I have no experience distinguishing tendon pain from any other type of pain, so any assistance or tips would be appreciated.
Have been taking levaquin since Jan 1, mostly at 250 mg. Tried 500 mg, but couldn't tolerate it, so now I'm back down to 250 mg.
Having deep, burning pain just below my left knee, and partway down the outer side of my shin (hope my explanation of the location is understandable).
Have been experiencing the same type of pain just below my left hip, and extending partway down the outer part of thigh as well, but it seems to have subsided somewhat.
Pain killers barely take the edge off.
This is different from my normal pain patterns, but I'm not sure it fits a tendonitis type pattern either.
Does this fit anything in your experience?
Thanks, Cactus
Posted by lymeladyinNY (Member # 10235) on :
Hi cactus,
I, too, have been on Levaquin since Christmas-time. I'm not sure, but what you describe does sound like tendon pain.
I have pain in my achilles tendons right now. I'm not terribly worried about it because it's mild, but you sound like you might be in some trouble with it.
I'd talk to my doctor if I were you. I believe that the tendon pain is very hard to get rid of once you get it.
Best wishes to you - hope you feel better soon!
Posted by humanbeing (Member # 8572) on :
..."Fluoroquinolones may also cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally.
Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that can be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert . If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.
Fluoroquinolones may rarely cause inflammation or even tearing of a tendon (the cord that attaches muscles to bones).
If you get sudden pain in a tendon after exercise (for example, in your ankle, back of the knee or leg, shoulder, elbow, or wrist), stop taking the fluoroquinolone and check with your doctor .
Rest and do not exercise until the doctor has made sure that you have not injured or torn the tendon.
If you have pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness, stop taking the fluoroquinolone and check with your doctor."
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
Thanks, Lymelady. I'm definitely concerned. Don't often call my doc, but she might get a call about this one.
I hope your achilles pain stays mild!
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Sounds like the IT (Iliotibial) band to me. It runs down the outside of the leg, and runners often have pain from tightness/inflammation of the IT band.
It's not a tendon, it's fibrous tissue. But I don't really know what that means. Here is a weblink on info.
Human, I just saw your post - we must've been writing around the same time. Thanks for the info.
Aniek, I checked the link you gave me & it does seem to describe exactly the location I'm having pain. Thanks - and it eases my mind a bit, because I'm a bit worried about the tendon issue.
Posted by Beverly (Member # 1271) on :
For me tendon pain was associated with movement. I had really bad tendon pain from taking cipro. I couldn't move my wrists, fingers, ankles...etc. Be careful with that abx. Tendon pain stinks.
I hope you find out exactly what is causing your pain and feel better.
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
Cactus,
I wouldn't take any chances. I'm still recovering from Achilles Tendon pain and weakness - it's been over a year - from quinolones.
And while I had a hint of pain right at the end of Levaquin, the worst pain and weakness came after going off it. I've since read that one can get damage afterward, not just while on it.
So please put a call into the LLMD - it's worth it to get the issue clarified now, just in case.
Jill
Posted by chainsaw joseph (Member # 6611) on :
took cipro a couple of years ago and could barely walk after 3 weeks due to tendon tightness.It came on fast at the end of the three weeks.A couple of years later and my tendons still arent right.I would stop at the first sign of tendon pain if it were me.
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
Ouch, you guys are exactly the reason I'm concerned about this! Thanks, Beverly, Jill, and Chainsaw.
I'm going to skip a dose tonight and call my LLMD tomorrow. The thought of creating yet another painful complication makes me cringe!