Help with Thigh Pain

[HaffiesRock]

I don't see much point in visiting the doctor just yet, so thought I would ask on here first if anyone has anything similar. I know it is a long shot and you aren't all doctors or physios (posted in the Tack Room hoping it is a common riding complaint...)

About July time, I started to get a dull ache in the middle of my left thigh. It wasn't painful but was noticeable. I had been to a show a day or two before the pain started so I assumed I had pulled it riding (although don't remember pain at the time). Over the months the pain remained and I ignored it. I had partially torn a cruciate ligament years ago so knew it could take a long time to heal if it was infact an injury. The last 6 weeks or so however, the pain has increased significantly and is very painful now

When sat is feels fine. When I stand up, the first few steps are very painful and my leg feels week. I would guess it is some kind of tendon pain as it radiates from the top of my knee, up my thigh to my groin area. After walking a few steps it eases off a lot, but I still have a slight limp. The worse pain comes if I am stood up and I lift my left leg slightly, like resting a hind hoof. It seems to be the lifting, pushing forward action that hurts the most, however walking up and down stairs doesn't cause additional pain.

I suffer with fybromyalgia and also rheumatoid arthritis as part of my Chrohn's disease and I take immuno-suppressant drugs to control these conditions. I guess it is just a new pain to add to my collection, hence why not going to the doctors.

It has reached the point where I am struggling to get on my pony now, and once on my leg is sore so I haven't been riding as much as I'd like too.

Does this sound like it may be an injury over an inflammatory reaction? The leg pain is there whether or not any other parts of my body are flaring up.

(edited to add) I don't know if this is relevant, but I get reoccurring shingles across the top of my left thigh (caused by being immuno-suppressed. Not sure if that could have anything to do with it?
Thanks to anyone who can help. I will visit the doctor in the new year.

 

[soulfull]

sorry to hear you are suffering. I am a fellow RA suffer. IT does sound like tendon/nerve pain and as you probable know RA affect tendons as much as joints. So much so that very often I have more trouble with tendons and nerves than I do with joints.

It is something you should mention to your RA specialist though

 

[Annagain]

The weakness makes it sound like some sort of nerve issue to me. It could be linked to the shingles as that can affect nerve endings, or maybe a back problem? I have a lower back problem and it can sometimes manifest itself in pain on the outside of my thigh, but if it's affecting a different nerve, there's no reason why it can't affect a different part of the leg. I swear by my chiropractor, by I know they're not for everyone so maybe a trip to the GP in the first instance would be an idea and see what (s)he says about it? Hope you get it sorted soon.

 

[MDB]

Anterior thigh pain and groin pain is most likely to be hip or back related but it's really impossible and not particularly safe to give advice over the internet If you have any weakness, pins and needles or numbness in your legs or feet it is always best to seek professional advice as this could be a sign of nerve compression. You also have other conditions which could be contributing. The treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis, but since you seem to have this for a number of months and it is worsening you would be best to get someone to take a proper look at you. Good luck, chronic pain is no fun.

 

[misskk88]

I know you are putting your pain down to what you already suffer from, but if it is new pain, that has lingered on long enough, a visit to the Doctor for at least a check up and a chat really is your best bet. They may be able to help in some way, even if it is to confirm the source of the pain so that you can manage it appropriately.

I can't help with own experiences as I am fortunate not to have them, but I do have family members who suffer with RA and CD and I see how they can suffer, even on ok days.

Hope you are feeling a bit better soon. xx

 

[WelshTilly]

Hi

I would say definitely get it checked out, I know it's easy to put it down to your RA but the weakness does sound strange.

I had hip, groin, thigh, knee pain for ages put down to sciatica, pulled muscle etc etc however transpired I have Hip dysplastic never diagnosed until my late 20's which apparently is very common amongst women of that age group and sporty people where a lot of pressure is put on the Hips.

I would say definitely go and get it checked out and make sure you feel comfortable with the diagnosis you know your body best!!

K

 

[Patchworkpony]

A good cranial osteopath may sort you out - I get these same symptoms and know it is always a slight twist in my pelvis that happens from time to time. In my experience GPs are useless for anything like this - you need to see a proper back specialist as trapped nerves in the back can often affect anywhere down the legs and the feet. Good luck.

 

[Holly Hocks]

Shingles can affect the nerve endings, so it could possibly be due to that. However I get thigh pain as a result of a back problem, and it's possible that its come from that.