I Ran Twice A Day For 40 Years. I Am Having Balance Issues To The Point Of Giving Up What Could Be These Symptoms?

Posted on Wed, 15 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 Answered on

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I ran twice a day for 40 years. I am no dealing with legs that feel like lead and am having balance issues to the point of giving up golf and getting ready to stop traveling. just thought my legs were shot but this seems like more than that.

XXXXXXX Sharpe

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (52 minutes later)

Failed to mention that taking a Xanax at least allows me to be functional enough to do everyday things like going to a store although I have tp proceed carefully.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
overtraining and spinal canal narrowing suspected.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I reviewed your query and here is my advice.I think your symptoms come from overtraining.

Running twice daily every day and also playing golf often is overtraining.
You are not giving the body enough time to recover.

Also, it may be due to a progressive narrowing of the spinal canal.
It happens when vertebrae and discs narrow and pinch the spinal canal, causing pain.

You should get an X-ray or MRI of the lumbar spine done to look for changes.
Please discuss this with your physician and proceed further.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee