Sciatica but with really bad knee pain!
Posted , 5 users are following.
Looking for a bit of advice please. I'm in my early 20s usually fit & mobile but I started last month with lower back pain. 3 weeks ago I contacted my GP as I was having symptoms of Sciatica - Pain in lower back into bottom then pins & needles down my left leg etc. Due to the current situation my GP are only doing telephone consultations and confirmed it sounded like sciatica and told me to use the NHS website for sciatica stretches etc. The GP told me it can last several weeks but if I lose control of my bladder etc to call back urgently.
I've been doing the stretches and following some YouTube videos on sciatica relief etc which has worked for my lower back pain (no longer getting the pins & needles constantly whenever I move). The only problem I have now is I can't sleep at all! The pain in my left knee is agonising - like a constant toothache. I've been using heat / ice compressions along with ibuprofen & Co-Codamol. I'm struggling to find a position that is comfortable and eases my pain.
I just wondered if anyone else has experienced this when they had sciatica and what helped to relive the agonising knee pain? The excerises aren't working and neither is anything else. I'm considering a walk-in centre as my GP aren't seeing anyone atm.
(Sorry for the long post) I'd be really grateful if anyone has any suggestions or advice.
Thank you
0 likes, 15 replies
sandrajune1972 Loulou3003
Edited
Hi, sorry to hear you're suffering, you're not alone!
I'm certainly no expert, but from personal experience I find I get leg, foot & knee pain with the sciatica, & I think it's down to overcompensating & limping.
Or you could have maybe strained your knee whilst doing your stretches.
It's really hard, but try as best you can to walk normally, & try to keep moving!
Hope you feel better soon :0)
Loulou3003 sandrajune1972
Edited
Hi, thank you for replying!
I'm glad I'm not alone in this, but I wouldn't wish this on anyone!
Yes I agree, I think I've tried not to put as much weight on it ect and probably caused more damage than good! I have been advised to keep it moving as best as I can, I just wasn't sure knee pain would come with the sciatica but looks like I'm wrong... It's becoming difficult to excerise but I get that it needs to be done in order for it to heal, so I'll have to grin and bare it unfortunately.
Thank you 😃
CHICO_MARX Loulou3003
Edited
I've had sciatica for decades. There are very distinct causes. Here ya go...
Sciatica
A chiropractor is your first stop as you should not take the NSAIDS for more than 10 days max (they will start to eat up your stomach lining). As per my examples in the link, you may get immediate relief or have to do some sessions over the course of a month. These docs must have a protocol in place for emergencies like you during the pandemic.
Do NOT take the nerve meds if offered...too many side effects plus this is only a temporary problem. Also try rubbing in some Diclofenac Gel 3X/day especially at bedtime (first check for interactions with any meds you are taking now...the risk is virtually nil but check anyway). You may also try a cheap (~$25 USD) TENS unit...lots of pharmacies have them.
Find the cause and fix it...
Loulou3003 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Hi, Thank you for your reply. Sorry to hear you've had sciatica for decades, that must be awful!
I did think they should have something in place but yet again got a telephone consultation back. Amazes me how you can que for a chicken burger at a drive thru but can't see a dr, physio, chiropractor etc... unless you go to A&E! But anyway, I understand it's a bad time atm and it's added pressure on them.
Thank you, I'll look into the gel and try that solution. I'm trying to stop taking the NSAIDS as I've noticed I'm starting with heartburn and feeling sickly - don't want to start something else off!
Thank you very much for the info provided, I hope in the future there's a quick fix for everyone with sciatica!
CHICO_MARX Loulou3003
Edited
I'm not sure CCOLIEF is available in the UK. Can't even tell you to get on a plane, get it done and then fly home the same day...no airplanes!!! And you can't even get to a chiropractor??? Geez...complete lockdown. Safer that way. My gel and TENS recommendations are meant hopefully to ease the pain until you can see someone.
Yeah...lots of sciatica over the years from playing hockey for decades. However, I know what it fells like, what causes it and where I should go for relief. It's the least of my problems. I now have FIVE POUNDS (2 1/2 kilograms) in me so I'm the TSA's nightmare at the airport. Pain and I have an intimate relationship. I hope you can ease the pain until you can fix it.
Holytiger CHICO_MARX
Posted
What is CCOLIEF?
CHICO_MARX Holytiger
Posted
Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation. FDA-approved, 15-minute procedure done under sedation. Deadens the nerves around a joint. Great for knees. Some patients have it last up to two years...and then you get it done again...
Go to the COOLIEF website to learn more and to find a local doc who is certified on the procedure. I had one TKR...when the other one acts up, I'm definitely gonna try this.
Holytiger Loulou3003
Edited
I have suffered with the almost the same symptoms. I had an MRI scan which showed only changes expected of age I am over 70, and also physio exercises. Despite trying all the usual medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin I have not had any relief, I am now taking tramadol and it gives little relief from the burning pain and this has gone on for over three years. I was referred to a pain clinic the Consultant sent me for nerve conduction tests which showed a damaged sciatic nerve halfway up the outside of my thigh. The Consultant suggested fitting a spinal cord stimulation device, after I had had a session with a psychologist and a nurse specialist. This started about three years ago but due to another health issue appearing, I should have had the procedure in April just gone by but due to covid-19 this was postponed hopefully before long I will have the trial procedure.
