Pain in ankles and leg

[Elizabethkr18]

For the past two months every morning when i wake up my legs are in horrible pain. So much that I either have to just wake up because i can't go back to sleep or take a pain killer. The pain does occur in other times during the day but the morning is the worst. I can feel it in my thighs, my knees, my ankles, my feet. The only thing i can think of to compare the pain to is soreness, like after a really hard work out the previous day.
I don't know what could have happened to make them do this. I didn't suffer any injuries, i'm not on a rigorous workout routine, i'm not on medication, i have a little stress in my life but if its that, why my legs?
I just want to know what it is and if anyone else has it so that i can find a way to help it without having to take pain meds everyday.
thanks.
-Liz

[Tuckamore]

Hello Elizabeth,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so glad that you found us and took the time to post. But I am very sorry to hear about the pain in your lower extremities.

Because your pain seems to involve the entire lower extremities I would tend to think about inflammatory issues. Have you seen your PCP? I would start there. However a rheumatologist may be the physician that can best diagnosis your pain.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome or Fibromyalgia can often begin in one region. I would consider these possibilities.

More simply you could have a vitamin deficiency. You may want to ask your physician to check these levels. A Vit D or B12 deficiency's can cause generalized aching in the lower extremities or in other portions of your body. But I am not an expert and these are just some suggestions.

I hope you will keep in touch and us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates with interest. Take care my dear and don't ignore your symptoms. They have been going on long enough.

Peace,
~Tuck

[JadedSweetheart]

It could be standard leg cramps from lack of potassium.  My grandmother always got "charlie horses" and bad leg cramps and would eat bananas daily to keep them away.  
If you are of childbearing age, I'd say take a pregnancy test.  That's how I found out I was pregnant the first time.  Leg cramps.  Not that that is at all what's going on here.  Just a thought.
A friend of mine used to walk a lot, like miles a day.  On rainy days when she couldn't get out, her legs would ache for lack of use.  Another idea.
I hope you find the source!  Pain without cause can be scary.

[Elizabethkr18]

I change the type of shoes i wear everyday .. from flip-flops to tennis shoes but none of them are new, I've had them for years.

I haven't noticed any swelling. As far as I've noticed there are now external symptoms, just internal pain.

Ya, whats odd is it is in both legs at the same time .. and after i take pain killers the pain goes away equally.

I just take Aspirin or any regular over the counter pain reducer.

no other medical conditions.

[designgyrl]

I have pain in my feet and the doctor told me I have pernicious anemia, lack of b-12.  You may want to go to the doctor and get it checked out.  Also I know fibromyalgia and arthritis can cause pain in your feet.  Please get it checked out by your doctor and hopefully you'll get some answers.  

[geminigirl1963]

Have you changed shoes recently?  In addition to the pain, have you noticed any swelling (or water retention)?  Is the pain equally as bad in both legs?

You mentioned that sometimes you have to take a pain killer to ease the pain - what type of pain medication are you taking?  Do you have any other medical conditionis?

I'm sorry I'm not much help here other than asking additional questions - I'm hoping maybe some of the additional answers may give me, and some of the other members, a better idea as to what is going on.

I know I wake up every day with horrible pain and stiffness, however, I do suffer from a few chronic pain issues that can cause these problems - and my pain and stiffness is not limited to my legs.  

Any additional information you can provide regarding the pain and other medical issues you may be dealing with, may help us to be able to give ideas on what may be going on.  Please remember, though, that we are not medical doctors on this forum, simply fellow chronic pain sufferers, so any ideas that any of us may have, please definitely do not consider it a "diagnosis" - only your doctor can give you a definitife diagnosis.  We are, of course, very happy to give you our ideas/suggestions as to what might be going on and any ideas/suggestions you might like to try to see if it helps alleviate your symptoms.

It's still kinda early this morning, so I'm sure others in this forum will be by later and maybe they can add to what I've said.  Meanwhile, if you can maybe answer some of the questions I had, it could give us all more info on your pain.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon!