What Causes Discomfort And Pain In The Legs In An Elderly Patient?

Posted on Wed, 25 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 Answered on

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am experiencing discomfort in both legs for the last two nights, preventing sleep. I am 70, male, very active, walk or jog around 15,000 steps daily, a tennis player and have not experienced this previously. I have had a heart attack and quintuple bypass surgery 15 years ago and cardiac ablation for chronic afib four years ago. I am unable to get comfortable with multiple pillows, in bed or on couch or recliner. Any ideas on possible cause?

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please refer to the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello

After going through the medical details provided by you I would like to tell you at first glance your symptoms looks like an age related muscle weakness or discomfort.

But However as you have underwent bypass surgery and an ablation also I would like to suggest you to kindly get an ecg and few blood test done which I am mentioning here.

1. Serum electrolytes
2. Kidney function test
3. PT / INR levels

This sort of discomfort could possibly be due to neurological weakness or may be due to loss of electrolytes mainly sodium and potassium due to cardiac medicines which might be going on.

I hope this information will guide you properly.

Kind regards
Dr Bhanu partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana