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What Causes Constant Need To Stretch Legs?

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Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014
Question: Hi,

You know that feeling when you need to stretch? Well sometimes, not all the time, in my feet and legs I have that feeling for hours at a time no matter how much I stretch. After I stretch I feel as if I had not stretched at all so I keep stretching my feet and legs and the sensation of needing to stretch still lingers. Is this normal aging or possibly a symptom of something else? Also, any vitamins that can help? Thank you...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Muscle health

Detailed Answer:
I understand what you are saying.

Sometimes when the thyroid function is off, it is possible to experience some kind of muscle related symptoms like the one you are reporting.

I recommend a simple blood test called TSH to rule out any thyroid problem. It does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day.

Secondly, vitamin D deficiency can also cause various muscle related complaints. A blood test for Serum 25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels can help determine if the levels are inadequate. If so, treating the same is expected to be of benefit.

Thirdly, any electrolyte imbalance in the body can manifest as muscle-associated symptoms. So a blood test for Serum Potassium and sodium will effectively eliminate this possibility.

If you are undergoing labwork it would be worthwhile to complete the picture by running tests for
CBC
CMP (this includes glucose and calcium too, as these can affect the muscle too. It also comprises liver and kidney function tests to evaluate your overall health that could indirectly affect muscle function)
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Causes Constant Need To Stretch Legs?

Brief Answer: Muscle health Detailed Answer: I understand what you are saying. Sometimes when the thyroid function is off, it is possible to experience some kind of muscle related symptoms like the one you are reporting. I recommend a simple blood test called TSH to rule out any thyroid problem. It does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day. Secondly, vitamin D deficiency can also cause various muscle related complaints. A blood test for Serum 25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels can help determine if the levels are inadequate. If so, treating the same is expected to be of benefit. Thirdly, any electrolyte imbalance in the body can manifest as muscle-associated symptoms. So a blood test for Serum Potassium and sodium will effectively eliminate this possibility. If you are undergoing labwork it would be worthwhile to complete the picture by running tests for CBC CMP (this includes glucose and calcium too, as these can affect the muscle too. It also comprises liver and kidney function tests to evaluate your overall health that could indirectly affect muscle function)