.
Explanation:
The combination of your symptoms, including cramping and pain around the ankle and leg, as well as the swelling, could suggest a few underlying issues. Since your ultrasound did not show tendon edema, this may indicate that the pain isn't necessarily due to tendonitis, but rather could be related to nerve entrapment, muscle strain, or possibly issues with the joint itself, especially since you've had a history of ankle impingement.
The peroneal nerve injections you received might point towards nerve-related issues causing the pain and swelling. Cramps and tightness often arise from muscle fatigue or imbalances, especially if you've reduced physical activity in recent years due to plantar fasciitis and back issues.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and how they respond to rest or movement. This can help you identify any patterns or triggers.
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Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle calf and ankle stretching exercises to ease tightness. Try stretches like a calf stretch against a wall, holding for 15-30 seconds several times a day. This may help reduce cramping and improve flexibility.
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Elevation & Compression: When experiencing swelling, elevate your ankle above heart level and consider using a compression bandage, which might help reduce swelling and discomfort.
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Low-Impact Activities: Incorporate low-impact movements, such as swimming or cycling, which can keep your muscles active without putting undue stress on your ankle joints.
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Follow Up on Treatment Effectiveness: Since you've undergone injections, evaluate how well they are managing your symptoms. If improvement is insufficient, discuss further diagnostic options with your healthcare provider, such as MRI imaging to assess for more subtle joint or soft tissue injuries.
It's crucial to approach this systematically, ensuring you find the right balance between rest and movement, while staying in touch with your healthcare provider for ongoing concerns. Let me know if you’d like more specific exercises or modifications!
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