What Causes Heaviness In Upper Legs When Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis?
I am 64 year old female. If I sit for more than 30 minutes I have a heaviness in my upper legs and it takes a minute or 2 before I can stand erect and walk without looking like an invalid. I know I have osteoarthritis but would that be the cause? how do I treat this? I am a little over weight but I am exercising a couple of times a week (spinning class) and I am trying to lose the extra lbs.
Possibly due to disc prolapse
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms
Heaviness in legs and difficulty in assuming standing position is likely to be multifactorial in origin. Following could be possible causes
1. Associated Osteoarthritis of knee/hip joint
2. Associated disc prolapse causing compression of L4 nerve( This nerve supplies muscle of front of thighs, so compression may cause some amount of weakness)
3. Associated Overweight/Obesity issue
4. Possibility of postural hypotension is to be ruled out by thorough clinical examination and evaluation by Clinician
I would suggest you the following
1. Proper technique of sleeping
2. Avoid lifting heavy weight
3. Avoid bending at backbone
4. Weight reduction
5. Hot water fomentation to back and thighs
6. Quadriceps muscle strenthening exercise
Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you
Take Care
Best regards
Dr Shobha Deepak