Discomfort in Leg Sides During Walking
(28-year-old male) For the past several years, I've occasionally experienced discomfort along the sides of my legs while walking. This soreness originates just above my ankles and extends nearly halfway up. Notably, it affects only the outer sections of my legs, aligned with my hip bones. Although this isn’t a constant issue, the pain tends to flare up, particularly after I walk for a longer period. Recently, I took a quick trip to a deli nearby, which requires about a 10-minute round trip on foot, but this time the discomfort was more intense than usual. After resting for about 15 minutes, I noticed a reduction in pain, yet it hasn’t completely disappeared as it typically does after walking. I usually try to brush off minor health concerns, hoping they will resolve on their own, but it appears that this particular issue may be escalating. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 🙏 Update: I don’t know if it’s pertinent, but I feel it’s important to mention that high blood pressure is prevalent in my family. Additionally, I was hospitalized in December 2024 for several days due to heart-related problems—I've previously experienced sharp pain in my chest. Although the doctors didn’t detect any significant issues aside from slightly thickened heart valves, they recommended an MRI of my heart, which I avoided due to fear of potentially serious findings.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 9:30:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
You're experiencing discomfort along the sides of your legs while walking, which has become more pronounced after longer walks. Given your past medical history, it's important to approach this situation thoughtfully. This type of pain could be related to several factors, including muscle strain, tendonitis, or, less commonly, vascular issues.
Explanation:
The discomfort you describe – from the outer sections of your legs (likely affecting your peroneal muscles or tendons) – can stem from overuse or strain, particularly if it worsens with activity and improves with rest. The fact that you notice this pain more intensely after longer walks suggests that your muscles may be getting fatigued or you might have been engaging muscle groups that are not fully conditioned for sustained activity.
Your family history of high blood pressure and your previous heart-related hospitalization adds a layer of concern and complexity. While the pain in your legs may be primarily muscular or related to exertion, it’s important to keep in mind that discomfort can sometimes have vascular implications, especially given your previous health issues.
Next Steps:
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Gradual Increase in Activity:
- Start with shorter walks and gradually increase your walking duration to help improve your leg strength and endurance. Consider walking on flat, even surfaces initially.
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Rest and Recovery:
- Allow adequate recovery time after activities that induce discomfort. If swelling or persistent soreness occurs, ice the area for 15-20 minutes post-activity.
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Strengthening and Stretching:
- Implement gentle stretching exercises focusing on your calves, hamstrings, and outer leg muscles. Strength training focusing on lower leg muscles may also be beneficial.
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Hydration and Nutrition:
- Ensure you are well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet to support muscle recovery and overall cardiovascular health.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of when the discomfort occurs, how long it lasts, and any other symptoms (like swelling or changes in your heartbeat). This information can help identify patterns that may need to be addressed.
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Watch for Warning Signs:
- Be vigilant for symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or significant leg swelling that could require immediate medical evaluation.
If the discomfort persists, worsens, or if you begin to experience any concerning symptoms related to your heart, it would be important to seek medical attention. Ensuring your heart health is paramount, given your past issues. Taking a proactive approach while addressing these leg discomforts can help you feel more secure about your health moving forward. Please take care and feel free to reach out if you have further questions!
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