HomeAnswersOrthopedician and TraumatologyweaknessMy mother takes rest in between while walking. Please help.

What could cause asymmetric leg weakness?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Anuj Gupta

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 12, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 31, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother, who is 68 years old, has been complaining for the past year that her left leg moves more slowly than her right whenever she walks. Due to this, after walking for a distance, she must stop for a while, out of fear that she would fall. After stopping for a while, say for five to ten minutes, she can walk normally for a distance again without any problems. Also, in order to touch down her left leg on the ground while climbing steps, she must exert more force on her left leg. She cannot walk quickly like a normal person because her two legs are not moving at the same speed when she walks; in fact, her left leg is moving more slowly than her right. As a result, whenever she needs to walk somewhere, she avoids it because of this walking issue. Other than that, none of her legs hurt when she is standing or sitting. Only when walking does one leg move a little slower than the other, which I believe is a result of weakness or some form of numbness in that leg. She can do her daily household activities normally without any pain. Also, while walking for some distance she can walk like a normal person without any pain in the leg or anywhere, but after walking some distance she stops out of fear that she would fall as I described above. Also, at the foot dorsum, she got a slight muscle strain during that leg movement, however, there was no pain or swelling at any part of the leg or foot. Also, she completed a one-month vitamin D3 course (weekly once), one-month Supradyn and antioxidant, and one-month calcium+vitamin D3 course but with no improvement. Last seven months she was on AKT for LNTB, however, that course is also over now and she can do all the activities normally. Also, this leg issue was well before she was detected with LNTB and all her latest blood reports, ESR, and CRP are also normal. So what could be the possible reasons for her leg issue described above in detail and what is the possible remedy or treatment? Her BP medications include Telmipil CT, Nicardia retard 20, and Arkamin 100 mcg, and her latest BP is 150/90 mm of Hg. I need your insightful judgment. Thanks a lot.

Answered by Dr. Anuj Gupta

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. Please give me some time to go through your query. I will get back soon.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Along with what I already said in my previous message, she also frequently complains of a slight backache, which typically goes away in three to four days after taking painkillers and muscle relaxants. But this pain comes back after a few days. It is not a serious discomfort but happens frequently. I am eagerly anticipating your thoughtful response and next move.

Answered by Dr. Anuj Gupta

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The description you have given indicates that she has lumbar canal stenosis. This is a problem of the spine in the lower back where nerves are pinched due to stenosis of the canal through which nerves are passed. Now, the medicines which you have mentioned like vitamin D, calcium, and anti-oxidants are not helpful for this. Also, she has a history of lymph node tuberculosis. So, first of all, we should rule out any seeding of tuberculosis in her spine. So, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of her spine should be done. There are two benefits, tuberculosis will be ruled out, and our diagnosis will be confirmed. Hence, I suggest you get an MRI lumbosacral spine with a screening of the whole spine.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anuj Gupta
Dr. Anuj Gupta

Spine Surgery

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

weaknessweakness and fatigue

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Orthopedician and Traumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy