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Home / Answered Questions / I have had genital herpes for several years. Recently I had a bad outbreak. I always get shooting pains down my left leg & in my foot. The lesion went away but now I have shooting pains in both legs & feet & in my arms down to my hands. I have a headache for 8 days.I am concerned my herpes has spread somehow. The pain has lessened but still there. Was very sick last year & immune system is poor. Have had 8 outbreaks in 12 months.

I have had genital herpes for several years. Recently I had a bad outbreak. I always get shooting pains down my left leg & in my foot. The lesion went away but now I have shooting pains in both legs & feet & in my arms down to my hands. I have a headache for 8 days.I am concerned my herpes has spread somehow. The pain has lessened but still there. Was very sick last year & immune system is poor. Have had 8 outbreaks in 12 months.

Hi

Genital herpes is a virus that affects the nervous system. As you know, it can cause the symptoms that you describe, such as shooting pains down the limbs and headaches.

However, it sounds like the symptoms you have are a bit different than what you usually get when you have a herpes outbreak.

Since it is not possible for me to diagnose something online, I recommend that you see a health care provider. That person would be able to do a physical exam, review of your medical history and testing as needed. This ensures that you get an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment or follow up for your health concern.

You mentioned that you have had around 8 outbreaks in the past year. There is antiviral medication than can lessen the number of outbreaks.  It requires a prescription, so you would need to talk to your health care provider about that.

Let us know if you need help finding a healthcare provider.

 

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.