Question:
Does anyone have Leg Pain on the front part of your legs?

Everynight I have excruciating pain in both legs. My toes even scrunch up. It takes my breath away they hurt so bad. It's like they tighten up from the knees down but only the front of my legs. The back of my legs don't hurt.    — jfwilson1958 (posted on October 3, 2004)

October 3, 2004
You need to go to Your surgeon or doc and get labs done From what I understand this is a sign of low potassium which could get dangerous. Best Wishes Shell
   — Shell G

October 3, 2004
Yup, I agree. It could very well be a low potassium level. Check with your Dr..
   — Fixnmyself

October 3, 2004
You need to get your labs done. I had this right after surgery and it was low potassium. But there other things that can cause such leg pain as well and are best diagnosed by a physician. Go and be sure you get the right thing checked.
   — Cathy S.

October 3, 2004
Yes in my shins and down to my toes it is like the muscle spasmas and pulls my toes straight up it is so painful you get up and stand on your toes and do up and down toe lifts..the crawl slowly back into bed and here them come again... I have found taking extra Calcium, Magnisiam and zinc helps Why this happens I have no idea for a couple months I had spasams all over my body I would go to the Doctor and show him my hands and toes I would say here they come and my fingers and toes would go into spasams Thank God that finally went away Kathy
   — Kathleen M.

October 4, 2004
This is exactly what was happening to me this past month. (I am now 10 months out). I talked to my surgeon and he said that I'm probably low on sodium, potassium, etc. He said to start drinking 1-2 V8's a day. Well I've been drinking one a day and eating a 1/2 a banana a day and it works great! I know because this weekend I got busy and forgot to drink my V-8s and we ran out of bananas. My leg started to ache a bit so I realized I had forgotten. Good luck. DebbieW
   — bstowe

October 4, 2004
I have the same problem. I take vicodin for it. Otherwise, it bothers me so much that I can't sleep. I don't know what it is from, but it certainly is painful. You described exactly what happens to me. I am puzzled. :(
   — Rhonda S.

October 4, 2004
Sounds to me like you are experiencing charlie horses. These are often caused from low potassium. Check with your doctor he can run a pottasium level. Another alternative is to increase your potassium intake with foods such as bananna's. I had charlie horses through both my pregnancies. I will never forget the awful pain that would wake me through the night. Whatever you do don't tighten your muscles while this is happening this only makes it worse. Wish you luck. Take care Jen:)
   — imgabbie

October 4, 2004
You are describing my exact pain. I have had my calcium,potassium levels checked and they are all ok the only thing that is low is my iron, ferritin and I am anemic. They can not figure out why I am having so much pain. I have been checked for arthritis as well. I take all my supplements but I strggle with getting my iron levels were they need to be my pain is not in my calves or in the muscle area, but feels deep in my bones along my shins. Help
   — nccarolinagirl

October 4, 2004
I had this before my WLS and have had it since. My doctor told me that it was a calcium deficiency. If I don't get the 2 viactiv chews that I'm supposed to take daily, that night I will be up with lower, front leg cramping. I make sure that I get what I need, even if it means taking an extra one just to be sure. Best wishes!
   — JaimeO

October 4, 2004
The same thing happens to me when I don't drink enough fluids in a day- it is so bizarre- like you have no control over your feet
   — Susan F.

October 5, 2004
I too on occasion experience this. For me it usually means my potassium is low. I need to eat more bananas and baked potatoes(more potassium than a banana). I would discuss with your Dr. first incase it could be something more serious.
   — Linda M.

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