Legs! A Difficult Diagnosis

michael_88
michael_88 Member Posts: 8
edited 5. Apr 2009, 08:17 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi there ... the perfect pain description of my problem is the one experienced when one locks the knees to touch one's toes. Stretched tendons presumably. But the discomfit is continuous; it started several days ago.
I am a 66-year old active male. Good health and not overweight: I am as good as you're going to get for my age. I walk several times a week; maybe ten hours in all. Nothing strenuous.
My job does mean however I sit down a lot; driving or desk. A clue perhaps?
Five years ago and totally out of the blue I got a severe swelling and considerable pain in my right knee joint. I was going on holiday at the time so I lived with it. Fourteen days later it had largely disappeared.
The doctor said; ''Sounds like rheumatoid arthritis. Gulp. But there was no advice: that was it. I hope this isn't its return.
It really doesn't seem like a joint problem and in fact the persistent ache now goes down the back of my legs from thighs to calves.
Totally tendon / muscle. The joints seem fine and no mobility probs' ... it would be nice to get my fingers near my toes though :o( Any ideas please?

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Michael
    Do you think it could possibly be sciatica as you mention a pain down the back of your leg? Best get to the gp if these symptoms do not go away. You can always cancel a gp appontment if, over the weekend, all the aches and pains you describe magically disappear.

    Hope your day goes fairly smoothly,
    Elna
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    HI welcome,
    Yes, I think you should go back to the doctor. Have you had a blood test or x-ray? No referral to a rheummotologist or medication given, it sounds a bit strange to me, not that I'm an expert. :) I have OA, but they tested my blood and keep doing so for RA. Hope you get sorted and better. Sue
  • michael_88
    michael_88 Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I am pretty certain it is sciatica ... I tested myself, according to the good advice given here, and sciatica ticks all the boxes. The 'downside' to being fortunately healthy all a long life is that when you do get something, the ignorance is overwhelming. A bit like a New Guinea indian wondering what the heck a head cold or influenza is :|
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    If it is sciatica, a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath may be able to help you. Take your pick :lol::lol: Just a thought.
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • michael_88
    michael_88 Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    You are all right! It IS sciatica. I went to the doctor's this morning and it was confirmed. Wow! It is a lip-biting painful ailment isn't it?
    She gave me a jab in the bum, after which the pain virtually vanished for a blessed eight hours.
    It returned tonight and I have just had a hot bath. That had the same lovely effect.
    :D
    So, I get the jab every day for the next six days. Thanks everyone; your input and advice is really apreciated. Mwah!
    :D
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,351
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    HI Michael!
    So pleased you know what it is and there is treatment too!!
    You sound releived as well!! :)
    Take care
    Toni x
  • michael_88
    michael_88 Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Yes, it is a relief to be able to identify the ailment and I have genned up on it.
    But this bout, my first, kicked in on Wednesday last and it has been the most painful condition I have had in a long, far from wimpish life.
    No one seems to know how long (typically) it is likely to persist.
    At least with a toothache you can get it pulled, and a broken bone you have some idea of discomfit's end. But like a broken heart, sciatica seems to be answered by, 'how long is a piece of string?'
    Do I get a week's supply of Ibuprofen, a month's ... of fill the garden shed? Oh, I wish I could see an end to it. I feel like I have been kicked behind the knee by a mule.
    Sorry, I am usually of cheery disposition. :lol:

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