Leg Muscle Fatigue Due to Vitamin D Deficiency?

by Priya Nath Mehta
(Mussoorie, Himalayas, India)

I used to walk up and down mountain roads with great speed even at the age of 65 right up to 2007. Then I got an ache in the left hamstring-- which was as much due to sitting too much at the computer table as possibly too much walking up on slopes.

I also had vague aches in the back while getting up from the ground from squatting posture.

An MRI showed I had the usual slipped discs from age and sitting too much at the computer, at L4-5 and L5-S1, which were causing me no discomfort otherwise, no pains in the back etc.

Side by side I had vague tingling feelings in the left thigh, the one with the stretched hamstring. I began exercises for the back and the legs and tool Actonel for osteopenia side by side. The tingling feeling changed to one of exhaustion in one thigh.

However as I continued to walk -- haltingly along the way --the tingling and exhaustion in one of the thighs all but disappeared.

But then a new symptom appeared as I began to feel muscular fatigue in both legs after walking for some time, sometime half an hour, sometimes one hour. This fatigue became acute at times.

So I started taking Vit D 60,000 IU per week, as I read it was good for muscular fatigue. I actually began feeling better and the fatigue became less frequent. But then when I cut the Vit D down to half, the leg fatigue appeared again on walking.

I have the following question: is the muscular fatigue in the legs related to the slipped discs, or is it related to excessive strain on walking, or is it the result of Vit D deficiency?

Is it something that may be benefited by massage alone?

I eat well and take low glycemic foods before and after the walk. And there does not appear to be any iron or B12 deficiency either as I have been taking enough of both.

Thanking you so much for your kind advice and guidance.

Yours,
Priya