1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Painful calves and feet

Posted , 9 users are following.

Bethune
Bethune

Hi all just some random info regarding zizzy, itchy, heavy, painful calves and feet.  I was diagnosed as having calf muscle pump dysfunction. Not sure this is correct, but will be having the venous system ultra sound tests.

I also will have neurological testing to rule out peripheral neuropathy.

   In the meantime I’ve gone back down from 30-13 mg Pred successfully, in a few weeks and now will go slowly.  THE GOOD NEWS:  I have done the google recommended calf exercises many times a day, and occasionally wear the Doctor Prescribed Support Hose... and my calf and foot symptoms are 75% reduced.  I feel each of my specialists and PCP had something to offer and I’m pulling the recommendations together to make a workable plan.  But the calf exercises were the least intrusive and have worked... It could be random timing though, hard to know. 

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Bethune
    Bethune

    Posted

    Also.  I keep my legs raised when sitting or relaxing as much as possible!
  • Michdonn
    Michdonn Bethune

    Posted

    Good luck Bethune, nice and easy does it, just a little bit more each day. God sometimes it can be very frustrating and you think will I ever get well again. Last year at this time 1/2 mile walk was a challenge, this morning I am joining mates for a 25 mile bicycle ride. It's hard to see up when you are down, but believe you can do it, keep up the good work and think positive with a smile. Smiling ??

    • Bethune
      Bethune Michdonn

      Posted

      Co gratulations!  Have fun!  And thanks!
    • Michdonn
      Michdonn Bethune

      Posted

      Thanks Bethune, had a good ride on ome long 5 mile hill climb let me know how much I need to ride myself back into shape. But that is okay, just think about this time last year I could not walk. It is so important to try to do just a little more each day and NOT OVER DO IT! Just like to hill nice and easy does it! Good luck, stay positive, active and try to smile. ☺️
  • Fizzyjam
    Fizzyjam Bethune

    Posted

    Nothing constructive to add..Bethune..but just wanted to say how very nice to read some happy news! Isn’t it lovely..Wishing you  the very best 😊

    • Bethune
      Bethune Fizzyjam

      Posted

      Thanks!  And hope it will encourage others to ask for and get the proper tests that might help clarify the picture and also To collect their own information and try the small practical things that might also help.
  • pam48607
    pam48607 Bethune

    Posted

    Bethune,

       I also have very painful feet and lower legs sometimes.  It seems to last for about ten minutes, then subsides.   Also, when I go walking, there are days when it feels like my legs are made of concrete.  I have been tested for peripheral neuropathy and have also had ultrasound of my veins, which was normal.   The doc said it was not a circulatory problem.  The pain in my feet and lower legs is exactly what I felt before I was diagnosed with GCA and had this same type of pain in my thighs - a real burning pain which makes one want to jump out of their skin.      I feel like this pain is definitely related to the GCA.   I am down to about 8 mg of Prednisone, but having problems reducing at the moment.   I am also extremely fatigued, which I guess is due to the Prednisone reduction.    Hard to function most of the time because of the fatigue.  

        I hope you find out where your pain is coming from.

    • Bethune
      Bethune pam48607

      Posted

      On the off chance:  google exercises for calf muscle pump dysfunction and see if those calf exercises help at all.  They are quite easy and non-taxing to do.  Seemed to help me. I do bits and pieces of the routines several times a day.

      Glad your tests were negative!

      Sounds like you think it is part of your PMR symptoms.  

      My calf pain feels different than my PMR  THIGH/groin/buttock pain. 

    • EileenH
      EileenH pam48607

      Posted

      "have also had ultrasound of my veins" - was it the veins for venous incompetency (varicose veins) or the arteries? If you didn't have arteries done - the doc can't say it isn't circulatory. 

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.