Unexplained Leg Pain Without Exercise: What Could Be Wrong? - Neurology

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Unexplained leg pain, especially when accompanied by swelling, warmth, and difficulty walking, can be concerning and warrants a thorough evaluation. Given your symptoms, it’s essential to consider several potential underlying causes, as well as the appropriate medical specialties to consult.

Firstly, the pain you describe, which has progressed from the ankle to the calf and now involves the thigh and hip area, could be indicative of several conditions. One possibility is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. DVT can cause swelling, pain, and warmth in the affected area, and it can be life-threatening if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). If you experience sudden swelling, pain, or discoloration in your leg, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Another potential cause of your symptoms could be a muscle strain or ligament injury, especially if there was any recent activity that may have led to overuse or trauma. However, since you mentioned that you have not engaged in any exercise, this seems less likely.
Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or tendinitis, could also be responsible for your symptoms. Given that your inflammatory markers are elevated, it suggests that there is some underlying inflammatory process occurring in your body. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders could lead to systemic inflammation and joint pain, even in the absence of physical activity.
Additionally, conditions such as sciatica, which is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, could lead to pain radiating from the lower back down through the leg. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like tingling or numbness.

Considering the complexity of your symptoms and the elevated inflammatory markers, it would be advisable to consult with a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist specializes in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and can perform further evaluations, including imaging studies or additional blood tests, to identify the root cause of your symptoms. They can also help manage any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your pain.

In the meantime, while you are waiting for further evaluation, there are some general recommendations you can follow to help manage your pain. Resting the affected leg, applying ice to reduce swelling, and elevating the leg can be beneficial. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, but you should follow your doctor's advice regarding their use.

Lastly, it’s crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any worsening of your condition, such as increased swelling, redness, or if you develop a fever, you should seek medical attention promptly.
In summary, unexplained leg pain, particularly with associated symptoms like swelling and warmth, should not be ignored. Consulting a rheumatologist would be a prudent next step to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.