Leg pain and vitamin D deficiency

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hello. I've got a number of varying symptoms affecting my legs (mostly my left though) and am wondering which are likely to be related to low vitamin D and what to expect now...

Basically, I'm fairly active, running 4-5 mornings per week and cycling to/from work. Since new year I've been getting what has felt like IT band pain (which I've had some of in the past) in my left leg, to the point that I've had to stop running over the last couple of weeks. Normally it would get better in a couple of days, but it's persisted. It seems to get much worse after sitting down (which I do a fair amount of at work) as if it has tightened up.

Added to this, at the beginning of the week I started getting more pains at different bits of my knee, ankle and foot - particularly the front lower quadrants of the knee, and the inside back, and it has felt generally unstable; not like there's a particular injury, just lots not quite right. But the biggest annoyance has been the front of my ankle, which had a horrible, irritating dull ache. I also had pain along the top of my inside foot, and at times sharper pains on the outside of my foot. It felt very much like there is something biomechanical wrong - I've got flat feet, and I wondered if my left arch had somehow collapsed further. As well as all this (!) for a few months I've had intermittent pain in my second toe which looks rather like capsulitis (it curls closer to my big toe than third).

By the middle of next week it was feeling like the overriding thing amidst all these symptoms seemed to be a feeling of weakness and aching tiredness when I relax. Weirdly, moving it seems to mostly help for a short period - when I relax the aching begins; so when standing I find myself putting all my weight on my right leg and then switching to my left to give it some movement; walking feels like sweet relief.

Anyway, I went to the GP last week and explained it all, she checked everything out - did lots of tests, which didn't really show much as most of the pains are dull irritating kinds of things rather than feeling like injuries as such.

She's referred me to the physio, but got me to do some blood tests. The next day I had a phone call from the dr's receptionist to say I needed to collect some vitamin D as the test had showed it was low. So I had my first of 12 weekly doses of 50,000 IU on Friday. The surgery or pharmacy didn't give any info other than that I need to take it.

It's continued to be fairly uncomfortable, but cycling home I felt very weak in my legs. Getting home they were both quite quivery and unsteady. I don't feel especially more tired, just weak in my legs. And strangely it wasn't even especially achy when cycling - it just felt like I had very little power.

Anyway, I'm just confused about what might be injury, what might be lack of vitamin D, when I should expect some change etc. When/if it would be worth going back to the doctor (which is quite an effort practically). So any info would be gratefully received. Thank you!

2 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I would see the doctor, to be safe.  But you can also try to eat a little more better, lean chicken and turkey, and fish, for more protein, and minerals and vitamins. Also pick up a multivitamin to help with any nutritional needs you think you could possible be missing. 
  • Posted

    Hi Matt

    ​It sounds as if you have hit the nail on the head when you are wondering if it is bio mechanical . Obviously as I am sure you know as you cycle and must know quite a bit about keep fit etc.

    I think you are on the right track. You have a physio referral whuich is good and hope it is soon.

    I would wager a bet that you have some plantar faciitis and that your thoughts about dropped arches are valid one. I was recommended a certain type of trainers for a dropped arch by a physio . A well known make beginning with S.

    ​The physio will obviously do a full assessment looking at your back to see if it is aligned then take it from there. I am sure your dr and physio will advise you on or refer you for the toe problems as these can lead to back problems down the line. Best to get these things sorted out asap to avoid complications later on.

    DIET.

    A healthy diet is essential.

    I assume your dr did a full blood screening including Vitamin B12 test.

    If not perhaps you could request one be done.

    It is best NOT to take any B12 prior to testing as this can skewer the results.

    There is a forum on Vit B12 deficiency which has masses of info on supplements etc. Take care 

    ​I take magnesium to aid absorption of vitmin D3. It is important not to take too much Vitamin D .

    n

     

  • Posted

    I had this. If you are low on vitamin D your body eats into calcium stores which leave you feeling the symptoms. Did they take a reading for your calcium? My doctor recommended calcichew which was vitamin d + calcium which worked for me.  
    • Posted

      Have to be aware that calcichew contains aspartame which is neuro and nephrotoxic. I would suggest adcal D3 .

       

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