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What Causes Bilateral Pain In Lower Legs?
Question: wide awake .. its 3am in the UK ... for the past month I have had bi=lateral pain in my lower legs .. heavy aching .. semi numbish cramp which feels to be washing up/down inside my legs ... during the day it is uncomfortable and I find myself moving around to move the pain on esp if sat I have to stretch then pull in .. at night it is worse and aches .more below the knee but from under my hips down .. constant resting pain ....... I used to be a nurse so know a little .. im wondering if there is something serious wrong with me ? diabetic cramps or vascular problem .. I was told this past week that I have a low level chronic kidney problem (I pee often at certain times) but not to worry ... all in all feeling rubbish .. other symptoms .. bit of memory loss (I love detail so this is strange) sore gums/loose teeth (for some years now) .. sometimes a racing pulse that wakes me .. but my restless legs are my real issue .. .I weigh +94kg so over weight but not FAT just curvey .. active semi sporting .. busy mum .. in therapy for good reasons as I like to understand life - so this little crisis is perplexing me ... ? diabetic ..? vascular disease ? MS ? virus ?????
I was just thinking the only meds I have taken ? side effect is antihystermin .. I had an emergency hyseterectomy years ago due to a car accident .. and I suspect I am in the middle of my change . but cant tell as I don't have periods but the bloods say I am ... I don't feel tired as such I just don't have the same long term energy to do so much ... and can sleep for naps if given the chance
I was just thinking the only meds I have taken ? side effect is antihystermin .. I had an emergency hyseterectomy years ago due to a car accident .. and I suspect I am in the middle of my change . but cant tell as I don't have periods but the bloods say I am ... I don't feel tired as such I just don't have the same long term energy to do so much ... and can sleep for naps if given the chance
Brief Answer:
Get investigated
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Hi, I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Such pains in calf and legs are known as Muscle Cramps. They would require evaluation for the cause. Since you have some sort of kidney dysfunction and diabetes, the most probable cause in your case would be Calcium deficiency or Iron deficiency.
Still, i would try to help you with the knowledge of all possible causes of such intermittent calf pains.
1. Electrolyte Imbalances particularly Sodium disturbance- Commonly seen in people who are on diuretics.
2. Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency- Common in people having kidney dysfunction.
3. Levocarnitine deficiency.
4. Intermittent Claudication - associated with peripheral artery disease
5. Iron deficiency.
6. Rest less leg syndrome - Idiopathic
7. Diabetic Neuropathy.
I would advise you to see your doctor, if he feels this is intermittent claudication on clinical background, he will get a Venous Doppler done to rule out any atheromatous plaques. Also, he will get your serum electrolytes, Calcium and Vitamin D levels, iron studies done.
If you have diabetes, then a Nerve Conduction Velocity Testing should also be performed.
If your doppler comes out to be normal, he would start you on a supplement containing calcium, vitamin D and Levocarnitine.
Once started on this supplement you will start getting relief in 2-3 weeks.
Also get your blood sugars checked.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Get investigated
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Hi, I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Such pains in calf and legs are known as Muscle Cramps. They would require evaluation for the cause. Since you have some sort of kidney dysfunction and diabetes, the most probable cause in your case would be Calcium deficiency or Iron deficiency.
Still, i would try to help you with the knowledge of all possible causes of such intermittent calf pains.
1. Electrolyte Imbalances particularly Sodium disturbance- Commonly seen in people who are on diuretics.
2. Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency- Common in people having kidney dysfunction.
3. Levocarnitine deficiency.
4. Intermittent Claudication - associated with peripheral artery disease
5. Iron deficiency.
6. Rest less leg syndrome - Idiopathic
7. Diabetic Neuropathy.
I would advise you to see your doctor, if he feels this is intermittent claudication on clinical background, he will get a Venous Doppler done to rule out any atheromatous plaques. Also, he will get your serum electrolytes, Calcium and Vitamin D levels, iron studies done.
If you have diabetes, then a Nerve Conduction Velocity Testing should also be performed.
If your doppler comes out to be normal, he would start you on a supplement containing calcium, vitamin D and Levocarnitine.
Once started on this supplement you will start getting relief in 2-3 weeks.
Also get your blood sugars checked.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
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
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