Are you on BP medication?

One of the side effects for some BP meds is leg cramping.

I'm sorry you're having so much trouble!

Wish I had an answer for you. The only thing I can think of is when you're sitting, you might be hitting on a nerve.

It does sound like a nerve. Could it be sciatica?

I was thinking sciatica, too. Hope you get relief.

My aunt had a terrible pain in her leg as well a few years ago. Like you, my aunt has a high tolerance for pain. This pain was so great she could barely speak. It was tough getting a diagnosis, if memory serves. In the end, it turned out to be arthritis in her spinal chord. My cousin, a doctor, said the images of her spine looked like she had done hard physical labor all her life. I don't remember the treatment exactly- other than it involved some kind of epidural (?) and that she was told she could only have the injection a few times over the course of her life. So far one injection has lasted at least five years.

I am so sorry, Mampinky. I hope you are able to find a resolution for this quickly.

It does sound like a nerve. Sometimes when one is aggravated or inflamed, it can take weeks to resolve. Something like sciatica might not be outside possibilities, or do you know what kind of shape your hips are in? Other than womanly and lovely I mean ;0) Many years back I went to the doctor with what I thought was sciatica, I had thigh pain. Not buttock pain. She wanted to xray my hips and I thought she was wasting my time....she wasn't. Don't feel frightened, it will be OK....you've had a nightmare of the last few weeks and are tired.

Are your kidneys working okay? In 2014, I was having terrible butt/thigh pain that went on for several weeks and finally, one morning my kidneys quit working...was told to get to ER...and immediately the neurosurgeon did spinal stenosis surgery! He said I was in critical condition....so beware of your functions.

I agree that it could be a nerve problem. A neurologist might be a good idea if the MRI doesn't show anything.

Will the state cover your ER visits if you get the temporary coverage? I'm worried about the bill you will get. Open enrollment for the ACA is starting soon, I think.

Sounds like sciatica, which could be relieved by a steroid injection. Sorry this is happening to you.

This year, after summer, I have developed a similar pain. I've had a similar pain 2 yrs ago. The Doc ordered a batch of X-rays to examine the lower spinal column and hip joints and locations where nerve bundles pass around bones in the hip area. No positive diagnosis was made, merely a number of "it could be" things. He did fins considerable arthritis in the spine and though that was the most likely cause. There wasn't much he could do except have a physical therapist look me over and prescribe mild exercises to keep the joints loosened and the vertebras from locking into unnatural positions.

I've had good and bad days. The bad interferes with getting good rest and enough exercise. I have found that getting enough good, sound sleep is part of the cure. Keeping mobile is critical as well.

I put up with that type of pain for a very long time and many different procedures done at a pain clinic. Finally a new dr. asked me if I can lie down or walk with comfort and I said NO. He showed me a diagram of the facet joint which is near the hip and said any form of compression of a nerve will cause the thigh pain. He suggested having an RFL which stands for radio frequency ligation where they burn out the area of the nerve that is being aggravated. I had it done four times, each time the pain went away for between one and two years and after the fourth injection, it never came back. Here's a link to a description of the procedure, it is not bad at all, very little discomfort. RFL

Mamapinky, it might be sciatica - perhaps caused by bulging disc(s). I had it a couple of years ago. X rays showed nothing wrong. MRI revealed two bulging discs pressing the nerve. It took that doc 2 months to sent me to MRI after bombarding me with painkillers that didn't make a dent. What's worse, the minute he saw the MRI results the said an operation was ineviatable, so I fled his clinic if slow limping progress can be described as fleeing. Went to another doc who said no operation was needed, but physitherapy. McKenzie method helped tremendously but took months of exercises.

This of course is NOT a recommendation for you to try the McKenzie method or any other method for that matter - just that MRI seems to be the best next step.

Have you had your electrolytes checked? You may be low in them. Drink PowerAde or Gatorade. Eat dill pickles and if you can stand it, take a one ounce shot of the pickle juice. Drink LOTS of water to stay hydrated. That should help the muscle cramping you've been having. (Charley Horses)

Debby. I actually do think I may be dehydrated judging by the pinch test on the skin on the top of my hand. Not a accurate test but can tell if you need more fluids. I started on gaterade NOW. the pickle juice may have me sick though LOL. Thank You.

Hope you feel better soon. I noticed that after I have been sick and on meds its not unusual for me to get back or leg pain once I am feeling better. I think it's due to being depleted of nutrients. After I get back to normal the pain stops. May it be that way for you.

MamapinkyO....yes, I am much better after the stenosis was removed from the nerves in my spine. Nerves are the most painful thing in your body and take the longest to heal...so my surgeon said. I do hope you can find relief very soon. I have had the RFI that was posted previously for arthritis in my spine and it did help quite a bit.

When I was in so much thigh pain, a friend took me to her chiropractor and he had me so black and blue from his treatments...,the surgeon said he could have paralyzed me...so beware if you go that route.

Many prayers coming your way...

Mama pinky, sorry to hear of your pain. It could be a compressed nerve.

