Question
Hello
Many years ago I did weightlifting squats. For days afterwards my front thighs felt like you were sticking knives into them, and turning the knives. Terrible pain. I could barely standup, could not walk. I stopped do squats, but years later (now) the pain has come back; when I walk up stairs. I cannot walk up stairs without a hand rail to keep my balance. I walked up bleachers in my son's high school; no hand rail! and thought I was going to die the pain was so bad! Going down was worse; I had to literally crawl down.

The pain apparently is NOT in the muscles. I can leg press 200 lbs with no problems, no pain, even afterwards. It is when I try to STEP UP, stairs, chairs, etc. - I am in a LOT of pain. Sit down; the pain is gone.

I went to my primary care physician; who sent me to a neurologist. He was NO help at all. Tylenol, mineral ice, and other pain pills; no effect.  I am my wit's end? Who do you suggest I go to see?

Thanks for the time.

Answer
David,
This is a tough one, being that I know nothing of your medical history, or even your age. I take from your question that you have a teenage son, so you must be near 40. Since your muscles are still very strong and you can press 200, I would like to throw out the POSSIBILITY of peripheral vascular disease (also known as peripheral artery disease) of the legs. I could go into more detail here, but would like for your to peruse this site from the National Institute of Health first. They list the symptoms, causes, risk factors, etc. for this disorder. If you feel this pertains to you then you would need to see a cardiologist or a 'vascular specialist'. A very simple test called a Doppler can be done. This is done using a Doppler pulse finder, and can quickly tell if your lower extremities are lacking in circulation. There are also more sophisticated tests if the Doppler is questionable. (yes, the Doppler is a "sound" test, very similar to our Doppler radar which is used in weather detection). I would be glad to help you further, but want you to read over this site first. If you feel these do not describe your symptoms get back to me, and perhaps we can explore more options. I realize time is of the essence, since you are in considerable discomfort and concerned about your legs.
Go to the link below. If you can't get it to come up for you please write back right away.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001223/


ADDENDUM:
David, after thinking about your situation I wanted to add some thoughts. I had a relative who passed away last year at the age of 68 after suffering the symptoms you describe for approximately 13 years. He was a smoker, and was diabetic. Upon first hearing his complaints I urged him to see a vascular specialist, but he did not. He did not die from  PVD, but rather further complications of diabetes, however, this is why I stress the importance of early detection. I know you are much younger than that, and apparently you stay fit and exercise. This is all good. It may be that you have a family history of PVD or PAD. This is not the same as history of a heart attack or myocardial infarction. This is a circulatory problem I am describing, and suggesting that you get it ruled out. As I stated earlier, a simple test can give a doctor a good idea of the circulation in your legs/thighs. I'm a little surprised your primary physician didn't do that. It is as simple as using a stethoscope. I take from your original question that you are a fairly young man, and wouldn't want to see this problem ignored. There are many levels of treatment if this is indeed what your problem is. If not, then allow the physician to explore further. However, I can't stress enough how serious your symptoms sound TO ME. So, please don't allow doctors to ignore your problems. Even if you are a young, muscular, athletic man this COULD be early signs of PVD. We want to keep you muscular and strong. I hope you will get back to me when you have a chance to get it evaluated. Best health and best regards to you, Patricia M.