Is this normal?

[weirdo110.livejournal.com]

Hi, this is my first post but I have been watching this community for quite a while and think that its a wonderful place to receive help, get answers and have a rant every so often so keep up the good work ladies!!!

Now to my problem...

On the first day (and sometimes the day before) of my period, my legs really really hurt. Its kinda of a dull, aching pain all the way from my lower back to about mid-calf. Sitting or standing is not better than the other- I have to keep moving every 10 minutes so the pain doesn't get unbearable. This is annoying at school when we have nearly two hour lessons. The doctor said it was normal because "anything can be normal" but that doesn't make the pain go away.

I want to know if anyone else experiences this and what they might do to relieve the situation. I am sure its not life threatening but it's annoying having to lie down all day!!

Thanks
Amethyst

Comments

[redwitch13.livejournal.com]

I often experience the same pain, and it also happened when I was in labour with my twins. According to the midwife at the time, some people actually experience the contractions of the uterus radiating down their legs, to the point where neither sitting nor standing is comfortable!

The only thing I've found which can really help is to get a very warm wheat bag (hot water bottles are generally too big), one that's small enough to fit right down near the tailbone. Leave that there for a while, then try a bit of pelvic rocking (on your hands and knees, gently rocking your pelvis back and forward - just enough to keep your hips moving).

Hope that helps.

[erinmdmd.livejournal.com]

I've never connected my knee pain with my cycle, but that is interesting.

Have you tried doing some extensive stretching? In the morning, sit down, reach your toes, go side to side, get everything as relaxed as possible. I find that helps me.

[delerium69.livejournal.com]

Definitely normal. Are you taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen? You might also try calcium/magnesium supplements a week before your period (1,000mg of calcium a day). Increasing your exercise level is helpful too.

[viva-la-blondee.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, thats a weird response for a doctor to give. Anyway, I understand the lower back pain. I get that all the time. It feels like I pulled a muscle or something.

Good luck.

[miss-gracie.livejournal.com]

I get my worst period pains in my legs!
I have the same experience as you, my thighs (front and back) ache constantly, and the pain extends up into my lower back. I find that the front of my thighs are the worst. It makes it really hard to stand or sit for prolonged periods, I need to keep alternating. I haven't found anything that particularly helps, all I do is massage my legs where they ache and sometimes use a heat pack. The aches go away after day one, but they make me miserable. :(

[slayertatiana.livejournal.com]

My best day with bad aches was when I went to an art gallery. Walking slowly all afternoon was really the best activity possible.

Now that I've cut out eating dairy products and refined foods, I hardly ever get cramps, but I still get the achey legs a bit and keeping my feet warm helps with that. Even in summer I make sure I wear socks all the time on the first couple of days.

[weirdo110.livejournal.com]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou to everyone that answered my question its good to know and relate to people who know exactly what you are on about! I will try all these things next time! But by far the best advise was "and chocolate." But thanks to everyone!

Amethyst

[rachel2205.livejournal.com]

Oh absolutely normal. When I have very bad pain it spreads to my arms too. Unfortunately period pain doesn't just stick to the womb, dammit! There's not much you can do except take a strong painkiller. And I love hot water bottles.

But Why??

[weirdo110.livejournal.com]

Not that it actually makes a difference but does anyone else know what makes period pain 'move' to other body parts - i am just curious to find out!! thanks again Amethyst

[dayofdestiny.livejournal.com]

Doctors say everything is normal, I am in constant agony on my period.
Paracetamol is a waste of time swallowing, and tablets they give are too, in my case but, i would try them at least.
Good luck

CR