Auto Accident Leg Pain? 5 Ways We Diagnose & Treat You
The legs are a common target for auto accident injuries because they are highly susceptible to direct impacts and referred pain originating from the spine. For those dealing with leg pain after an auto accident injury, take a look at the different ways that we diagnose and treat you at Impact Medical Tarpon Springs:
1. A Physical Examination
Every effective treatment plan starts with a thorough evaluation and an accurate diagnosis. The way we ensure the best results is by going over every aspect of your leg’s condition, including:
- The exact location of your leg pain’s origin whether it be the lumbar spine, thigh, foot, etc.
- Any instances of swelling and inflammation in the leg or foot
- Changes in the skin’s exterior appearance along the leg or foot
- Reflexes when pressing on or tapping the affected area
Many of these conditions can be evaluated using high-tech methods such as MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, digital X-rays, and so on. Sometimes, selective nerve root blocks are used to help pinpoint compressed nerves and other causes of pain in your leg.
2. A Review of Your Medical History
Aside from the tests that are done in-house, our doctors may also use your past medical history to see if any existing conditions line up with your current leg pain. During your consultation, we may ask you about how your muscle strength compares prior to your accident, if you’ve had any other treatments or surgeries, if you’ve noticed an increase in muscle spasms or cramps, if you’ve had any other instances of trauma or injury in the leg, and more.
3. Physical Therapy Sessions
Before diving into more complex procedures, it’s normal to begin with natural healing through physical therapy. This is the first non-surgical method that we typically recommend as it is always better if your leg can recover on its own with a bit of guidance in performing low-impact exercises. Being able to make a full recovery with this method will also be easier on your body and your wallet. When PT alone isn’t enough to relieve your leg pain, that’s when we will suggest alternative treatment options.
4. Epidural Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid shots are the next step up from PT before considering surgery. These epidural steroid injections are included in our interventional pain management treatment options as a popular and effective method for addressing symptoms such as leg pain. After just one or two shots, the inflammation causing your pain will decrease to pave the way for an easier recovery from your injuries.
5. Surgical Procedures
Only when all other options have been exhausted is when we suggest surgery. Common leg injuries can usually be healed without needing surgery, but there are certain conditions where surgery may be the only valid option. Some of these conditions include severe or high-risk injuries like tumors, infections, nerve damage, and cancer. We offer comprehensive surgery options to help you recover from any type of leg injury.
Treat Your Auto Accident Leg Pain at Impact Medical In Tarpon Springs
At Impact Medical Tarpon Springs, we effectively treat every type of auto accident leg pain for optimal results. You can expect a detailed evaluation for a personalized treatment plan that works best for you, including anything you need from our list of comprehensive services. Give the Tarpon Springs office a call at 727-756-9585 to get started with a consultation appointment!