OpenHealth Q&A

Intense Leg Pain and Dizziness Dismissed as Psychological

I’m a young adult assigned female at birth, and about three weeks ago, I began experiencing discomfort in my left shin. Initially, I thought it would just go away, but later that evening, I noticed a noticeable indentation at the site of the pain. While it wasn’t so severe that I couldn’t walk, it was quite bothersome. I consulted a doctor on the fourth day, had X-rays taken, all of which turned out normal. The physician suggested I might just be dealing with shin splints and sent me home with some exercises. I found him rather dismissive. Feeling uneasy about my condition, I sought a second opinion a week later, where the doctor took my concerns more seriously. We discussed the possibility of further imaging and agreed to schedule a follow-up MRI in a month’s time. I was given muscle relaxants, but they didn’t alleviate the pain, nor did over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen. About five days ago, roughly three and a half weeks after the initial discomfort started, the pain escalated significantly. It became so severe that I feared it wouldn’t be safe to drive my partner home, so we chose to wait until morning. I ended up staying at his place, lying in bed as the pain worsened, now radiating to my knee. Given my family history of knee issues and hypermobility, I questioned whether this pain was unrelated, but I decided to use crutches to rest my leg. The pain quickly spread from my lower shin to my thigh and up to my hip and ankle. I lost my job and started delivering food with my partner, who took on the heavy lifting, but even the vibrations from the car caused immense pain. The situation was becoming dire enough that I almost went to the emergency room, but my mother, a nurse, convinced me to hold off until our scheduled orthopedic visit the next day. The following morning, I woke up feeling overheated and dizzy, which I initially attributed to our malfunctioning apartment AC. Despite that, I prepared for my appointment, but by the time I reached the clinic, my dizziness had intensified. I discussed my symptoms with the doctor, who appeared empathetic but not overly alarmed. We planned to schedule an MRI for the following week to investigate further. I expressed concern about the rapid spread of pain, yet he was unconvinced that it signified something serious. I requested ice water to help with my condition and gulped it down in hopes of feeling better. After speculating about my low blood sugar due to not eating, I picked up a snack from the clinic. Although I chose a protein-rich meal at a nearby fast food restaurant to stabilize my blood sugar levels, I didn’t notice any improvement even an hour later; I actually felt worse. When I called my mom to explain my worsening state, she advised me to take Tylenol and ibuprofen to see if I had developed a fever. I did so, continuing to sip a sweet beverage on the side. Eventually, I decided to drive home, despite my lingering malaise. The trip, a straightforward ten-minute drive, required all my concentration, and I arrived safely. I collapsed onto my bed due to how awful I felt, compounded by the absence of AC. Unable to process my thoughts properly, I texted my roommate to come to my room. He was already aware of my leg issues and seemed quite concerned. When he asked me what I needed, I could only text back that I didn’t know, feeling bewildered and disoriented. He came to sit with me and took notes on my symptoms, calling his mom for advice. She recommended urgent care, which we decided to pursue. With his and his brother’s assistance, I made it to the clinic. Once there, I must have looked quite unwell, as I struggled to convey my symptoms, feeling utterly out of sorts. My roommate presented my symptoms to the front desk, and while I attempted to explain my condition, it was a challenge just to stay upright. Eventually, they took note of our list and redirected us to the emergency room, citing the need for more immediate care. At the ER, I was triaged almost instantly and brought back to a room. During the triage, I clearly articulated that I wasn’t experiencing any mental health concerns, nor did I have suicidal thoughts. The details become hazy for me afterward, but at some point, my mother arrived after I struggled to relay my symptoms to a medical student. They proceeded to order a CT scan of my head, an ultrasound of my leg, additional X-rays, and various blood tests. Though I have a significant phobia of needles, I attempted to keep calm while they set up an IV. Unfortunately, my dehydration made it difficult to draw blood. My mother suggested they provide me with fluids to assist with that. After undergoing the scans and X-rays, we still hadn’t completed the blood draw, but then encountered problems with the IV, necessitating a new insertion, which heightened my anxiety. Despite this, I managed to endure it, particularly when my partner returned to support me. Eventually, they were successful in drawing blood, and we awaited the results. The results revealed trivial deviations in my blood markers, primarily irrelevant to my symptoms. The medical student returned to inform us that I was being discharged and should follow up with my psychiatrist. With my limitations and concerns, like my inability to work or drive, I expressed frustration at their dismissal of my condition, with no additional guidance given. Given that they suspected my symptoms might be linked to withdrawal from Lexapro, my mother suggested that I resume half the dose I had been taking previously over the next few days to observe any changes. I did take half a dose last night. While my leg still hurts severely and I feel unsure about my ability to drive, I must admit that my condition has improved compared to yesterday. Ultimately, I wanted to voice my frustrations regarding how often healthcare providers brush off serious physical ailments as mere anxiety, particularly affecting those assigned female at birth. Have others had similar experiences? I’m at a loss. I sought treatment at a well-respected hospital, where I have been previously treated for various health issues, and have never been treated like this before. I worry that this pain might further escalate into more serious areas of my body. Though I doubt my symptoms arise from Lexapro discontinuation, I look forward to ruling that out soon. I’m exhausted, and tired of feeling overlooked by the medical system. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 1:02:36 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you're experiencing intense leg pain coupled with dizziness and have felt dismissed by healthcare professionals, which is understandably frustrating and concerning. The symptoms you describe could relate to several issues, and it’s vital you continue to advocate for your health until you find clarity and relief.

Key Points:

1. Intense Leg Pain: This could stem from various causes, including muscle tears, nerve issues, or problems related to your hypermobility.
2. Dizziness and Overheating: These symptoms might be linked to dehydration, anxiety, or even a physiological response to pain.
3. Need for Monitoring: While you've undergone some testing, it's essential to keep track of any changes in your symptoms leading up to your scheduled MRI.

Explanation:

Leg pain that spreads and intensifies, especially given your history of hypermobility and family knee issues, warrants close monitoring. While your X-rays were normal, pain could still arise from issues not visible on imaging, such as tendon or ligament injuries or even conditions like compartment syndrome. Dizziness and feeling unwell could result from inadequate nutrition or dehydration, especially during times of stress related to your pain.

Next Steps:

1. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're drinking enough water daily and consuming balanced meals. This can help improve your overall well-being and decrease symptoms of dizziness. Aiming for small, frequent meals that include protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats may be beneficial.

2. Pain Management: Since Tylenol and ibuprofen did not provide relief, consider applying ice to the painful area several times a day for 15-20 minutes. Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises (as advised by your doctor) might also provide some relief.

3. Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting the severity of your pain, any new symptoms, activity levels, and any treatments you try. This log can be incredibly valuable for your next healthcare appointment.

4. Follow Up: Continue to pursue that MRI scheduled with your orthopedic doctor, and prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss at your next appointment. If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms (like fever, severe swelling, or changes in mobility), consider advocating for an earlier evaluation.

5. Mental Health Care: Managing stress and anxiety is crucial too. Meditation, deep breathing, or mild physical activity may help improve your distress. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your mental health professional for support during this challenging time.

6. Support Network: Lean on your friends and family for support. Discuss how they can help you, whether by providing transportation, companionship during appointments, or help with daily tasks.

It's vital you continue seeking answers and care until you feel heard and understood. Your physical health is important, and advocating for yourself is key in navigating the healthcare system. Please ensure you keep an open line of communication with your healthcare providers, express your concerns, and don’t hesitate to ask for tests that may provide you with the clarity you need. Take care, and feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need more support.