Why do I get really breathless with leg cramps when walking?

Question

Recently, whilst walking uphill, I have become very short of breath. I get a bit of pain in my chest - but nothing really serious.

My lower legs also hurt, sometimes going into spasms.

Once I get home and sit down, I begin to feel ok.

I am really annoyed by this as I am only just hitting 40 and try my best to live as healthily as I can and really enjoy walking.

I am an ex smoker who has Grave's Disease (now euthyroid). I take 10mg Carbimazole daily.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated - I feel like an old woman whilst out walking now.

Answer 1

It can be about many things. Only a doctor can tell you why. My best friend is a little anemic, it makes her have painful cramps on her legs. (just like the ones you're experiencing).

But really, you should see a doctor.

Answer 2

WHY DRINK WATER??

2/3rds of the body consists of water, making it our most important nutrient.

The body loses 1½ litres (3 pints) of water a day through urine, stools, sweat, breath and stress to the body.  We also make about 1/3rd litre (½ pint), when glucose is 'burnt' for energy.

Every day we neglect to replace 'the difference' we create a deficit (similar to being overdrawn at the bank).

The deficit has a detrimental effect on every one of the billions of cells in our body.  If they do not function optimally, the tissues, organs, blood, lymph and skin struggle; resulting in an in-balance which can lead to problems within the system.

Therefore, the minimum water intake from food and drink needs  to be more than 1 litre (2 pints) per day.  The ideal daily intake is around  2 litres (4 pints) per day......

4 pieces of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables totalling about 1.1kg (2lb) can provide 1 LITRE (2 PINTS) OF WATER.  Fruit and vegetables consist of approximately 90% water.  They supply it in a form, that is very easy for the body to use, at the same time providing the body with hgh percentage of its vitamins and minerals.  This leaves 1 LITRE (2 PINTS) to be taken as water or in the form of diluted juices or herbal teas.

Alcohol, tea and coffee cause the body to lose water, so are not recommended as sources of fluid intake.  They also rob the body of valuable minerals.

DRINK: A mimimum of 1 litre (2 pints) of water a day or in diluted juices or herbal teas.

MINIMISE: Alcohol, tea, coffee intake

CHOLESTRAL: Every cell is bathed in water inside and out.  It is this water that carries nutrients in and takes waste out.  When the body is dehydrated i.e. receiving less than 2 litres a day, it produces cholestral as a protective mechanism to ply onto cell walls to protect them form losing valuable fluid inside.  Whilst preventing further loss of water it unfortunately aslo prohibits the release of toxins that accumulte.  If if it continues, our cells struggle to absorb nutrients and release waste.

IBS/CONSTIPATION: One of the first signs of dehydration is constipation.  The water is taken from the colon to be used in more vital areas e.g. the brain which is approximately 80% water.  Constipation is like the bin men going on strike.  A pile of rubbish!  Toxins hanging about in yhour system.

HEADACHES/MIGRAINS: Often an indicator there is not enuogh water flowing into and around the eye area.  Your brain needs water to function. Not giving your brain this essential nutrient causes 'Brain cramp', and puts a strain on your brain - this results in a headache.

BODY CRAMPS: - Your body is seizing up - your body needs water desperately!!!

WEIGHT LOSS: The body's messages for hunger and thirst get a little mixed up, often making people reach for food when in fact what they really need is water.  It wll help satiate appetite, nourish and fulfil you.  Give you tons of energy (because it helps release glucose from cells), radiant skin and improved digestion.

ALLERGIES, ASTHMA, ECZEMA: All indicators than the body is dehydrated.

The message to you: Drink more water.

Answer 3

It all points to a lack of fitness. Walking up a gradient gives the same exercise as jogging on a flat surface. Do you regularly walk as much as you have been recently, and have you taken any breaks from it that would make you see a drop in fitness?

Answer 4

you might have at chance at having

asthma or your lungs are affected from the smoking even

though you quit

Answer 5

Take a drink with you that has electrolytes in it (sugars and salts) this may help your legs overcome the toxin build up.

Answer 6

what does your doctor say?