32 years old man and crying over leg symptoms, pls help :(

[IrishLondon]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a bit of a tough time right now - I really need some support right now. I have hardly slept the past 3 nights and i've feeling really down. I have had anxiety problems for the past 5 years and i'm currently on an anti-depressant, so it may well be anxiety that is causing these symptoms.

But for the past week, i have developed very strange sensations in my legs which i have never had before. Mostly it is a burning, aching feeling in the muscles at the front of my thigh, a prickling, electric-shock type feeling throughout my leg and pins and needles in both my feet. My legs get uncomfortable with all these feelings and I feel like i have to move them - the urge to move them isn't always there but is quite frequent. I've read this could be Restless Leg Syndrome - but i've read so much about this on other forums that i'm completely freaking out about it now.

These feelings are worst when i'm on my own in my flat, either on the sofa or in bed - and this is when my anxiety is at its worst too. I'm a 32 year old man, and there has been a lot of tears over the past few days. But my symptoms are not just in the evening, I have them nearly all through the day, whether i'm sitting or standing, and i also feel the prickly feelings even when i'm walking.

The anxiety got so bad last night that I had to go to my doctor this morning - I told her what i was feeling and she prescribed me Pregabalin saying it would help with the burning nerve pain. But i'm even too anxious to take those now!

I'm sorry to vent like this but does anyone think that anxiety can cause these problems?

Thank you, i just needed to tell someone. Ryan

[jonjones]

Hey Ryan,

youre not venting at all. Thats why were here to try and help you!

I also used to and still do occasionally get aches and pains in my legs, it is from tension and adrenaline. Constant tension in the muscles causes them to ache, and then when you add more tension to it it makes it worse.

Take deep breaths and try to calm down. Focus on trying to cope with yourself. And let go of tension.

Deep breaths, exhale slowly, and let your body sag anf feel heavy. This will ease the flow of adrenaline and the tension will subside in time!

Best,

Jon

[IrishLondon]

Thank you very much Jon,

It means a lot to get a response - i'm really grateful.

I'm normally an outgoing, professional guy - but when the anxiety hits it leaves me a crying sleepless wreck and I can see no way through it.

Thanks again
Ryan

[scaredsick]

Ryan you must think positive and push through it.

I suffer from health anxiety and have been on a roller coaster ride since August with various issues mainly stomach, weight loss and bowel trouble.

I pushed through as best I could and whilst my stomach and bowel seems to have settled down, and I have now gained weight after panicking about losing it I'm in a better place.��

Although it's funny reading you post as I have literally been experiencing the same thing for the last 3 days! Feet absolutely red hot and feel like they are burning along with calf tension. By the time I get home from work my feet are in agony!



I'm staying positive I'm sure this will go of its own accord ��

Chin up buddy

Btw I'm a professional, 35 year old male

[IrishLondon]

Thanks mate!

Really makes all the difference to know people are you there! I've been through lots of symptoms over the past few years and have always got over them. But when I'm in the midst of one, things just seem to spiral.

I had bowel symptoms too last year - cue all the unpleasant hospital tests. Came back with nothing so I assumed I had IBS and i'd be miserable with it. But then slowly the symptoms just went away.

I'm going to stay positive too and know this too will disappear.

Thanks again and hope things keep looking up for you too!

Ryan

[jonjones]

Hi Ryan,

your body and mind are tired from all the worry. Your sensitized nervous system is unable to control your bowels as effectively as normal! Once your nerves/anxiety calm down youll be back to normal.

The key is in willingly having these symptoms as the more you fight them the worse they get.

Focus on deep breaths and tryig to not tense agsint yourself!

Jon

[IrishLondon]

Thanks again Jon,

Thankfully my tummy troubles aren't bothering me too much at the moment. Everything is taking a back seat as i focus on my burning legs!! But i'm trying to just accept it - I have Claire Weakes book and read it today - she says just float and accept it. Trying my hardest to do that.

Thank you
Ryan

[jonjones]

Hi Ryan,

I recommend you read it often! Repetition is important. Keep working on not fighting!

This method really works but you gotta focus on it and make a bog effort!

Best,

Jon

[IrishLondon]

6.20 AM and i'm still awake. I'm not sure how much longer I can cope with this. I don't know what to do anymore.

[jonjones]

Hey,

I know how you feel. The moment sometimes builds up and you feel like youre going over the edge. But there is no edge to go over, it is just you scaring yourself.

Your emotions build up and you feel like youre going crazy. But really you are just unwitingly scaring yourself. Try to stay in the moment, deel breaths, exhale slowly and sag, and face the feelings and sesnsations your experiencing.

Try to let go of the tension in your body, the shoulders, face, chest, tummy, arms. Focus on this and deep breaths and youll graduappy cal down!

Jon

[ScaredLizard]

Hello! Do you sit a lot for your job? Do you sit on your wallet in your back pocket? It sounds like you have pinched a nerve in your leg(s). I suffer from SI joint Dysfunction and am always having pains and things similar to what you describe from nerve issues.

