Mast Cell Disorders Forum

Mast Cell Disorders Forum
http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl Non Mast Cell Disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos, POTS, MCS-CF, etc. >> Non Mast Cell Disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos, POTS, MCS-CF, etc. >> Pain in my lower legs http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1358587279 Message started by Starflower on 01/18/13 at 21:21:19

Title: Pain in my lower legs
Post by Starflower on 01/18/13 at 21:21:19

I put this here because I suspect this is not directly masto-related ;D

Over the last few years I've been having increasing problems with pain in my lower legs, specifically when I walk more than a few blocks. It's worse when I wear shoes that aren't supportive. I've had to pretty much give up on flip flops, ballet flats, etc... Two weeks ago I started a new exercise program (yay, me!)... weight lifting and walking. So far... as long as I'm careful and I pre-medicate... it doesn't set off my mast cells. What has been a problem, however, is pain in my lower legs along my shin bones. This week I tried using a "curve" treadmill. It's powered by me instead of electricity, which is great for exercising at my own pace. I bought a good pair of running shoes and they're new... my feet feel great... and my legs don't hurt on the treadmill. On the (indoor) track it's a different story. Ugh! It's so bad that it feels like I'm going to trip if I'm not very careful about picking up my feet after each step. My last workout was on Thursday and I stopped walking after 3/4 mile. My mast cells were fine, but it hurt too much.

Yesterday I was reading about "chronic compartment syndrome" and it fits my symptoms... sharp pain with exercise that goes away within a few minutes after you stop. Last year my GP thought that the pulse in my feet was unusually weak and had me get a doppler ultrasound to check my circulation... that was normal. Compartment syndrome is caused by fascia that are too tight... when you exercise it restricts your nerves and blood vessels, which is the source of the pain. My mom has fibromyalgia, which is a disorder of the fascia... and I have autoimmune issues of my own. I suppose this could all be indirectly masto-related, but it seems more like a "normal" thing that happens to a lot of non-masto people.

What do you think? Anyone with a similar experience? I'm going to stick with the treadmill for a while :)

Heather

Title: Re: Pain in my lower legs
Post by DavinaRN on 01/19/13 at 04:48:23

I have always got that pain (shin splints?) if I forget to warm up and stretch before walking. Always worse if in flip flops. Try walking slow with supportive shoes after 5 min point toes as straight as you can (like ballerina) then stand on heels with toes pointed up (can also stand on curb and let heels drop off edge). HTH

Davina

Title: Re: Pain in my lower legs
Post by Starflower on 02/10/13 at 02:31:26

Update...

I saw a sports medicine doctor on Friday. He took x-rays, reviewed the results of my doppler study, and did some poking around. I don't have shin splints... I don't have a stress fracture (yay!). He suspects "chronic compartment syndrome" too. Unfortunately, nobody in town does the test for it :P So... I'll have to drive up to Indianapolis.

BTW... Deb! Apparently the place they want to send me (Methodist) is in Carmel. Want to have lunch? :D

Heather

ps - After having sooooo many bad doctor-patient interactions when I was trying to get a diagnosis for my mast cell disorder, it was so NICE to have a doctor who believed me and came to the same conclusion I did... and said, "Well... two rational minds are probably right then." Rational minds!!!! Can you believe it? That was almost too easy. Fingers crossed that the next doctor is so cooperative. :)

Title: Re: Pain in my lower legs
Post by DeborahW, Founder on 02/10/13 at 12:47:05

Definitely let's have lunch Heather! Just let me know when you will be here! I am pretty sure you are referring to the IU Hospital that is a branch of Methodist. They have a lot of professional offices with all sorts of specialists there.

I'll message you my cell!