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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Pain In Leg And Upper Back. Cause?

For about 3 months I have had aching legs, almost constantly. Sometimes it keeps me awake at night and it there when I get up in the morning. Mainly the back upper part of my left leg but they both ache. Its hard to find a comfortable position, either sitting or standing and standing seems to be worse. What could be causing it. I am 64 yrs old, am female, 5'4" and weigh 150 lbs. I have always been healthy, never been in hospital except for childbirth 3 times. When younger I walked and exercised a lot but not so much in the last few years and now that I have so much pain, I don't dare go for a walk. What could be causing it? don't know if its muscle, nerve or bone pain.
posted on Fri, 12 Jul 2013
Twitter Fri, 12 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 16 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
From the description, I suspect the possibility of LUMBAR CANAL STENOSIS which typically produces pain in the legs being made worse by walking or simply standing for prolonged time. This condition is commonly seen in Aging population. An MRI scan of Lumbar spine is necessary to make a proper diagnosis of this condition.

Generally the symptoms are seen in both legs and also numbness or heaviness can be felt in the legs. Usually sitting in leaning forward position will relieve the symptoms.

The other possibility is VASCULAR CLAUDICATION which is the result of narrowing of arteries in the leg and causes similar symptoms. This condition is generally seen in SMOKERS. A doppler study of the blood vessels will diagnose this condition.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Pain In Leg And Upper Back. Cause?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. From the description, I suspect the possibility of LUMBAR CANAL STENOSIS which typically produces pain in the legs being made worse by walking or simply standing for prolonged time. This condition is commonly seen in Aging population. An MRI scan of Lumbar spine is necessary to make a proper diagnosis of this condition. Generally the symptoms are seen in both legs and also numbness or heaviness can be felt in the legs. Usually sitting in leaning forward position will relieve the symptoms. The other possibility is VASCULAR CLAUDICATION which is the result of narrowing of arteries in the leg and causes similar symptoms. This condition is generally seen in SMOKERS. A doppler study of the blood vessels will diagnose this condition. Hope this information is helpful. Good day