Suggest treatment for leg weakness with limping in leg
Patient: I am a 61 year old male I believe to be in excellent health. The only surgeries I have had is shoulder surgery. For the past several months I ve noticed a gradual limp with my left leg. It s fine in the morning. As I walk on it, it starts to become weak feeling. Left leg feels heavy, almost weighted down. When I lay on my back and raise my left leg straight out, it is weaker than my right leg. When walking rapidly, left leg seems to almost lose control and wants to turn outward. I have had minor chronic lower pain for many years, no surgeries so far (too many auto crashes). Rarely I have minor left knee and hip pain. I attribute this to regular age related pains. When standing to put on pants I can t raise my left leg as high as my right leg without minor discomfort. Help Doctor: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. I think from your description of your problem, the probable diagnosis is lumbar herniated disc disease. I suggest you to consult a Neurologist and to discus the possibility of imaging study of your lumbar column (MR scan). You need plain radiographs of lumbar column as we'll, since there been trauma, to evaluate any bone damage. Th treatment depends on imaging studies results. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.