[IrishLondon]

I just wanted this burning pain in my thighs to go. Why are my thighs burning when I lie down. It's so painful and the anxiety is overwhelming me right now. You guys are going to get so sick of me posting, but I don't really know what to do otherwise.

[Abarth]

Hey Ryan. Just to let you know, I am going through exactly this right now. It is a classic anxiety symptom. With me, it can be like prickly heat on the skin, right down to almost muscle cramps. My feet are stone cold, yet feel like they are on fire at times. I have had several episodes of this over the years and it is adrenaline and muscle tension that causes it. As your anxiety settles, so will the symptom. I have had mine for a copule of weeks now, but I know that with time it will ease and go, although it is really intrusive at times. Trust yourself that it is nothing serious and it will ease off. All the best mate and be well.
Ant

[IrishLondon]

Hi everyone

Thanks so much again for all your replies. It really does make all the difference. I took a few anti-histamines last night, just to try to get some sleep - and they certainly did that. The prickly, tingling and twitches are still in my legs today, but with a bit of sleep i've been able to handle them slightly better. The worst think about anxiety is that i'm already worrying about tonight - and what will I do about work tomorrow if i don't sleep tonight because of my legs.

I know the best thing to do is just to accept the symptoms and let them run their course - easier said than done as I'm sure you all know

Thanks again
Ryan

[IrishLondon]

Hi everyone,

Well at least this 32 year old man hasn't shed any tears today - and giving that i was doing it on nearly an hourly basis for the past 3 days - I'm seeing this as a bit of progress.

The prickly, tingly, twitchy feelings in my legs are all still there. But some sleep last night has really helped to lift the anxiety a bit. I'm now saying to myself - well as i slept last night - it doesn't matter if i sleep tonight, so there's no pressure.

The symptoms are still worrying me though but i'm doing my best to be positive and watching some comedies on TV and not googling anymore. I'm also trying to give others some advice on here - so many of you have given me such good support so i'm trying to do the same.

Take care everyone
Ryan

[Abarth]

That's great Ryan - Exactly how it should be. Just reading those words makes me feel better too! On and up!!!
Ant

[Carnation]

Hi Irish London, I used to get this a lot and I know how scary it is. I know it is difficult but the answer to ridding them is to ignore that it is happening and let it ride over you. Your Mind must be too overactive and what I used to do when it was happening was to busy myself with something to distract my Mind away from the problem. Sometimes moving about a bit helps, but it will eventually go away. They can't harm you so try not to Panic and it is caused by adrenalin. You may not even be anxious about anything and they normally occur when you are resting or relaxing which doesn't really make any sense, but your Mind is obviously NOT relaxed. You have to stay calm when they come and not worry! :)

[IrishLondon]

Thanks Carnation,

It really helps to hear that. It is annoying that the prickling and twitches get worse when i'm resting but I guess it is cause i'm focussing on them more. I know my mind is definitely not relaxed...if i look back, i can see that the anxiety had been creeping up on me for a few weeks. Doing my best to just take each hour as it comes and try not to let my thoughts run away with themselves.

How are you doing this evening?

Thanks again
Ryan

[Carnation]

Fine thanks. I know when I first experienced that feeling, I was driving my Car and I thought there were things crawling up and down my legs, but it felt like it was inside and it was very scary. Some people like to walk about to get rid of the adrenalin, but ignoring them and just letting them pass is the best way to rid them completely. :)

[jonjones]

Hi Carnation,

I agree, I think that letting it be is very important. And not giving it any importance.

Because really it is harmless, its just us working it up in our minds that gets the adrenaline flowing more.

Being submissive to it, and letting your body go slack and let it come over you lets the adrenalne slow down!

Jon

[IrishLondon]

I didn't sleep at all again last night. I'm a complete mess today. Cried three times at my desk already and my boss had to take me outside. What is happening to me??

[Abarth]

Dropped you pm buddy...

[Carnation]

I was like that IrishLondon and I still have phases of it now. It is your body releasing all the tension, stress, worry and trauma that has built up over the years. In fact it is better for it to all come out, only thing is you will find yourself breaking down at the most trivial of things; like running out of bread, waiting in a queue, being ignored, someone being curt to you etc., etc.
Are you seeing a Therapist, because I found it very helpful. You can get on the NHS or go private. You may need to off load a lot of stuff you have been carrying around in your head? Another thing my Therapist said was to make sure you get some restful and playtime periods. Go for a walk, watch a film, get a instrument and learn to play, read a book, paint a picture. This also helps to divert the Mind away from the thoughts of the Anxiety. Sometime just laying on the bed and listening to your favorite music helps. Get plenty of fresh air and gentle exercise. :)

[IrishLondon]

Thanks do much carnation. Despite the embarrassment of crying at work it did feel like a lot of that stress was coming out. My thighs are burning so much tonight - how can my mind do this!! Got blood tests back today and all was clear. I'm doing my best to distract myself and ignore but it is hard when your lap feels like it's on fire. How's things going with you this evening?

