February 10, 2012
Topics A-Z Pain Pain in the Back of the Leg
Pain in the Back of the Leg |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been having problems with my right hip since a car rear ending me. It seems to be getting better but now a complication has started with what I call the top of my hamstring when I walk. It is at the base of my rear end. It seems that it brings more pain when my leg is coming forward in my stride. I am taking Ibuprofen and tylenol for pain and possible inflamation, a topical muscle cream, and trying to stretch the place. It seems to be helping with what I have done and also some this morning after my bike ride for about an hour. I started to wear orthotics from walk fit about 2 months ago because of high arches because I was having some problems with my left heal and use the high inset for the insert. I was wondering could this high insert have affected this muscle or tendon that far up the leg. I have placed the medium insert to see if this will help. I know that I have rambled on but wanted to give as much information as possible to see if you could assist. Dear Marcus: Any muscle strain or muscle pull or even a muscle tear implies damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. The time of healing varies from patient to patient and also depends on the severity of the injury. Try not to use devices that may alter the normal biomechanics of the legs, causing more harm than help. The conservative treatment consists of: initially, protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as the PRICE formula) can help the affected muscle and also maintaining the strained muscle in a stretched position. Heat can be applied when the swelling has lessened, anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e.: “Aleve”), rest the strained muscle and avoid the activities that caused the strain and other activities that are painful. A Physical Therapy program for 4-6 weeks must be followed and practice at home the stretching exercises above all. The healing time and conditions for each patient are different. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 March 2010 ) |
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