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Q: 

What might these pains in my legs be?

By October 7, 2008 - 11:20am
 
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I am worried about strange, sharp, stabbing pains that I have been getting in my legs(mostly the right shin area)for the last couple of months or so. It feels like a little leprachaun is stabbing my shin with a dagger. It happens suddenly and might give me a start, either while sitting or lying down but occasionally while standing.
It seems to be worse after a lot of exercise. It might happen three or four times in an evening and then stop for a week.
I am very active, hiking or working out at the gym every day. I am at a sensible weight for my height. My father HAS had varicose veins.

I am in my thirties and have not had children yet.
I am on birth control.
I am pretty worried and assume that a doctor's office should be my next stop, though I am hesitant as I have little faith in allopathic medecine and am also new to the city I live in right now.
Any thoughts?

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Have you ruled out shin splints? That was my first educated-guess, when you said the stabbing pain in your shin happens after a "lot of exercise", and that you are "very active". I'm not sure how old you are (in case that matters).

My younger sister had extremely painful shin splints as she was going through puberty (and growing 3 inches taller than me!), which was the probable explanation of her literal "growing pains". She was also very active (played soccer), so the pounding on her legs probably didn't help.

It would be a good idea to become established with a doctor, and this would be an excellent reason to do so. They can rule out anything major, or let you know if there are any fractures or inflammation that need to be taken care of.

You can read up on shin splints at the Mayo Clinic site:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shin-splints/DS00271/DSECTION=symptoms

"Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures — and wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splints from recurring."

"Consult your doctor if rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers don't ease your shin pain. Seek prompt medical care if:

* Severe pain in your shin follows a fall or accident
* Your shin is hot and inflamed
* Swelling in your shin seems to be getting worse
* Shin pain persists during rest"

October 7, 2008 - 1:03pm
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