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Pain in left rib radiates to left leg
I have pain in left rib and radiates to left leg and also feels weak and lighheadness when i stand or walk. Doctor said its anxiety and all vitals are normal
Answers (14)
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Need detailed history of your symptoms.
Get Haemoglobin, thyroid profile, serum calcium, serum vit b12, d, blood sugar, ecg, cardiac echo done and share results,.
Then I can help you to heal .
For now, take tablet flexon m.r one every morning and evening for 5 days, after meals for pain.
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Hello, I am Dr. Romain Rajan, General Physician.
Your case has been allotted to me.
I understand your concern. Pain around the left rib area radiating to the leg along with lightheadedness can indeed feel very uncomfortable. When all vitals and tests are normal, such symptoms are often related to muscle spasm, nerve irritation, acidity, or anxiety-related muscle tension. Anxiety can cause body-wide muscle tightening, chest discomfort, and even tingling or weakness sensations, which improve once stress levels are reduced.
1. Advices
Avoid overthinking or repeatedly checking for heart-related causes if your ECG and vitals are normal.
Maintain regular meals and proper hydration, as low sugar or dehydration can worsen lightheadedness.
Gentle stretching, breathing exercises, or yoga for 15â20 minutes daily helps relax chest and back muscles.
2. What to Monitor
Whether pain changes with movement, position, or deep breathing (suggests muscular cause).
Any true numbness, severe weakness, or imbalance while walking.
3. Management
You may apply a mild muscle relaxant gel over the left chest and upper back area twice daily.
If anxiety is triggering your symptoms, a short course of mild anti-anxiety or muscle relaxant medicine may help after review.
Ensure you sleep well, reduce caffeine, and try relaxation techniques before bedtime.
4. When to Consult a Doctor Immediately
Sudden severe chest pain with sweating or breathlessness.
Fainting, blackouts, or persistent dizziness.
Weakness increasing on one side of body or difficulty walking.
Every patientâs situation is unique. Once anxiety and muscle tension are addressed, these symptoms usually resolve completely.
ð You can reach out to me directly for this case, and also connect with me in future for any medical consultation.
I am available on Practo or on WhatsApp at 85271646 seven seven for a one-on-one consultation, where youâll receive:
⢠A personalized treatment plan
⢠Safe medicine adjustments (if required)
⢠Quick follow-ups to track your recovery
Take care, wishing you good health.
Best regards,
Dr. Romain Rajan
General Physician
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If all your tests are normal, the pain and weakness are likely from anxiety or muscle strain.
Try slow breathing, stay hydrated, eat regularly, and stretch gently.
Health Tips
If it continues or worsens, follow up with your doctor.
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Your symptoms suggest possible nerve-related or musculoskeletal issues. Since vitals are normal and anxiety is ruled out, here are the likely causes:
Possible Causes:
1. Intercostal Neuralgia - Nerve pain between ribs that can radiate
2. Costochondritis - Inflammation of rib cartilage
3. Muscle strain - Especially intercostal muscles
4. Nerve compression - From spine (radiculopathy)
5. Referred pain from kidney stones
Why Your Doctor Said Anxiety:
Many doctors initially attribute such symptoms to anxiety when basic tests are normal. However, your symptoms need proper investigation.
What Needs to Be Done:
- Physical examination focusing on spine and ribs
- X-ray chest and thoracic spine
- Blood tests: CBC, ESR, Vitamin D, B12 levels
- If needed: MRI spine to rule out nerve compression
Immediate Relief:
- Take pain reliever: Tab Paracetamol 650mg + Tablet Ibuprofen 400mg twice daily after food
- Apply pain relief gel on rib area
- Avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements
- Rest adequately
The weakness and lightheadedness when standing could indicate:
- Postural hypotension (low BP on standing)
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Dehydration
- Inner ear issues
Get proper evaluation as pain radiating from rib to leg is unusual and needs investigation.
Next Steps
1. Visit a General Physician or Orthopedic Doctor: - Get thorough physical examination - Request X-ray chest PA view and thoracic spine - Blood tests: CBC, ESR, CRP, Vitamin D, B12 2. Start Symptomatic Treatment: - Tab Paracetamol 650mg twice daily after meals - Tab Ibuprofen 400mg twice daily after meals - Apply Diclofenac gel on painful rib area 3 times daily 3. Monitor Your Blood Pressure: - Check BP in lying and standing positions - Low BP on standing explains weakness/lightheadedness 4. Lifestyle Measures: - Stay well hydrated (3 liters water daily) - Avoid sudden position changes - Get adequate sleep - Avoid heavy physical activity until diagnosed 5. Red Flags - Visit ER if you develop: - Severe chest pain or breathing difficulty - Fever - Numbness or tingling spreading - Inability to walk 6. Follow-up: - If no improvement in 5-7 days with medication - Consider MRI spine if pain persists
Health Tips
â ï¸ Don't Ignore These Symptoms: - Pain radiating from rib to leg is NOT typical anxiety - Needs proper investigation to rule out nerve issues - Your instinct that something is wrong may be correct â
Important Points: - Normal vitals don't rule out all problems - Vitamin deficiencies can cause similar symptoms - Nerve compression may not show on basic tests - Get a second opinion if symptoms persist ð« Avoid: - Don't take only anxiety diagnosis without investigations - Don't ignore progressive weakness - Don't do heavy lifting or sudden twisting - Don't self-diagnose with internet searches ð¡ Good to Know: - Intercostal neuralgia is common but often missed - Low Vitamin D and B12 cause weakness and nerve pain - Postural BP changes are easy to check at home - Most rib/nerve pain responds well to treatment once diagnosed Trust your body - if symptoms persist despite anxiety treatment, seek further evaluation.
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