Achey legs?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2004
Achey legs?
3
Sun, 08-01-2004 - 9:06pm
howdy roo...I posted the message below on the ivillagehealth librarian...and she gave me a list of different boards to go to..this was one of them...hehe good luck and thanks for any ideas you can give me!!

Sense I was little I've always had achey legs! I have to take an otc pain reliever to get rid of the pain...I cant sleep with achey legs...and their quite annoying during the day or night. I could have a busy day or do nothing at all and my leg or legs will ache. The pain could start anywhere, usually in the feet. But it can shift..if can go from my feet to my knees to my thighs and back down again or it could be the whole leg...or it could be just one leg thats bothering me. This is really hard to explain sorry...just not sure whats wrong or what...any ideas? I know I'm clueless about it!


I might also mention that I've not been to the docter sense I was little..I do have problems with my weight...the woman on the board mentioned hypothyroidism! =o)

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2003
In reply to: munkie21
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 9:39am

I just started having trouble with my legs being sore from the knee down about a month ago, but for about 5 months I've have swelling troubles too. I don't know why my legs are sore but they are, not much helps, although I don't take OTC meds for them either. I try and drink more water and prop them up when I can or walk/stretch when I can.


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2004
In reply to: munkie21
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 9:39am
I have that- and have had it for years! In fact it took years to have it diagnosed properly. A neurologist diagnosed it. I had it so bad I almost went on SSDI. It took several series of medication trials to find one that worked. In my case it was diagnosed as "peripheral neuropathy". A magical neurologist...saved my sanity by working with me for several months and he FINALLY found a drug that eliminated almost all my pain. It's topamax. My mother-in-law has the same thing but topamax didn't work for her. She takes neurotonin (sp? I tried that one and it did NOT work for me) and that is the one that worked for her. Elavil is another one some people take but holy schmoley that one kept me asleep!

A neurologist can diagnose this via an EMG test- it's moderately uncomfortable but not too bad. It can be treated, but you may have to experiment with different meds. (that isn't too much fun tho)

Hope this helps.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
In reply to: munkie21
Mon, 08-02-2004 - 3:54pm
Hi and welcome! Usually achy joints are the result of hypothyroidism but what you describe reminds me of restless leg syndrome. I think that it may be time for you to go to a doctor for a good physical and then you can describe your symptoms. Here's little info on restless leg syndrome:

What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome is a sensori-motor (movement) disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which are worse during periods of inactivity or rest or while sitting or lying down. There is often a positive family history of the disorder. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, and sometimes painful sensations that are usually accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move the legs. Sudden muscle jerks may also occur. Movement provides temporary relief from the discomfort. In rare cases, the arms may also be affected. Symptoms may interfere with sleep onset (sleep onset insomnia). Research suggests that restless legs syndrome is related to periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), another more common motor disorder which causes interrupted sleep. The symptoms often exhibit circadian rhythmicity in their peak occurrence during awakening hours.

Is there any treatment?

Treatment for restless legs syndrome is symptomatic. Massage and application of cold compresses may provide temporary relief. Medications such as temazepam, levodopa/carbidopa, bromocriptine, pergolide mesylate, oxycodone, propoxyphene, and codeine are effective in relieving the symptoms. However, many of these medications have side effects. Current research suggests correction of iron deficiency may improve symptoms for some patients.

Hope this helps a bit but you really need to go to a doctor to see what up!! Cathy :)