Thighs feel burning while walking short distances

Question:
Thighs feel burning walking short distances, very uncomfortable – had lower back cat scan not heard back yet been over1 1/2 years. Had circulatory test done on legs was ok, Had heart problem 2 years ago on various med for that what should I do next

Answer:

The inability to walk as far and as long as you’d like to can be frustrating and even depressing. It may also be a sign your body is giving you to alert you of a health problem. Two causes of leg weakness after walking a short distance may be spinal stenosis or peripheral artery disease, especially as you age.

If you can walk only a short distance before experiencing leg weakness, you could have spinal stenosis. This is a condition in which the opening that your spine passes through is narrowing, which causes compression on the nerve. If the portion of the spine that provides stimulation to your legs is affected, you may experience weakness, tingling or discomfort in your legs, particularly as you walk.You and your doctor can decide the best course of treatment for your spinal stenosis, if you are diagnosed. Physical therapy is a healthy and safe option.

Peripheral artery disease may make it difficult for you to walk long distances. This condition occurs when the blood vessels that supply your leg muscles with blood and oxygen become narrowed. This makes it difficult to give your working muscles the nutrients they need, especially when you are using them, which can lead to pain and weakness of the muscle. Arteriosclerosis, or plaque buildup, causes the narrowing of your artery.

Physical activity may be enough to improve your symptoms. Your body may be able to adapt by finding a way to supply your muscles with blood by routing blood flow around the occlusion. Regular activity involving working to volitional fatigue, then resting until you are ready to work again, can help improve your circulation. If your condition is beyond physical therapy, your doctor may recommend a more invasive course of action, such as surgery.

If you are generally a sedentary person, your leg weakness may just be from deconditioned muscles. Regular exercise, such as 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days per week as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association, can keep your body and muscles fit, strong and working well. However, before you start exercising, always gain medical clearance from your physician.

You definitely need to obtain a scan to determine the nature of the problem as well as consult with a cardiologist to establish if your heart condition worsened. An exercise program prepared by a qualified instructor or therapist is a good way to go. Again, it is preferable to get the OK from your MD before starting an exercise program.