Newbie

[Mouse15]

Hope someone can help, been diagnosed with copd for 3 years, had lung function test the other day 71%, I gave up smoking g 3 months ago and no longer need any meds, I am reasonably fit and enjoy walking and horseriding, I do not cough or have any problems with phlegm but I would say I get more out of breath walking than I used to. My problems is my legs get really sore when I do any exercise, they are not swollen and my doctor has checked them and cannot find anything abnormal, is this a symptom of COPD . Thank you ps I am 58

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi and welcome Mouse, my legs sometimes get sore but I don't know if it to do with COPD or the meds we take. Have a great weekend take care 😊 Bernadette xx

[Caspiana]

Hello Mouse15 .

Can you describe sore in more detail? Is it muscular? And how much and what kind of exercise do you do and for how long? xx 😊

[Mouse15 in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Caspiana, I walk about 4 miles a day for just over an hour, I take my dog up the woods which is fairly hilly, I don't feel tired whilst I am walking, and my legs don't feel too bad, I get a bit breathless but I don't need to stop at all. My muscles seem to ache after. I have tried over the last week to do no exercise at all just in case I had just overdone it but they are still bad, I have always been very active and have had my own horse up until October last year but I still ride twice a week. The aching legs has been getting gradually worse over the last year, I just wondered if this was a normal symptom of copd, I am not on any medication .Thanks xx

[Caspiana in reply to Mouse15]

Have you been assessed for arthritis? xx

[Mouse15 in reply to Caspiana]

Yes I have and not arthritis .xx

[Caspiana in reply to Mouse15]

Hmmm...I'm at a loss but it definitely seems muscular. Is it very bad pain and does it calm down after rest? I wish I could help you but I am not sure what to do. 😟 Please do talk to your doctor. I hope you aren't too uncomfortable. Take care Mouse15 . xx

[Mouse15 in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Caspiana, I have rested all week apart from usual things housework shopping no dog walking and it feels like I ran a marathon yesterday, I have also had 3 sports massages over the last 3 weeks, the guy who did the massage said my legs are in good shape, well muscled for my age, no obvious signs of fatigue. Looks like it's back to the doctors for me then. It also seems it's not a common symptom of COPD, but I would really like to have an answer so I can get it sorted or deal with it. Not knowing is the worst thing . Thanks xx

[Caspiana in reply to Mouse15]

I agree. More investigation is necessary. Please do keep us updated. xx 🌿

[Mouse15 in reply to Caspiana]

Will do . Thanks xx

[hypercat54]

Hi you can get some strange side effects from stopping smoking so why not ask this question in there too? x

healthunlocked.com/quitsupport

[Mouse15 in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks for the reply, but my legs have been aching before I gave up smoking. I am just not sure if I should go back to the doctors or not I have already been 3 times and not getting g any answers. Xx

[hypercat54 in reply to Mouse15]

Well I can think of a couple of things. How about investing in a special pair of walking shoes and see if they make a difference? Try and do as much walking on soft surfaces ie grass or sand as much as possible as this puts less strain on your muscles.

If this doesn't help then I would ask for a referral to a consultant. x

[Mouse15 in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks Hyper at, I have an appointment with a neurologist 1st April as I have a problem with tingling on my arm, perhaps it could be related to that xx

[hypercat54 in reply to Mouse15]

Who knows? As you are an ex smoker the first thing that came to my mind was circulatory problems but I guess you have been checked for that?

Good luck and I hope you find some answers. x

[CLARAmay]

Hi there my legs ache so much they keep me awake at night, my doctor gave me Catapress for them as I was changing my meds from fentanyl patches for chronic pain to norspan patches and temgesic tablets, because smoking is more addictive than heroin, people get aching legs coming off drugs sometime they need to be on subetex or methadone for the pain but smokers would have worse withdrawals and the first sign of a withdrawal is painful legs. It all makes sense now.

[jackdup]

If I haven’t been walking much for a while my legs will be quite sore for the first week or so when I start walking but after that don’t bother me unless I am walking up hills or something more strenuous than normal walking. If you have been walking regularly and are still getting sore I think further investigation into the cause would be appropriate.

[Mouse15]

Thanks for your replys. Xx

[Superzob]

Lactic acid build up in the muscles due to lack of oxygen (equivalent to runners' cramp)? Don't know if there's a test for this, but the fact that this coincides with some breathlessness might give a doctor a clue.

[Schmicter]

Check your O2 levels. You can have low O2 and not feel out of breath. Low O2 might cause leg muscle problems over time. You can get a pulse oximeter that goes on your finger. They are pretty inexpensive.

[Mouse15 in reply to Schmicter]

Had pulse oximeter test done on Monday when I had a copd check it was 99%

[janice01]

I have been bothered by leg pain when sitting with feet up, mine isn't muscular... l don't think anyway.

I have 32% lung function and been about the same for many yrs now. Stopped smoking 1993. Diagnosed COPD and Bronchiectesis after pneumonia in 2004.

I think mine is neurological. Had inflammation of brain and spinal cord 26yrs ago.

Mine started over the last few months but doesn't feel in the muscle...

lm unclear, is yours muscular pain?

Does it hurt if you push with your hand?

Do painkillers help?

If not then next thing l would try is the neurologist too.

Good luck and hope you get it dealt with...☺