Chronic Pain in legs

I have had muscle pain in my legs since i was a child. The only way I can describe the pain is that it feels like "growing pains", the Dr. never looked into it since i was young and always said that i was just having growing pains. I am now 21 years old and have had these pains almost daily since i was a child, now they are in my legs and sometimes in my arms & rarely my hands. I have not gone to the Dr. at all about these pains because I had learned to live with them but am now wondering if I should be worried, plus, I wouldn't even know which Dr to go to.  I have noticed that the pain starts up if I'm cold but it can also start at random, I do not have to be cold for the pain to start. Heat, massage and Biofreeze help make the pain go away. I have never been overweight and have always exercised regularly, I have tried eating more Potassium and am now taking a daily supplement of Potassium but I honestly do not feel that I have had a Potassium deficiency since I was a child. I took a lot of vitamins while i was pregnant and still had these pains consistently. If anyone has any ideas or input as to what this could be, that would be great! I am ready to get rid of this pain or find some way to ease it.

Thanks :)


This discussion is related to aching legs.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It's difficult to say without evaluation.

That said, there are a variety of potential causes.  Neuropathy, or nerve-type conditions, are possible. Obtaining nerve conduction studies, in conjunction with a neurology evaluation, can be considered if this is suspected.

If a muscular cause is suspected, you can consider an evaluation by a physiatrist, or rehabilitation physician.  

Metabolic causes can also lead to a cramp-type discomfort, specifically, abnormal potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels.  Obtaining blood tests to exclude these causes should be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[Jackalack]

I was trying to post this in the "Ask A Doctor" forums but it ended up here. Sorry for the repeat.

[Tuckamore]

That's ok Jack. I'm sorry that it was moved back here because I know you only obtained a response from me on this post on our PM Forum.  

Let me see if I can request that this be posted in another forum for you.

Tuck

[Jackalack]

thank you so much, I just wanted some guidance so that I could know what to ask for or tell my doctor, thank you again :)