[Jabberwoxx]

Hi, I can relate to this feeling. I noticed it was a lot worse when I was stressed out about things.

Anxiety can cause all sorts of horrible things: head zaps, body aches and pains, shakes, shivers, funny sensations, etc. I think it's to do with our brains being in absolute overdrive and every bothersome thing is maximised hundredfold in our minds.

With the legs thing, it could be related to Restless Legs... though when I was in a bad patch, I noticed I couldn't sleep at night and was kept awake for hours because of this constant need to stretch my legs, bend them, shake them, etc. cause of this annoying achey feeling. It's absolutely horrible to put up with it, but I don't think it's anything sinister - it's just a real bad annoyance!

When we're anxious I think our coping mechanisms diminish, which is probably something to do with it too.

I can definitely relate to how you're feeling, with the legs problem - and a whole host of other problems too. I remember a period a few years ago where I couldn't sleep at night because I couldn't get into the right comfortable position for my back and I'd cry and get so frustrated because I'd feel so uncomfortable. It was a pain for a while, but as I focused my mind on other stuff it gradually started to go away.

Hang in there :) you're not alone.

[Carnation]

I also had the burning thighs and they felt sore as well. I don't think there are many symptoms that I didn't have. It is good news that you have had the all clear from the GP, that must put your Mind at rest. It is weird isn't it, that your Mind can cause all of these symptoms. I once listed them all at the height of my Anxiety and there were about 40 different symptoms. I looked at the list everyday and slowly I could cross a lot of out as they disappeared which gave me hope. Be careful about googling your symptoms, that can open up a can of worms. You are in much safer hands here. :)

[scaredsick]

How you getting on now buddy?

[IrishLondon]

Hey mate.

Things have improved since I wrote this desperate post. The leg symptoms are still there and still getting to me, but they aren't as intense and the anxiety about it isn't completely taking over my life any more. I'm back to socialising and living my life and not sitting at home crying anymore!

How are things going with you mate?

[Juan Inch]

Hi IrishLondon,

I'm just coming out of a recent bout of HA and, as a male of a similar sort of age (34), I can totally relate to all of this.

My physical symptoms feel like they are now subsiding somewhat but for five or six weeks I felt terrible. All types of aches and pains (back, sides, ribs, legs...). I too had numerous check-ups by doctors and had blood tests done too. All fine.

I've always been susceptible to anxiety attacks. I'm lucky in a way - I don't get panic attacks often (although I have had them). But I've always worried about my health.

My dad was recently diagnosed with cancer. My anxiety started almost immediately. My shoulders and back we're almost instantly knotted up and my stomach twinges and aches started straight away. I'd had anxiety before but NEVER to this extent.

The last couple of days I've got bored of feeling like cr*p (Im pretty impatient). I'd had enough and decided I wasn't going to put up with this anymore. Low and behold, my symptoms had subsided somewhat already and my minds in a much better place.

It'll get better dude. Promise.

[Jennyzee]

Your mind can create symptoms and once you feel them the anxiety takes over and you will keep experiencing them until the "next" symptom takes over. When I was younger I had alopecia. It was just small bald spots that nobody else would even notice. If I got really nervous and stressed about them the would happen...when I didn't I had none. Stress is such a powerful BEAST! I feel for you...you aren't alone my friend.

[scaredsick]

To be honest guys I'm struggling at the minute got problems with my feet they are aching and burning like crazy. ��

It's weird as they feel semi- ok in the morning but just get worse as te day goes on.

Can't tell if it's my shoes or what?!?

I bought some new trainers and the first day I wore them maybe 8 weeks ago they absolutely killed my feet, then I had a few days where I was stripping wallpaper off a ceiling barefoot so stretching on tip toes that's the only thing I can think of?!?
My heels seem to get numb while I'm driving and my calfs are sore too...

The burning is driving me crazy, making anxiety worse etc

What is it? Diabtetes? (Googled it) ������

[IrishLondon]

Hey buddy

I'm right there with you with the feet aches - I get burning on the tops of my feet too. Calf muscles and hamstrings can be crazily sore as well - but not normal muscle soreness after you'd get after the gym or a run. It almost feels like my bones are aching. Really uncomfortable sometimes. As i type this, my feet are prickling and tingling and calf muscles are twitching like mad. Mine are sometimes worse when I wake up, better during the day, worse at night - or completely the other way round.

But from what i've read, these are all classic symptoms of anxiety mate. Our nervous system is so full of adrenaline and on high alert, that it's making us feel this. If you've no other symptoms of diabetes, then i doubt it's this - there are other symptoms of this that would go along with the feet/leg symptoms. But get your doc to run a quick blood test to check - mine did a few blood tests for various things, and it was all clear.

I'm not panicking as much as I was a month ago about these symptoms - and at times i completely forget about them. I'm hoping those times just get longer and longer - i'm sure they will for you too.

Ryan

[scaredsick]

I'm gonna make an appointment in the new year can't face anything before Christmas although some days feel like giving up it gets me down so much ����