Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Leg Pain Post Exercise Session
Question: I am 48 and have tried to start running for exercise. Very soon after start running I would say about 200 yards the outside of my lower legs become extremely tight and very painful. I have to stop and walk and it still hurts for awhile. If I only walk it doesn't bother me. I play tennis frequently (doubles) and it never bothers me. But if I start running it happens every time. been going for a few years. I've tried stretching and walking first, but it doesn't seem to help. The feeling I am getting is a tightness, burning and almost cramping type pain.
Brief Answer:
several possibilities
Detailed Answer:
could just be the particular movement is stressing some tight tendons
OR
compartment syndrome (but this seems really unlikely).
and, inadequate arterial circulation into the muscles will cause the muscles to feel extremely fatigued (as if lifting barbells to extreme) if the exercise threshold is passed.
This is due to atherosclerotic disease and requires a (not very invasive) examination of the blood flow throughout the whole pathway of the arteries from the heart (poor cardiac output) to the aorta (aortic aneurysm) to the femoral arteries to the legs (blockages). This can be ordered by a regular doctor and a vascular surgeon would be a bit better able to diagnose it and is needed to treat it. It requires treatment and can be quite a problem if it is not.
Furthermore it is a marker for underlying diseases taht increase atherosclerosis:
diabetes, hupertension, elevated lipids, inflammation as shown by elevated C reactive protein. These all have to be treated also.
Mostly, is an indicator of some serious treatable conditions.
several possibilities
Detailed Answer:
could just be the particular movement is stressing some tight tendons
OR
compartment syndrome (but this seems really unlikely).
and, inadequate arterial circulation into the muscles will cause the muscles to feel extremely fatigued (as if lifting barbells to extreme) if the exercise threshold is passed.
This is due to atherosclerotic disease and requires a (not very invasive) examination of the blood flow throughout the whole pathway of the arteries from the heart (poor cardiac output) to the aorta (aortic aneurysm) to the femoral arteries to the legs (blockages). This can be ordered by a regular doctor and a vascular surgeon would be a bit better able to diagnose it and is needed to treat it. It requires treatment and can be quite a problem if it is not.
Furthermore it is a marker for underlying diseases taht increase atherosclerosis:
diabetes, hupertension, elevated lipids, inflammation as shown by elevated C reactive protein. These all have to be treated also.
Mostly, is an indicator of some serious treatable conditions.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
