WTF is this? (diagnose me)

[cna]

So, I'm standing in the laundry room cleaning out the lint trap and out of nowhere I get a debilitating pain that starts at my ankle and shoots all the way up my leg. Like one minute I'm standing there and then I'm on the floor wanting to cut my leg off to make it stop. The pain isn't constant but comes in waves every few minutes. Has anyone had this or know what it might be??

Disclaimer: I was made to promise I would go to the doctor if it isn't better tomorrow.

[jag01]

Oh no! Like a charlie horse muscle cramp? Or did it feel more like bone pain?

[momin2013]

O.k., that sounds odd - maybe a muscle spasm? Or could you have maybe tweaked something in your back that caused a nerve to fire off down one leg?

I would probably try lying flat and bending/stretching that leg up towards your chest and holding it, in case there's a kink you need to work out. Another approach would be either a hot bath or an ice pack on your lower back.

If it isn't better by tomorrow, though, I would be seeing a doc, that's for sure... 

[cna]

At first I thought it might be sciatica but the pain was a little bit different and usually starts in my butt and shoots down my leg. I think you might be onto something with a nerve, though.

[cna]

I took a vicodin and rubbed some icy hot on my leg for good measure and it's starting to feel better. Also, icy hot is weird.

[abs]

Some sort of inflamed nerve would be my guess. How are you feeling this morning?

[momin2013]

Yeah, cna, is it better today?

[cna]

My leg is a little bit twingey (yeah, I know that's not a word) and my foot gets a little bit tingly but the pain is mostly gone. If this becomes a regular thing I will cry.

[gastro]

I don't think it would hurt to see a neurologist and rule out a nerve thing. These things are only easier to treat when detected early.

[momin2013]

Keep trying to stretch your back/spine out when you can; it sounds like a pinched nerve to me.

I've had a similar pain/feeling, and what helped was to sit on the floor, bring my knees up to my chest, and sort of hug them with my arms as far forward as I could, sort of like rolling into a ball.

[Deleted]

Another vote for a consult with a neuro! Just to make sure it's nothing that can flair up again. Feel better!