Leg Pains

  I posted this message in general forum but do not see it there and
  will try here.  For almost two years after work I have been brisk walking
  10 blocks to go home.  During this same period of time, I have been
  experiencing pains in legs, along the outer sides of knees and hip pain.
  Is this indicative of throwing clots, circulatory or heart problem or just
  from walking?  I ask this as a co-worker was recently treated for
  lung clots from which her MD said was from prolonged sitting (we are
  secretaries).  I must add I am 39 and smoke and am currently on relafen
  for bulging cervical disk with mild cervical spinal stenosis.  This NSAID
  does not alleviate the leg pains.  Your reply is appreciated.

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

_
Dear Diane,
Firstly you must stop smoking, this is a significant risk factor for not only coronary artery disease but also many cancers and most pertinent to your question- a major risk for development of peripheral vascular disease(PVD).  PVD is the development of blockages in the peripheral blood vessels that lead to decreased blood flow to the legs, hip, and buttocks.  This can lead to loss of sexual function, chronic ulcer formation in the lower legs, pain with exertion in the legs and even loss of legs due to severely decreased blood flow.
Since you already have pain in your legs (this is most likely a direct effect of your bulging cervical disc and spinal stenosis) you need to be warned of the all the things that could make it worse in time.  Leg pain and hip pain are not signs of a disease heart, however swelling and pain in one or both legs can be due to clot formation that then can result in a clot travelling to the heart, but now we are getting into alot of 'ifs' and 'maybes'.  
Any exercise is not only good for your heart it is also good for any chronic back injury if done properly and on a regular basis.
You should also know that smokers have a higher risk clotting simply because of the cigarettes, another reason for you to quit smoking.
In case you are wanting to know the risk factors for heart disease are as follows: tobacco use, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, family history of heart attacks(at young age), and sedentary lifestyle.  It is of great benefit to any and all to exercise on a regular basis (every day of the week for one-half hour at a time, at the least.)
Since you are a secretary and you are sitting a lot, try as much as you can to get up from the desk and stretch often, and when unable to do that try just moving your legs and feet about as you sit at the desk.
Good luck to you and seek a particular exercise regimine from your doctor that will appropriately strengthen your cardiovascular system and at the same time not make the back problems worse.  Most importantly, for your health and the health of those around you, stoop smoking.  Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s).