Leg aches during or following physical activities such as climbing stairs are also known as exertional leg pain or claudication. Peripheral artery disease, chronic exertional compartment syndrome and lumbar spinal stenosis are a few of the possible causes of achy legs. Treatment varies greatly, but may include weight management and temporarily reducing physical activities. Consult your physician for a diagnosis and treatment.
Impaired Blood Vessels
With peripheral artery disease, arteries are narrowed due to plaque buildup and therefore do not provide adequate blood and oxygen to your leg muscles, especially during physical activities. This leads to achy legs and an increased risk for blood clots, causing further leg pain. Chronic venous insufficiency is when blood pools in your legs, causing swelling, and heavy and achy legs. Severe varicose and spider veins also impair normal blood circulation and lead to achy legs. Treatment for peripheral artery disease includes improving your diet, increasing exercise duration slowly and surgery. Compression stockings and elevating your legs alleviate symptoms of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Another treatment for varicose veins is sclerotherapy, which is a procedure that closes off damaged blood vessels. Laser procedures treat severe spider veins.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is when your spinal canal is narrowed, impinging your spinal cord and nerves in your lower back. Symptoms include lower back pain and referred pain down into your legs. This pain is described as similar to that of peripheral artery disease, according to a 2008 Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide article. Physical therapy to strengthen your back and core muscles along with pain medications may alleviate symptoms. If physical therapy is unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Medial tibial stress syndrome, also referred to as "shin splints," is an overuse injury to your lower leg, causing inflammation and pain. A 2009 "Current Reviews of Musculoskeletal Medicine" article reports that the most common symptom is "vague, diffuse pain of the lower leg." Treatment includes rest, ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Reduce intensity and frequency of your activities, gradually increasing as pain subsides. Stretch and strengthen your leg muscles and wear well-cushioned shoes.
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is when inflexible tissue surrounding your lower leg muscles compresses them during physical activities. Consequently, blood supply is restricted causing lower leg pain that progressively worsens with activity such as stairs. Stop climbing stairs to avoid further pain and damage. Stretch and strengthen your muscles to prevent future flare-ups; otherwise surgery is necessary to cut the tissue surrounding your muscles.
Other Causes
A low fitness level, fatigue and weak or tight muscles might lead to achy legs during physical activities such as climbing stairs. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances such as low sodium may also contribute to aching. A previous injury, arthritis and fibromyalgia can further increase your risk of leg aches during stair climbing. Regular exercise, stretches and strength exercises might reduce leg aches. Furthermore, rest tired muscles, stay hydrated and eat a well-rounded diet. Consult your physician to manage persistent arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms.
References
- University of Southern California Center for Vascular Care: Leg Pain and Lower Extremity Arterial Disease
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide; When Walking Makes Your Legs Hurt; August 2008
- "Physical Therapy"; Stretch Exercises Increase Tolerance to Stretch in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial; Roberta Y.W. Law, et al.; October 2009
- Orthosports; Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome and Lower Leg Pain; Dr. Paul Annett
- "Current Reviews of Musculoskeletal Medicine"; Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Conservative Treatment Options; R. Michael Galbraith, et al.; October 2009
- WomensHealth.gov; Varicose Veins and Spider Veins; June 2010