Sciatica can be from a compressed nerve in the spine, but it can also come from a nerve being compressed in the butt. There is also something called (may have wrong spelling) Piraformis Syndrome. (The sciatic nerve is not just one nerve.) If you are one of these missing-butt-muscles people (like me!), and if you sit (who doesn't) on anything but a very lofty (Sleep Number type of) cushion, you might have nerve compression. There is the iconic taxi or truck driver who, after sitting for hours on his/her wallet, develops buttock & back of thigh pain, or s italic pain. My elderly skinny-azzed father had this, even though he had a cushioned/upholstered office chair. The foam had compacted. I got a piece of medium density foam for him to sit on -- especially on the affected side. After a day or so, much better.

i get sciatic pain from both sources -- sometimes it goes from the back of my leg, down the side of my thigh, then past my lower leg, then along to my ankle (side front). It can feel like a giant squid has trapped me.

Until they figure it out (they may not), see if one of your more cluey doctors will give you (1) a graduated prednisone pack -- you taper down the ~ 7 day dose, and (2) a low dose of something like oxycodone 2.5 mg - 5 mg to take only as needed. Of course, this will be only if safe for you with you situation and medical history. Follow the directions precisely.

I hope no eager beaver offers to do "surgery."

It should improve soon. Can you avoid sitting? Maybe do some gentle piraformis stretches (see Internet, but lie on cushioned mat, one leg somewhat straight (cushion under knee) and using hands, see how close you can gently reach the knee of the opposite leg to your opposit shoulder. Don't bounce. Go slowly. Hold for 3-8 seconds, the reach/stretch a tiny bit more, hold a send one, then release and relax. Of course, if you encounter pain, desist.

Check this out with your doctor before performing any exercise.

I hope you're feeling more comfortable.

Phoggie, Thank you. I'm very glad to know you have much improved. No no Chiopractor for me. I've never gone and don't expect I ever will. My neighbor lady went to one for back pain he put her thru misery much like what you've said. That was June of 1016 Feb 3'rd of 2016 8 months later she was dead from lung cancer. She continued complaining of back pain to me I kept encouraging her to see her PCP she did finially but it was already to late. I'm not blaming the Chiopractor but he did have her convinced all she needed to do was come in have her treatment and something about adjustments which I didn't understand. He should have sent her to her PCP first IMO. But she had been going to Chiopractors for years and completely trusted them.

I drank a full quart of gatorade since my earlier post mixed with about 10 ounces of cranberry juice. I will lay off the gatorade for awhile but continue with water and a splash of cranberry.

Thank You all.

Petalique, O-M-G...I am really glad I posted about this pain and even more glad you responded. Look at this old toilet

That isn't mine ...mine has a green design and has a porcelain lid....its not hooked up and hasn't been used in years if ever. This thing sits in the middle of my laundry room. I sit on it ALL the time. Its jokingly been referred to as my throne. Theres actually a gentleman that know my hubs who has been trying to buy it from me for years...its going.

My aunt gave me this about 4 years ago I thought it would look great for a plant in my vintage deco laundry room but ended up becomming my favorite place to sit and chat in the KT, read or whatever. Off and on every day and often late into the evenings But not just sitting..sitting bent over forward with my elbows on my knees. I know this may not be what's wrong but its a lead of what could be.

Holy moly. Whatcha think ?

I think it's wonderful your sense of humor still prevails and is very active! I also live with pain and can only commiserate and say a prayer for you. It sounds slight, but remember to drink lots of water.

I’m glad someone else mentioned piriformis syndrome. It can be confused with sciatica. Any of the gentle stretches you see online are good to do. Most involve lying on your back or side on the floor on a padded mat (or carpeted floor will do). And videos are also available. Most just involve a position you hold for several seconds on each side. There are simple yoga positions that are good to do that help too.

I have had some mild pain when I start running high mileage and if i don’t do some of these stretches before and after my run, I get worse pain.

Dandyrandylou, Thank You and Thank You for your Prayers.

I wasn't joking about using the vintage toilet as a chair. Haha. Now I'm really wondering if this has caused my problem which by the way has not let up at all. I'm tired actually beyond tired. My ankles are swelling from standing so much. My PCP told me to lay whichever way feels the best..that would be on my stomach which feels like I'm smothering LOL.

Dandy I'm sorry you live with pain. I will have you in my prayers also.

Yes, I meant to say, do stay hydrated. A lot of leg pain is actually manifested in dehydration. Another thing about leg swelling too is dehydration, although it sounds contradictory. One thing you can try is to wrap each lower leg & ankle in an ice cold damp towel, like on your back, and elevate your legs, keeping them upright and fairly straight, against a wall or chair. Sounds weird I know, but long-distance runners use this trick for reducing a lot of blood flow that causes swelling right after a run.

Sciatica. Walking really helps. My late husband had it and they told him to walk 2 miles daily and then no meds. Worked a treat!

Oh sorry you are going through that. I have experienced that kind of pain and was scheduled for surgery. I tried spinal decompression therapy first thank goodness, because it stopped the pain and I cancelled the surgery. Also taking a supplemental dose of chellated magnesium helps me when i have leg cramps, regular magnesium doesn't help me.

Mamapink -- oh, yeah ;-) I think that antique toilet chair might be a contributing factor. Have a copy included in your medical notes. Ha.

Don't sell that colorful toilet! NOoooo! There are things you can do with it (pot for a large fern; spaghetti and meatballs serving bowl ;;; just imagine).

You can use it for a chair, but find or make a cushion. No, none of those chenille terry cloth or poly-cotton candy fluff things. You can sit on one of those pillows made for hammocks. Or, better, a friend just got me a bamboo foam cushion (ample, thick, square) to use in car or boat or outside picknic tables.

Raven, glad your back is better. Some people have surgery only to be no better off.