Calf pain when exercising

Posted by sca108 @sca108, Oct 11, 2023

I started feeling the symptoms of PMR in February after a bout of sinusitis and a stressful work situation which included being cold a lot of the time. Wasn't diagnosed until April when I started on prednisone which helped enormously. Have been on a slowly decreasing dose since then, and am now on 4 mg. When I was on higher doses I was reducing 1 mg every two weeks, but now under 5 mg the plan was to reduce 1 mg every month. But unfortunately, my symptoms have come back enough on 4 mg that I'm not going to reduce any more at the moment. Not what I would call a flareup, but just increasing stiffness and pain. It's manageable but uncomfortable. Previously I was in very good health for my age and very active-I'm 67 years old.

But my question is about an unusual symptom I have which my rheumatologist says isn't from PMR. When I walk uphill (which is my main form of exercise) even on a slight grade, I will have a burning sensation in the backs of my calves like lactic acid even though I am not exercising enough to generate that. this will spread to an aching in my ankles and even soles of the feet. I don't have pain in my calves at other times. I mainly experience the pain and stiffness in my hip area, middle back and upper biceps. has anyone had anything similar to this?

and what is confusing about this is when I exercise by riding a bike, even quite vigorously, I don't have the same pain. It's just not as easy to get exercise by bike riding where I live, whereas uphill walking is readily available and offers beautiful views. I live in West Marin, California.

I have really appreciated finding this bulletin board and all of the helpful and kind advice available from fellow sufferers. Thank you all.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

@jnwwells

Check with a podiatrist. Morton's Neuroma is a foot condition that causes a burning sensation. Mine was cured with inserts but it took six months.
You may have some other related condition. Try to get a podiatrist with a good reputation. There are a lot of weak ones out there.
It may be a long shot but worth trying.

Jump to this post

Thanks - another helpful tip! I'm from Australia where podiatrists are relatively common. I don't even know where to start looking for one here but will try and check it out.

this community is so helpful for us sharing tips and strategies for dealing with PMR.

REPLY

I am experiencing new pain in old places. I am on 20 mg. In regard to exercise, should I give this area where I was affected previously when it was a full blown attack time to calm down before exercising it?
Thanks

REPLY
@mombo

I am experiencing new pain in old places. I am on 20 mg. In regard to exercise, should I give this area where I was affected previously when it was a full blown attack time to calm down before exercising it?
Thanks

Jump to this post

@sca108 asked similar questions in this related discussion:
- Calf pain when exercising: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/calf-pain-when-exercising/

Here are other related discussions you may be interested in reviewing:
- Can PMR be induced by Exercise: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-pmr-be-induced-by-exercise/
- Exercise with PMR and/or GCA: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exercise-with-pmr-andor-gca/

@mombo, your specific question for members is should you rest the areas where you've had pain in the past before exercising the calves? Do I have that right? What type of exercise do you do?

REPLY
@colleenyoung

@sca108 asked similar questions in this related discussion:
- Calf pain when exercising: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/calf-pain-when-exercising/

Here are other related discussions you may be interested in reviewing:
- Can PMR be induced by Exercise: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-pmr-be-induced-by-exercise/
- Exercise with PMR and/or GCA: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exercise-with-pmr-andor-gca/

@mombo, your specific question for members is should you rest the areas where you've had pain in the past before exercising the calves? Do I have that right? What type of exercise do you do?

Jump to this post

I walk and do circuit training on machines. So I had a few areas talking to me today so I didn’t exercise to see what happens. These sore areas are new to recovery so I want to observe.
Thanks

REPLY
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