calf pains

[LoveLace]

I am only 30 so I'd think I'm too young to worry about blood clots...

 

But lately I've had occasional episodes of feeling aches in my calves. I have mostly noticed them while sitting at work, but last night they were the most intense so far while I was laying bed. The ache only lasted a few seconds, but if I changed positions, I'd feel it again. I think it was both legs but mostly just in one. It didn't really feel muscular.

 

I do exercise regularly, however I've slacked off the last 2-3 weeks due to a busy schedule and being sick with a head cold,etc. I also do sit on chairs a lot between work all day and school at night, which is at least 3 hrs. I mostly sit with both feet on the floor in front of me. I've heard that this could be a symptom of varicose veins but I don't have any that are visible. Last night my calves also felt kind of heavy and there was a little throbbing too.

 

I am a smoker and have been for 15 yrs; I know this can contribute to circulation problems...but still, I"m only 30! I do have an appt. to talk to my Doc, but figured I'd see if anyone here had any thoughts. Thanks!

[yousaveme]

If it was in the front I would say shin splints. Runners and fast pace walkers get them. And they usually work themselves out

[LoveLace]

I've had shin splints before...I get them when I try to walk or jog uphill. And they always resolve with rest. This pain was definitely in my calves and I haven't exercised in about a week now.

[Enema]

I used to get Restless Legs:

 

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long.

In most cases, there is no known cause for RLS. In other cases, RLS is caused by a disease or condition, such as anemia or pregnancy. Some medicines can also cause temporary RLS. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol may make symptoms worse.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques and moderate exercise during the day can help. If those don't work, medicines may reduce the symptoms of RLS.

 

 

 

Does that sound like it?

 

I gave up drinking and am a bit of an exercise nut now. Also cut out most of the sugar in my diet. No more restless legs

[LoveLace]

I did consider RLS once, before I even started to get these aches in my calves. I'm sure it's still possible that this is my problem, however the feeling isn't like burning or tingling, it's just plain aching or throbbing. Otherwise, I'm starting to lean towards this as the culprit!

[Enema]

Aching and Throbbing sounds like how my RL's was. I would sometimes get the tingling, but mostly they would ache until I moved them.

 

Then, 30 seconds later, I would have to move them again

 

I personally think it was the sugar, I used to have a lot of it.

[LoveLace]

Well i'm just about convinced...and it makes sense that I haven't been exercising as much while the symptoms seem worse and more noticeable.

[ShoeGirl]

Try rotating your ankles if you are sitting for a long period of time, it will help get blood flowing down your legs. If it keeps up you might want to call your doctor.

[norajane]

Potassium deficiency. Eat more bananas.

[Mr. Lucky]

Potassium deficiency. Eat more bananas.

Good advice, it worked for my leg pain. Also, do you drink alot of coffee or Red Bull-type drinks? Some people can be similarly affected by caffeine...

 

Mr. Lucky

[Trialbyfire]

Are you crossing your legs while sitting for extended periods of time?

[LoveLace]

I do not cross my legs when I sit very often. But I do sit in a chair with knees bent and feet on the floor but long periods, at work all day and then for school 3-4hrs. at night (3 X week), without thinking of stretching of my legs. The chairs we sit in at school right now are connected to a desk top (like stadium seating) so there isn't much room to move your knees or from side to side, or room to spread yourself out.

 

I will try the ankle excersizes...thanks for the tip!

 

It is probably true I don't get enough potassium in my diet, although I do take Centrum A-Z daily (well, sometimes I forget a few days). I knew the potassium deficiency could give you leg cramps, but I haven't gotten leg cramps it's more like just an ache..maybe a little throbbing. No burning, numbness, or tingling, but my calves did feel "heavy"...

 

I actually am sensitive to caffeine, though. It's possible I drank an orange soda sometime that night but I don't drink coffee.

 

don't know if I'll get to see my Dr. tomorrow or night (since I work there, I may or may not have time to see him!)..but if I get a diagnosis I'll let ya know.