CHICO_MARX Holytiger
Posted
I've had four knee scopes (2X each knee) over time, Synvisc injections over the years and then a TKR four years ago at age 68. A typical a knee doc will do cortisone then Synvisc and then finally a TKR as the op of last resort. However, there's another option: COOLIEF
This is Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation that deadens the nerves in any human joint. FDA-approved, 15-minute procedure done under sedation. It takes full effect a few weeks later so it is NOT instantaneous. The good part is that it can last up to two years and is highly successful on knees.
Go to their website for more info and to locate a COOLIEF-certified doc in your area. For me? I will ABSOLUTELY get this done before another TKR and it's one-year recovery time.
Loulou3003 Holytiger
Posted
I'm so sorry you've suffered with this despite all trying everything you can. it's not nice at all and I'm only a couple of weeks into it!
I'm sorry the procedure has been prospond too, hopefully you should be back soon and they can get it done for you!
Take care & I hope to hear soon that you've had the procedure 😃
paul53069 Loulou3003
Edited
Thankyou everyone. I was rushed into aAndE They said bad leg go home, 2 days later I calapsed and couldn't move. Ambulance again called. A and E, Dr looked at me said bad leg, go home. I didn't move, I wasn't refusing but I just couldn't move. The Dr came back and said "why are you here, what do you want there's nothing we can do," I was helped to my feet by 2 nurses and wheel chaired to hospital exit as I couldn't walk ( great care) where I collapsed passed out, I woke up in a ward. Their I was treated by brilliant carers and Dr's unlike the nonsense in A and E. I couldn't move an inch without exploding in agony. I was sedated to allow x Ray and then a mri. Within minutes of results, urgent surgery. However the hospital I was being taken to for surgery wouldn't take me as emergency surgery only at the minute due to covid 19. I'm currently in a pain control unit getting meds right and physio. Can't believe the A and E Dr and tempted to pursue due to his neglegance, Wave the mri in his face. I have S1 extrusion with also protrusion.
Prior diagnosis... Gp said a little sciatica,
A and E a sore muscle.
Loulou3003 paul53069
Posted
Hi, thank you for your message. I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of that! I feel I'm in the same position as you right now, especially as I'm classed as 'young and generally fit & healthy' it was either just mild sciatica or muscle problems as you've described. I'm now awaiting an MRI scan, which could take a while due to this current pandemic. I hope we both receive the answers we need and back on the road to recovery!
Take Care!
joy92622 Loulou3003
Edited
Hi there I know exactly how you"re feeling. I'm going to be honest with you. You need to fight with the professionals or they'll fob you off with this that and the other painkillers. I have a savers bag full of £80 worth of them. Some gave me adverse side effects others were dolly mixtures trying to combat pain, I put up there with childbirth, toothache then sciatic. Not even my worst enemy would I wish this on. Complete torture for 11 weeks now. Finally found a hospital taking me seriously, it may not be modern and fancy like NMH but they have listened juggled with the pain relief, ordered another scan, directed me to keep still, so no going to the toilet as pressure to the knee and spine is causing greater pain. In the meantime I took lots of hot baths with Epsom salts from the Himalayas, radox sometimes, massages and most of all my faith in Christ Jesus has definitely seen me through one of the darkest times of my life. So my advice to you is to insist on the MIR, get a xray if you can and don't let them boss you around. You know the pain you're experiencing let them know that. By the way if you don't know who Jesus Christ is get to know Him now, He created you in His own image, knew you before you were born and knows every hair on you head. He can do all things just believe that He was and is the son of God and watch what will happen. Remember He is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. He'll know if your sincere or not. One thing I know is that you are young and we'll get through this. The journey is painful and difficult but we'll get there. Stay strong.
Loulou3003 joy92622
Posted
Hello, thank you for your reply! sorry it's taken me a while to get back to everyone, I've been in alot of pain but have posted a full update above. I went to A&E but was give painkillers and told it's probably just a muscle ache. It's then progressively got worse and now I'm awaiting an MRI scan (don't know when due to this Covid-19) but I'm hoping it'll give me the answers I'm looking for and I can finally get some relief as nothing is working anymore!
Thank you very much, I wish you well & we'll get through this!
Loulou3003
Posted
UPDATE
Sorry I've not replied to some of you, I've basically been bed ridden with agonising pain. I ended up in A&E last weekend and was sent home with Painkillers and told it's probably a sore muscle as they'd tested my reflexes and said everything seemed okay.
Fast forward to yesterday and my physio called to say I'd been referred by the hospital but could only do a telephone consultation due to Covid-19. Anyway after asking me various questions and getting me to to some stretches/ movements she was very unhappy and concerned about some of them I couldn't do (some I never noticed) I can't walk on my tiptoes or on my heels and said it's a cause for concern. The physio's colleague then came onto the phone to say they want me to go for an MRI scan to ensure there's nothing more too it as I was obviously still in a lot of pain and the painkillers aren't working.
I'm now awaiting a call from the hospital I've been referred to for an MRI scan. The physio is unsure of when I'll get the appointment for the scan due to Covid but they have tried to push it through as urgent.
I'm currently suffering more now than I did when I originally wrote this... I'm hoping the MRI will give me more answers and I can start to some treatment and see an improvement as I'm currently in agony and nothing is helping anymore!
Thank you, I'll keep you all posted once I hear something x