got a question about leg cramps

[archimeech]

For all those, buff fine specimens here, I have a question. I'm thin, not in bad shape, just not in fantastic shape. Haven't been working downtown in a while and just moved to a new job, in July, where I walk about 20 blocks from some free parking to my office. I've always been able to walk forever without havinng any problems. the first 4 months of work, I didn't have any problems. Now, about the 14 block I start getting a tightening of the calves that doesn't subside till I stop walking. It's like my shins just tighten up and it hurts like the Dickens! Anyone have any ideas?

Am I just out of shape?

Could it be the beginning signs of Arterial Scleorosis?

Ibola? ;)

[Cinnabon]

Hows the blood sugar levels ?

[archimeech]

Better than they've been in a while. I'm going to the endo today, so I don't know what my A1C is yet. I've got 59% in target, with an average glucose reading of 159 and a standard deviation of 71. That's pretty good for me. This is out of 652 readings in the last 90 days.

[Cinnabon]

Nice, sounds like your doing well, nevr enough for Endos, lol.
Sounds like its pretty much cramping but you always have to be on the safe side, mention it to your Endo today. Water is also key to prevent muscle cramping and other inportant issues for us, hope you are drinking a lot. Good luck today.

[archimeech]

Thanks, on all accounts. Yes, I drink plenty of fluids. I just don't know what it is, maybe it's just old age beginning! :(

[mark-TN]

Meech,

It sounds like shin splints to me. These can develop from running on hard surfaces and are caused by a muscle imbalance, but I believe alot of walking on hard surfaces can cause them as well. Here is a site that explains them and possible treatments: http://www.mamashealth.com/bodyparts/shin.asp

Mark

[am1977]

It's interesting that you posted this, Meech, I actually have been dealing with leg cramps myself...but more so in my upper legs...especially in my left leg. I actually think I might have pulled a muscle, but would it still hurt after a few days, I don't know :confused: .

Anyway, how fast do you walk? Could it be that you need to stretch you legs first? I don't know how far you walk, but maybe that would help? If things don't improve, I might seek your dr's help. It's better to get that checked out just in case :)

[HeatherP]

Have your potassium levels been checked recently?

[archimeech]

I thought maybe shin splints, but I've had them before and this isn't the same pain.

[Harold]

Lower legs and feet (arches and toes) and I blame it on age. Then I take a calcium pill and I am okay for a couple of days.

[daddyo]

Just a thought Meech, But when I take a large bolus of insulin, I always get leg cramps. So I have learned, Now that I have a pump,to take large amounts with a square bolus, I use a half hour For anything over 5 to 7 units YMMV. Before the pump, I got used to taking two shots instead of one, Lowers the suger faster too.

[buzzborne]

I would have suggested shin splints, coz of walking on tarmac (i take it?!) but then when I have had them the pain sometimes didnt go away for a while after I had been walking/exercising.

When I get cramp, sometimes a quick fix is to take a pinch of salt and eat it, can take a bit for the pain to go away but usually works for me!

[Jenny]

LIke someone else mentioned...maybe it is a potassium shortage? I know you aren't pregnant LOL :whistling but when I was that happened to me ALL the time. Maybe eat more bananas or take a potassium supplement.

[archimeech]

Thanks all, Jen' I take tons of supplements, not to worry! lol

Saw the Endo yesterday and he thinks that I have hyperextended the muscles and what not around the shin-bone. It began happening the same time I changed to a new pair of shoes. He seems to think I'm just not allowing it to heal and that I should slow down a little, and see if it subsides.

[rzrbks]

It began happening the same time I changed to a new pair of shoes. He seems to think I'm just not allowing it to heal and that I should slow down a little, and see if it subsides.

Old Phart Syndrome :D

Been dealing with it for quite a while myself.----"but Dr., I really am just a kid!"

[archimeech]

yeah, I guess I need to grow up one of these days. In my head, I'm still 18! lol

[macjm]

I had leg cramps every night before i was diagnosed. It was a shortage of potassium in my body. Try eating a banana or two, as they are filled with potassium and see what happens, if not get your potassium level checked. I myself found that potassium pills suck.