Why Would I Experience Leg Pain In Both Legs, Above And Below The Knee While Walking?

Posted on Mon, 7 May 2018

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

Mon, 7 May 2018 Answered on

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My legs have been getting very tired during walking, cutting the grass, etc. I had to rest the legs multiple times during a recent grass cutting. I was not out of breath. The legs hurt both above and below the knees. Several weeks ago, I had cramps sort of in both lower leg muscles after a long day walking and hiking. It took a couple days to go away. On the other hand, I swim twice a week, typically over a mile, mostly breaststroke because of the torn rotator cuffs. I also have problems - maybe not related?? - with low blood pressure, for which midodrine has been subscribed. It doesn't seem to be doing too much good or that problem is getting worse. Any suggetsions of both a diagnosis and type of doctor I should see?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do you have any difficulties getting up from chairs or climbing stairs?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I will like to know if you have difficulties rising from chairs or climbing stairs? This is important as long term use of steroids can cause the muscles to become weak.

Waiting to hear from you before making definitive conclusions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)

I can easily climb stairs without my legs hurting. However, frequently I get lightheaded with only 1 flight of stairs. I do 3 flights of stairs and do not get light headed, but feel tight in my upper leg muscles that goes away quickly. I climb stairs perhaps 5 times a day on average.

I do not have problems rising from chairs.

I exercise on a stationary bike maybe 3 times a week in the winter, and a bit less in the summer when I get other exercise in the yard.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I will recommend a few tests at this time!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up details.

I will like to have a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, EKG and a cardiac echocardiogram. These would provide baseline information on which we can work and make further calls.

At this time, there is no immediate red flag. Also, monitor to see if these symptoms would recur or not with subsequent activities.

Keep me updated and share the findings of the above tests with me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar