Hello,
Sudden leg pain that show up during physical activity, such as walking, are usually a sign of arterial insufficiency(peripheral artery disease). That means the arteries aren't able to supply the calf muscles with enough blood and oxygen to meet their needs. This usually arises from atherosclerosis—hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis can occur for many reasons such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol
The pain from PAD is brought on by exercise, and relieved by rest. The limping that occurs from the leg pain is called claudication.
I strongly advise you an evaluation by a physician. Intermittent claudication is a relatively benign and manageable condition, but people with more advanced arterial insufficiency can experience rest pain also.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.
I have had the same symptoms for about months, and finally last week have a diagnosis, after much testing, of intermittent claudication - in my case moderate to severe in both legs. I will be seeing a vascular in 2 days to find out my options. I have already been placed on a medicine called pletal that will hopefully increase my walking distance in the near future. In my case, I have no diabetes, but have had surgeries on both arteries in my neck to remove blockage approximately 6 years ago, but didn't take my doctor's advice to quit smoking til some time later. I hope you will see a doctor as soon as possible about your symptoms - yours might be able to be helped. Keep me posted and good luck.... Karen