Experiencing Numbness in My Right Leg Upon Standing
I am a 34-year-old woman, weighing 128 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall. I lead a lifestyle free from smoking and alcohol. My medical history includes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), five breast fibroadenomas, and I suffered from hepatitis E approximately a decade ago. Currently, I do not take any prescription medications or illicit drugs, but I do have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For the past two years, I have been plagued by severe pain in my coccyx, which forces me to lie on my side instead of sitting comfortably on the couch. When I rise after being prone or seated, I have to hunch over to alleviate some discomfort while I walk, as the pain is so intense that it brings me to tears. Additionally, I experience sharp pains in my anus. This all began after the birth of my child when I first noticed a crackling sensation in my knees. Last year, I started feeling shooting pains, resembling lightning strikes, that radiate from my knee to my hip, which has limited my ability to extend my leg far behind. Three months ago, while seated with my legs crossed for about an hour, I stood up to find a surge of pain shooting down my right leg. The agony in my knee and leg was unbearable, rendering them almost unusable and forcing me to shuffle away while gripping the back of my knee to lift my leg. Recently, I underwent an X-ray to further investigate these issues.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 2:20:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with multiple challenging symptoms, particularly the numbness and pain in your right leg when standing, which may stem from issues related to nerve, musculoskeletal, or vascular concerns. Let's break this down and focus on the most critical areas.
Key Points:
- Numbness and Pain: The numbness and shooting pain in your leg could be related to nerve compression, possibly from your spine or elsewhere. Given your history of coccyx pain, it’s essential to consider both nerve and musculoskeletal issues.
- Coccyx and Joint Discomfort: The severe pain you describe, especially after prolonged sitting, indicates that your coccyx pain might be connected to your lower back or hip alignment or possibly related to nerve issues.
- Recent Symptoms: The sudden surge of pain after sitting might indicate nerve involvement, possibly radiculopathy, where nerves get compressed, leading to your symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed log of when the numbness and pain occur, along with any activities that seem to trigger them. Note details like the duration and intensity of symptoms. This can help identify patterns and inform any further assessments you may seek.
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Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle exercises focused on flexibility and strengthening without exacerbating your symptoms. Activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can enhance circulation and improve nerve function. Always listen to your body and avoid movements that trigger pain.
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Posture and Ergonomics: When sitting or standing, focus on your posture. Use supportive seating if you’re sitting for extended periods, and avoid crossing your legs as this could potentially compress nerves.
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Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply heat or cold pads on the affected areas. Heat can help relax your muscles, while cold therapy can decrease inflammation and numb sharp pain.
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Consider Physical Therapy: Although not a direct step you can take alone, exploring the potential of visiting a physical therapist specializing in postural or musculoskeletal issues can be beneficial. They can provide personalized exercises to strengthen your body and alleviate nerve-related issues.
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Follow-Up Investigations: Since you've had an X-ray, it's crucial to discuss these results with your healthcare provider. Further investigations, like MRI, may be recommended to gain deeper insights, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Conclusion:
Your symptoms deserve attention, and taking proactive but gentle steps is important. Tracking your symptoms and making adjustments in your movements and posture can be very helpful. Please ensure that you're prepared for a potential deeper evaluation based on your X-ray results to address the underlying causes of your discomfort effectively. Let me know if you need more guidance or specific advice on any of these steps.
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