“Bilateral leg pain?”
Both my legs from the top of the knees to about the ankles hurt almost to the point of tears when I stand after sitting a while. When I move around it eases a little. I am 51 y/o 5' 10" 300lbs. I work full-time as an LVN. My blood pressure averages 160's over the 120's. I do not have insurance. The pain is sharp almost shooting. Is any advice other than the obvious?
Male | 51 years old
Complaint duration: about 3 weeks
Medications: occasional ibuprophin
Conditions: kidney removed at 6 y/o and gal-bladder and appendix removed at 7 y/o.
4 Answers
Good Afternoon,
I certainly hope you get some relief soon. Bilateral leg pain may often be a symptom of spinal injury or degradation of spinal discs in the lumbar (low back) region. This pain can certainly elevate your blood pressure as well. These issues combined with being overweight can add to a particularly troublesome issue. I understand without insurance you must feel overwhelmed. My recommendation is to seek a low cost or free clinic in adult health to immediately get your blood pressure addressed as you are at high risk for stroke. Your next priority will be addressing weight loss which will help alleviate blood pressure and ski slopes issues. Follow up for X-rays and possible MRI scans should address your spinal health.
I wish you the very best!
Dr. James Chappuis, MD
I certainly hope you get some relief soon. Bilateral leg pain may often be a symptom of spinal injury or degradation of spinal discs in the lumbar (low back) region. This pain can certainly elevate your blood pressure as well. These issues combined with being overweight can add to a particularly troublesome issue. I understand without insurance you must feel overwhelmed. My recommendation is to seek a low cost or free clinic in adult health to immediately get your blood pressure addressed as you are at high risk for stroke. Your next priority will be addressing weight loss which will help alleviate blood pressure and ski slopes issues. Follow up for X-rays and possible MRI scans should address your spinal health.
I wish you the very best!
Dr. James Chappuis, MD
Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions. My first guess is that you have degenerative osteoarthritis, which is made worse by your weight. If this is the case, you could obtain temporary relief from injections into the knee, but because of your young age, knee replacement will probably be necessary, which means you will have to get some medical insurance.
Christopher B. Michelsen, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS
Christopher B. Michelsen, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS
Sorry to hear you’re hurting so much. Unfortunately, I am unable to precisely know what is wrong, but given your height and weight, you could easily have arthritis. A simple X-ray would be very beneficial. There are clinics available typically in most locations that provide care for people without insurance and/or economic difficulties.
Hello. The most obvious cause based in the information given is bilateral knee arthritis. Certainly there are less common causes such as spinal arthritis. Besides the obvious you might try movement, stretching before you get up and walk, try to stretch more regularly during the day. Massage with biofreeze or similar when sitting around to loosen tight tissues. Try some glucosamine/chondroitin just watch that your glucose stays stable. Try to decrease tour weight with “baby steps”. As little as 10-15 pound loss may decrease your pain. Try leg bike that you work while sitting. Good luck.
