Distal fatigue, Painful Calves
 

Hi all new to the forum. My name is Cal.

Over a year ago I started out by having sore calves.
I was a keen runner then all of a sudden i couldn't run as it felt like both my calves were about to give out. I noticed that both calves had become sensitive to touch, like they were bruised or like muscles do the day after a heavy first gym session.

I quit running and instead moved to cycling, although i still had painful calves i was able to continue, and still can continue cycling.
I have some foot drop.

I am a computer programmer.
Earlier this year, overnight, my forearms suddenly stopped me from typing.
I can type for about 5 minutes before i feel the fatigue. Moving the mouse was much more difficult. This has not abated and i have now been without work for 4 months.

I have had MRI of full spine and brain. both normal.
Blood tests are normal except a slightly elevated CK. (very slightly)
I have had an EMG, which is normal.
I have had a muscle biopsy. I am awaiting results but i suspect (as does my neurologist) it too will be normal.

I'm at a bit of a loss what to do as when my muscle biopsy comes back normal, we may be at the end of the road. Diagnostically speaking.

I seem to have the symptoms only in my lower legs and lower arms.
I'm wondering if anyone else has similar symptoms and can shed any light?

Thanks
Cal

should also note there is no muscle wasting.
I also still have my strength, I can weightlift, but not use a mouse.

no diet has helped thus far. I have entered ketosis, tried fasting, high carb.

it is variable to some degree, with some days being much easier than others.

I am on pregabalin which does help the calve pain/tenderness.

Hi Cal,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

Your symptoms/signs sound very frustrating and quite limiting.

EMGs can look normal, especially in the beginning of a condition.
Interesting your CPK was elevated, even if slightly.

As for lack of muscle wasting, there are conditions which are considered "non-dystrophic." (no muscle wasting.)

Any chance your neurologist will do any DNA testing to see if he can identify any neuromuscular disorder?

The neurology group I see now often does DNA testing before doing muscle biopsies, if muscle biopsies are done at all.

Any peripheral neuropathy involved?

I have similar symptoms, yet I have had PN for 30 years.
In addition to distal weakness and muscle stiffness/cramping, I have muscle stiffness/cramping (extremely severe throughout my whole body).
I am undergoing DNA testing to confirm an additional neuromuscular diagnosis.

I hope your doctor can help you. :)

Warmly,
DejaVu

I asked my neurologist about DNA testing and he said it was a waste of time as its more of a "scatter gun approach" and would most likely detract from a linear investigation.

zero cramping anywhere although i have been having twitching, which, even though I mentioned was largely ignored and classed as "normal".

The following may have no bearing (the doctors certainly think so anyway), but thought i'd mention:
- After the pain in my calves began (4-6 months later) I noticed a terrible bout of raynauds, which i'd not had in 10+ years
- I'd had ear infections in both ears on and off for over a year (doctor told me i had spontaneously acquired glue ear, again was told "normal")
- I'd had a tooth infection from 2 failed root canals directly before my calves started showing symptoms. I left it for over a year as the pain was minor, the tooth was extracted last week.
- I had a fall down the stairs with caused a major bruise on my thigh, the muscle and skin was pliable for a short time (maybe one week)

please let me know how your DNA testing goes, I am very interested.

Cal

Hi Cal,

I agree with your neurologist re: completing a linear investigation prior to DNA testing. In my case, we are using DNA testing to differentiate between two subtypes of a neuromuscular disorder.

There are so many possibilities within neuromuscular diagnoses, the results of my DNA testing will not be relevant to your condition.

I can empathize with the distal weaknesses.
I can also empathize with going through the diagnostic process and not having answers for a long time.

It can be so frustrating not having a diagnosis and wondering. During these times, I try to be present as much as possible for each day, for today. I try to have the best day possible each day.

I hope your doctor will continue work-ups, as sometimes more shows up in testing, with time. Do you see a rheumatologist for Raynaud's?

I've had good luck with my neurologist and rheumatologist both testing and communicating with one another.

Take care! :hug:
DejaVu