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What Causes Soreness And Pain In The Thighs After Brisk Walking?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: Hello, I am A male, 46 yrs., 5' 10", @ 175lbs. smoker. My problem is my legs (both). They seem to lose strength after walking short distances if I walk at a normal pace. It actually feels like I've carried extra weight up several flights of stairs. If I walk slowly w/o carrying or pulling extra weight I'm ok. There is a deep soreness, not real pain, just soreness, mostly in my calves, but, some in my thighs. This started a few years ago, got a little worse fairly quick and does not seem to be getting worse any more. I have no clue what specialty this might be, and don't know who to see about it. BTW, have been a truck driver for 28 years.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be neural or vascular problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. Your problem can be neural or vascular. As you are a smoker it is high chances that it can be vascular. Before I advised you any thing I would like to know little detail of the illness.
1. Do you have pain on standing also or only in walking ?
2. Do you feel relieved after rest ?
3. is this pain is like burning or needle or numbness like ?
4. Do you have Diabetes ? how many cigarettes do you smoke daily ?
please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you. thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 hours later)

Thanks for the reply. To your questions. #1:I have not noticed the soreness when standing, but, when I feel it while walking, it helps to stop and stand for 5 to 10 seconds, then slow my pace. #2 Yes, feels like @90-95% better.(soreness never completely goes away). #3 No, I would say it to be a deep soreness. My best description would be like carrying heavy weight up several flights of stairs, pushing muscle strength beyond their limits, but, no needle or numbness. #4 No. And 25-30 a day. One other thing; once in a while (not often), while walking, it feels like something in my knee disconnects. It feels like it's in the front area (knee cap), no real pain with that, but, I DEFINITELY feel when it happens. I'm not very concerned with that one, but wondered if it might be a factor. Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need few investigations

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You need to get few investigations to confirm the diagnosis.
1.doppler scan of the lower limb for arteries
2.MRI of the lumbo sacral spine
These two tests will confirm if nerve or artery is the cause. According to that further management can be planned. Till you get these tests done I would suggest you following tests.
1.Tablet pregabalin M at night time.
2. Avoid smoking. You are smoking quite a lot and it can damage your blood flow in legs. So when you walk your muscles are not getting enough blood.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar