Dull leg pain from thighs down

Thank you so much!

Alison-

thank you for your post! I mention heart disease because I am concerned about poor circulation perhaps. Today I have had some numbness feeling in my left arm that runs down to my fingers that feel tingly and I haven't exercised for 3 days. My exercise routine combines strength, cardio and abbs, I'm always very good about stretching, I have worked my way up I've been doing this routine 3-4 times a week along with pilates on the off days. I am about 20 pounds over weight and I'm 5"5

I just read the title of your question---the pain you are experiencing is from your thighs down. Why did you mention that heart disease runs in your family--are you worried that this is a sign or symptom of poor circulation (or other heart disease sign)?

Is the pain you are experiencing only on the front part of your legs: thighs and shins? Does it include your feet and toes as well?

Let me know what your thoughts are regarding my above post: your current fitness level, trying a new exercise, etc. How many hours and days/week are you using this DVD, and are you incorporating other types of exercise into your routine? (To prevent overuse injury--it is important to do other types of exercise). Does your current DVD include warm-up, cardio, strength training, stretching/yoga-type movement and cool-down? Are you currently overweight and just starting a new routine (for the past 2 months), as what you are experiencing could be over-use strain, or could be an indicator of using too much weight (for strength-training portion) in time period that moved too quickly.

It would be suggested to consult with a doctor, especially when you have persistent pain that lasts more than 7 days.

I am still unsure what your dull pain in your lower body means: does this include everything from your waist down? Does it include your back as well? Your legs and feet and toes? Is it tingling feeling, muscle aches, or something else?

Have you tried stopping your current exercise routine? That would be my first response, and to consult with a doctor or a very-reputable exercise physiologist or trainer before trying a new exercise. They can assess your current physical fitness condition, and help you practice exercises in a way that does not harm your back.

If you are unable to see a professional, there are some local gyms or hospitals that provide free consultations. If you have a local YMCA, they are very good at providing membership at all fee levels (and you would have access to a personal trainer). Many area hospitals and clinics will have an "open house" or "health fair" where you can have a free physical assessment, and/or many gyms provide a week-free of classes where you can talk with the trainers to learn how to properly do the exercises; the DVDs fall short on showing proper form.

If these options are not possible, can you stop your exercise DVD, and engage in some other physical activity (walking or swimming would be great), and see if your pain lessens? Many times the workout DVDs at home are a great idea, but you have challenges to contend with (unlike in a gym class): the carpet, furniture and you may be straining your neck to watch the TV and not focusing on good form.

Lastly, it is important to slowly build-up to an exercise routine, warm-up, cool-down and stretch properly, and have an assessment before starting any new exercise regimen to prevent injury.

Does this help?

Hi miscortes-

Thank you for your response! It's hard to define, I know it's all over dull pain that's keeping me up at night not one leg or the other which would indicate a pulled muscle to me? My lower body does tighten up too but with stretching it helps to be more flexible.

Hi Mysrk,

Thank you for your question. The dull pain you describe...is this pulled muscles? Does it feel like a tightness? Once you start working out and new muscle groups are used, your body tends to tighten up but I am not sure if I would consider that a dull pain feeling.

I know that I tend to get Charlie Horses in my legs if I am lacking in potassium. Could you explain the pain a little more elaborately? We may be able to better understand what your going through to help you.