aching legs

[R]

My legs, particularly my knees have been aching chronically since the birth of my son 9 weeks ago. Have been prescribed ibroprufen by the doc, this masks the pain but doesn't change anything. Does anyone share this affliction and if so what did you do about it?

R, I would get a second opinion on this, not sure what it means but I know after the birth of my son they kept asking if my legs were sore at all...I suspect they are checking for signs of thrombosis. Not wanting to worry you but since it has gone on so long IMO it would be worth checking out further. Let us know how you go.

i have had knee problems as a result of pregnancy. the physiotherapist i saw explained that when the pregnancy hormones weaken the ligaments of your hips, they also weaken all the other ligaments, which in my case resulted in flat feet. apparently flat feet (if you weren't born with them) can put quite a strain on your knees. she treated me with massage, manipulation and ultrasound, and gave me exercises to do to strenghten my knees. it all helped a good deal, as did wearing shoes with instep support, such as trainers.

so, my suggestion would be to try to get some physio treatment, and in the meantime to wear trainers.

of course, your problem may be caused by something completely different good luck!

R, it is interesting to see this thread as I too have been suffering lately from tremendous knee, foot and all around leg pain. Just went to the doctor yesterday for a second round of tests as I can barely walk without major doses of Aleve...and as dd is almost 1 year, I don't know why it would begin now, and not right after she was born...

Do you have pain anywhere else, i.e. back, neck, shoulders, etc? I am wondering with me if it could be a form of arthritis...I, too, think you should get another opinion...

WMF, I wasn't aware of the flat feet issue - and I do have very high arches - wonder if that could be it with me...

Good luck R - I know it has to be difficult dealing with this while also handling have a new baby!

wmf-glad to hear someone singing the praises for physios. Thank you!!

I'd second wmf's advice and say ask your GP for a referral to a physio for an assessment. It may just be that you are doing completely different activities to those you were doing before your baby arrived. Couldn't believe the noises coming from my knees after just a few weeks of looking after ds. They sounded more like a 90yr olds rather than a normally fit 32yr olds(at the time). Creaking and grinding. Yes its true re relaxin hormone causing all sorts of joint problems, because of the global softening effect it has, not just preparing your pelvis for labour. You may be heavier than you were, and not as fit as a result of pregnancy, added to lots of bending and no doubt crawling around the floor, it all takes its toll. A good exercise regime and some manual therapy should sort you out without the need for long term non-steroidals (Ibuprofen-its an anti-inflammatory drug, so if its helping, it indicates an inflammatory problem, usually caused by overuse if there's been no injury).
HTH- good luck.

Just to allay any fears re thrombosis, I got a massive one in my leg after flying and you really cannot walk as the pain is so intense + your calf swells up big time.

On pain, after my ds was born I had a very sharp pain right at the top of my leg at bum level, and thought that a bit of needle might be in there!! I saw various people who couldn't find anything wrong and said these things tend to happen and just disappear of their own accord.. they were right.

As the others say though, do get it checked out even if only to give you peace of mind.

Just got back from holiday, thanks for all your helpful suggestions...knees are still hurting and now have added lower back strain as monster baby now weighs 15lb. I'll revisit doc and check out some physio