Pain inside the thigh

[Slacker78]

Sounds like a cellulitis infection caused by strep or staph. Antibiotics will be indicated. Recommend followup with MD.

MuscleInk, thank you.

I would be more sure before starting an Antibiotic Therapy. On the skin i do not see nothing and in the cellulitis infection the skin should be reddened, soft to the touch and hot. Maybe these could be late symptoms... what do you suggest ?

[MuscleInk]

MuscleInk, thank you.

I would be more sure before starting an Antibiotic Therapy. On the skin i do not see nothing and in the cellulitis infection the skin should be reddened, soft to the touch and hot. Maybe these could be late symptoms... what do you suggest ?

Cellulitis can begin as warmth on the skin. As it progresses, the skin may become pallor or actually cool to touch depending on how much circulation in the area is impacted by the swelling and tightness. Early symptoms are warm, slightly raised, and redness on the surface. As the infection spreads, the redness may disappear but the affected region will become gradually more stiff and your range of motion in the area will be affected. I've treated a range of cellulitis infections, some more serious than others and some requiring aggressive treatment (i.v. antibiotics such as invanz). Depending on how severe you feel it is, you may wait it out and see, but in my experience, as the muscle tightens and the area becomes more painful, antibiotics are the necessary clinical management. I don't prescribe antibiotics readily - I'm one of the few MDs that think they are overused and misused. Heating the area and a light massage may provide relief, but if the symptoms persist for 5 days or increase in severity, seek medical intervention. Cellulitis infections are easily treated provided they do not progress too far or track to non infected areas. Necrotizing fasciitis is a form of deep penetrating cellulitis caused by the same strain of bacteria, but that is the worst case scenario and fortunately a very rare syndrome.

[Slacker78]

Cellulitis can begin as warmth on the skin. As it progresses, the skin may become pallor or actually cool to touch depending on how much circulation in the area is impacted by the swelling and tightness. Early symptoms are warm, slightly raised, and redness on the surface. As the infection spreads, the redness may disappear but the affected region will become gradually more stiff and your range of motion in the area will be affected. I've treated a range of cellulitis infections, some more serious than others and some requiring aggressive treatment (i.v. antibiotics such as invanz). Depending on how severe you feel it is, you may wait it out and see, but in my experience, as the muscle tightens and the area becomes more painful, antibiotics are the necessary clinical management. I don't prescribe antibiotics readily - I'm one of the few MDs that think they are overused and misused. Heating the area and a light massage may provide relief, but if the symptoms persist for 5 days or increase in severity, seek medical intervention. Cellulitis infections are easily treated provided they do not progress too far or track to non infected areas. Necrotizing fasciitis is a form of deep penetrating cellulitis caused by the same strain of bacteria, but that is the worst case scenario and fortunately a very rare syndrome.

Ok, yes, you've reason. In every case i could start with antibiotics to see if i get some response. 2 Questions:

1) I suppose i should take systemic antibiotic

2) Could i use Clarithromycin ?

3) What could i use to fight the prostration and tiredeness that antibiotic cause ( when i take them i feel pretty tired ! ) ?

Thank you so much Muscle Ink.

[MuscleInk]

Ok, yes, you've reason. In every case i could start with antibiotics to see if i get some response. 2 Questions:

1) I suppose i should take systemic antibiotic

2) Could i use Clarithromycin ?

3) What could i use to fight the prostration and tiredeness that antibiotic cause ( when i take them i feel pretty tired ! ) ?

Thank you so much Muscle Ink.

I usually prefer clindamycin or bactrim. I get good responses in most patients, although clinda can be harsh for some, especially on their digestive tracts causing diarrhea, constipation, and dyspepsia as the primary symptoms. Many prefer cephalexin because its a broad spectrum. I've prescribed it a few times but again, it's not one of my preferred drugs, especially for more active people due to the dehydration properties and risk of soft tissue trauma.

For the lethargy, I usually increase my B12 for a short period - anywhere from 5000-10,000 mcg per day. It's a lot, but for short durations is fine. In addition, hydration, hydration, hydration. Sounds pretty simple but it has made a difference for me and those that followed the recommendation. Try to take a few days off to rest. I know its difficult (I'm off for 3 weeks due to a bleeding event) but sometimes the rest is really what the body needs to recover and you will feel stronger for it. I've heard others suggest an increase in NO supplements, although I see no rationale or benefit as far as reducing fatigue.

[Slacker78]

I usually prefer clindamycin or bactrim. I get good responses in most patients, although clinda can be harsh for some, especially on their digestive tracts causing diarrhea, constipation, and dyspepsia as the primary symptoms. Many prefer cephalexin because its a broad spectrum. I've prescribed it a few times but again, it's not one of my preferred drugs, especially for more active people due to the dehydration properties and risk of soft tissue trauma.

For the lethargy, I usually increase my B12 for a short period - anywhere from 5000-10,000 mcg per day. It's a lot, but for short durations is fine. In addition, hydration, hydration, hydration. Sounds pretty simple but it has made a difference for me and those that followed the recommendation. Try to take a few days off to rest. I know its difficult (I'm off for 3 weeks due to a bleeding event) but sometimes the rest is really what the body needs to recover and you will feel stronger for it. I've heard others suggest an increase in NO supplements, although I see no rationale or benefit as far as reducing fatigue.

I have used Clarithromycin time ago for other infections and i have tolerated it very good. Could i use it or it's ineffective for Cellulitis ? Further, how long should last the treatment more or less ? 5 days ?

[MuscleInk]

I have used Clarithromycin time ago for other infections and i have tolerated it very good. Could i use it or it's ineffective for Cellulitis ?

For early stages (typically class one infections), biaxin (clarithro) @ 500mg bd po is fine. For more advanced cellulitis, the oral form is less effective and I've needed to use i.v. admin.

[Slacker78]

For early stages (typically class one infections), biaxin (clarithro) @ 500mg bd po is fine. For more advanced cellulitis, the oral form is less effective and I've needed to use i.v. admin.

I think mine is an early stage, so i will start with this. How long should last the treatment approximately ? 5 days ?