
What Causes Heaviness In The Legs And The Inability To Walk After Quitting Smoking A Year Back?

Posted on
Wed, 8 Aug 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team


Question : I am 64 and haven't smoked in over a yr. im trying to start walking but my legs feel like concrete and cant go to far. I have a partial blockage as of 4yrs. ago. I was able to walk more when I smoked.
Brief Answer:
Peripheral arteritis and spinal stenosis to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You did a very good thing since you stopped smoking.
Your problems with walking may be related to the conditions such peripheral arteritis, in which smoking is a predisposing factor, or spinal stenosis (if you experience pain and/or numbness in legs too).
It is necessary to get evaluated by your Doctor for these conditions with Doppler ultrasound of the legs and imaging studies of your spine (MRI) in order to get diagnosed correctly and be treated.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Peripheral arteritis and spinal stenosis to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You did a very good thing since you stopped smoking.
Your problems with walking may be related to the conditions such peripheral arteritis, in which smoking is a predisposing factor, or spinal stenosis (if you experience pain and/or numbness in legs too).
It is necessary to get evaluated by your Doctor for these conditions with Doppler ultrasound of the legs and imaging studies of your spine (MRI) in order to get diagnosed correctly and be treated.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee

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