Hi, I've been an insulin dependant diabetic for approx 15 yrs. I am overweight (89 kilo's), and trying to loose weight. I have been trying to go for walks, but am having trouble with my legs. It happened on & off many years ago, but over the past few months my legs have gotten worse. The doctors don't seem to be able to tell me what is wrong with them. Basically, when I go walking my left leg in particular 'ceases' up on me and causes great pain. It is difficult to explain. It is not cramps, but like someone is screwing my front lower leg tighter with each step I take, the pain gets worse, like it's burning and cramped up, gets tighter and tighter. I can't move my foot up & down or towards my leg, I can hardly walk at all. It is happening over a lesser distance each day I walk, if I don't walk for a few days the distance is longer before it starts, but gets shorter with each day I do walk. It only takes about 15, then 10, then 5 minutes of not very strenuous walking for it to start. I cannot even walk 500 mtrs - 1klm. It is taking up to 10 minutes for the pain to subside when I get home and lie on the bed - I can't move my foot or leg in this time. It is the front of my lower legs that are effected. It is very distressing, as I enjoy walking and want to loose weight. Has anyone had anything similar or can anyone please tell me what it might be or where I might start to find out. Please.
Thank you,
Andrea Mac.

Has your doctor checked for shin splints?
Just an idea.

The Moderator's "Just an idea" is a darned good idea. Don't brush it off!!!!

God bless and ease your pains, Oldguy

Andrea
you are describing what is called intermittent claudication, this is a disease caused by narrowed arteries. it is very common in IDDM. if you leg is cold or discolored or awakens you at night (or when lying down) you should really get in to see a peripheral vascular surgeon who can evaluate the bloodflow to your leg(s)

diabetics often have peripheral neuropathy as well so where you are feeling a great deal of pain now, it may be that if you had more feeling in your legs, you may have had these signals from your body long ago.

please, go in and be evaluated.

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lauri

Hi Andrea and Lauri, I'm not going to say that it's not likely this is periferal claudication (lameness and pain) because it's worth checking out to be safe. Periferal claudication is generally the result presented by diabetics suffering high cholesterol and triglycerides which has led to atherosclerosis in the arteries of the extremeties. In cases of hyperlipidemia, (cholesterol over 400 and triglycerides over 1000) the blood platelets can form aggregates that prohibit adequate blood flow through the blood microvessels. (This is generally treated with blood thinners). The pain manifests itself in the form of spasms, or "Charley horses" generally in the calves, instep, and/or the backside of the thigh (Hamstring). The inadequate blood flow results in the muscles getting their energy from their glycogen stores anaerobicly (without oxygen) due to the inadequate supply of blood oxygen. This generates lactic acid as a waste, which builds up in the muscle and causes spasms. The spasm generates more lactic acid which increases the spasm; and on and on. Often, these symptoms also result from inadequate calcium and potassium intake, both of which are required in the transport of oxygen through the cell walls and walls of the mitochondria therein. (The latter are the powerplants of the cells.) Although the spasms can occur during excercise, they most often occur afterwards, or at night when you lay down to rest. Whether it's possible shin splints, which occur only on the front of the legs, or something else, it has to be investigated by a good general practice doc who will determine if you need specialized help. Let us know how it turns out....
God bless and help you, Oldguy