Re: Leg Pain

Posted By CCF NSG MD /gsh on August 13, 1998 at 19:03:12:

In Reply to: Leg Pain posted by Jamie on August 13, 1998 at 15:58:56:






Hi! I'm 22 years old and was diagnosed with spinal arthritis about 3 years ago. The last two months I have been having leg pain. The pain usually is in the same spot in both legs at the same time. It is most uncomfortablw when I sit down for long periods.
My legs do feel better when I walk and am more active. I feel the pain from my butt, to my heels. I feel really uncomfortable when I stand for long periods of time! My heels ache and my achilles tendon hurts. How can one differentiate between circulation problems and arthritis problems?
I'm 5'6 and 140 so I'm not overweight and I don't smoke. I'm also not on birth control. Also, after sitting for long periods my legs get tingly, like the circulation is poor. Could this be sciatica?
Thanks so much for your help!
jamie
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Dear Jamie,
The pain you describe isn't terribly classic for any particular pain syndrome in the lumbar spine.  You are awfully young to be having either arthritic changes or vascular disease to account for your symptoms.  There are some congenital disorders one may consider in your situation, but they too are unusual.  Your best bet would be to see your general practitioner or a neurologist for a complete evaluation.  With this information the physician can give you better answers and order some radiologic studies, if necessary, to complete the workup.
Good luck.