Leg pain

[crickit]

I have leg pain more on right when I walk. It stops when I rest. Plus I get cramps in my feet,legs,hands and when I yawn cramps in my neck.
I have had doppler studies with no results and I cant' get my Dr to understand the pain I'm in when I try to walk.Plus my left leg swells. I do have high bp which is controlled with meds. Any suggestions on other test we might try. I miss going for long walks and just walking the mall.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Pain in leg while walking which is relieved on rest is diagnostic of peripheral arterial disease. Some people may feel a tightness, heaviness, cramping, or weakness in the leg.This is due to blockage of the arteries by atherosclerotic plaques which as emboli block the arteries.Diagnosed by examination and duplex ultrasound.

Cases of leg artery disease that are detected early can be treated with exercise, weight reduction, control of blood sugar, reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol management, and the adoption of other healthy lifestyle changes.Medications, such as those that help control blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels are useful.Severe cases may require angioplasty.

Cramps in legs and other muscles can be due to overextension of the muscles,overweight,prolonged standing during the day,dehydration, alterations in the balance of salts in the bloodstream (such as a high or low sodium,calcium or potassium level),neuropathy(esp in diabetes),hypothyroidism,peripheral vascular disease(narrowing of the leg arteries which causes poor circulation),sarcoidosis,excess alcohol,nerve compression, and sometimes liver disease.


Peripheral arterial disease has a strong possibility in your case.My advise is to consult a physician and rule out the above medical conditions by thorough investigations as without physical examination and investigations, pinpointing a diagnosis is tough.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi

Thanks for writing.

The various causes of leg pain are atherosclerosis, deep vein thrombosis - leg pain on walking (A blood clot in a deep vein), Leriche syndrome (block in abdominal aorta and/or main leg artery), limb ischaemia (low oxygen to limbs), sciatica, spondylitis of lower vertebrae and peripheral vascular disease (arteries of limbs are involved). Your doctor did the right thing in doing Doppler tests. This, rules out the possibility of involvement of an artery or vein.

You could get an X-ray of your lower spine, CT scan or MRI done. I think you should see an orthopedic doctor for your problem. Leg pain many a times is due to problem at lower spine level.

Let me know what your doctor says. If you need more help, please feel free to contact. I’ll be happy to answer your queries.