Cardiologist Questions Cardiologist

“Tightness in the calf of legs?”

I am 80 years old. I had a stent put in about 4 years ago for the heart. I have high cholesterol, am not diabetic, am in good health basically. Recently, I noticed a tightness in the calf of my legs. I don't do a lot of exercises, but keep a large home and walk about 2 or 3 blocks to get mail. A couple of days ago, noticed not only the tightness in the calf but the bottom of my feet feel like the skin is tight there also. Not what I feel with my hands when touching them, but it just feels weird with my feet. I am trying to make sure I do a little more movements, etc, but still strange. I did try putting heat on my legs last night. I am not sure if that is good or not.

Female | 80 years old
Complaint duration: a week
Medications: Lisinopril 2.5 once a day, Carvedilol 6.25 twice a day, low dose aspirin, Euthyrox 50mg once a day
Conditions: good health. thyroid, and heart/cholesterol

5 Answers

I recommend you to see a vascular doctor asap.
This is a complex question. There are a number of things that could be causing these problems. The calf pain when you walk could be a condition called intermittent claudication caused by blockage in the leg arteries. There are some pretty simple screening tests that could be done either by your internist or cardiologist to evaluate the blood flow in your legs. In addition, some of the sensations that you’re describing in your feet could be a neuropathy. Typically, that is seen in diabetics, but it can happen even if you’re not diabetic. Once again, best evaluated by your doctor.
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Can you live a normal life after a stent?

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You may want to go to a vascular physician to rule out a blood clot or circulation problems
Most people's calves tighten as they age. Calf stretching exercises usually work. Try googling methods to do the stretch or see a professional.
You may need an ultrasound exam to rule out a blood clot. Also, a physical exam can hep rule out a muscle strain or plantar fasciitis.

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