Has anyone had leg pain after pelvic radiation?

z said:

Nancy

I too had leg pain and buttock pain.  On 6-30-14 it will be 5 years ned from the end of tx.  I think the leg pain lasted up to the 2nd year.  It was more like it felt better if I pushed on it like breaking up tissue, I really don't know.  I hope you will find out and let us know.  I wish you well, Lori

Wondering how you resolved this. I've had it for about five weeks now and nothing is helping. Thank you.

I got pain and tightness in my leg muscles, and like others everyone acted like they didn't know what I was talking about. I asked for a physical therapy consult which helped even though the therapist had never heard this complaint either. I believe the cause of the symptoms is scarring and tightening of all those ligaments and tendons in your pelvis- just like vaginas get scarred and shortened, the leg muscles do too. Elasticity and flexibility are affected. I found a couple stretches really helpful and I can now sit cross-legged after stretching. 

I am coming up on 2 years post radiation treatment. I think I'm just now starting to make the connection between my unusual (for me ) leg pain in my quads and hamstrings & possible long term side effects of radiation treatment. Unfortunately I've also been having a lot of joint pain as well. Knees, hips, and foot joints - ouch. I'm 50 and have always been physically active with running or tae bo workouts. Never have I had this much post workout pain. Do you know if anyone else has joint pain along with the muscle pain after having pelvic radiation?

yes life is very painful below the waist.  I am a surfer, fast walker.

eihtak said:

magillilnb.....

Hi, yes I did notice unusual leg pain about 3-6 months post treatment. I definately felt better when walking or stretching. (Funny how the body naturally knows whats best at times) I also was able to find a gentle yoga class specifically for cancer recovery that was wonderful. I am 3yrs post treatment now and as long as I do at least some light physical activity daily, though I usually do more, I have no more pain.....at least for now!

Although the radiation is targeted at the tumor site, I always compare it to a fire pit and how the heat and ashes burn and singe the area far from the center of the pit. Sometimes that field is permanently damaged, but much will re-grow with a little work and attention. So, in that way, the muscles, tendons, bones, etc. in your hips and legs have suffered some trauma and need regular exercise to rebuild.

Thats just my thinking of course so please run it past your doctor to rule out any serious conditions.

Be well.

katheryn

 i am desperate and don't know who to turn too. At night time both legs become hard and every movement hurts. So concerned about it. I had rectal cancer 3 years ago. what can I do?

I have had leg (mainly thighs) pain since treatment and mentioned it to a few doctors.  No explanations, no suggestions.   Actually, it never occured to me that it could be from radiation.  My legs feel very heavy and weak.  I feel like I have been walking for hours instead of minutes.   I have flat feet and saw an orthopedic surgeon thinking it could be the cause of my leg pain.  When I explained to him how my legs feel, he told me to get active and it'll go away.  I was so mad!!!!   This was the first time I met the doctor and he knew nothing about me or how active I was.  When I told him I am very active, taking care of a 70 acre farm, farm animals, raising grandchildren, volunteer work etc. he said well get more active!!!  How can I get more active when my legs feel like they weigh a ton!