There are 20 conditions that can cause leg pain
Leg pain is caused by a variety of things. These include a strain in the muscles, cramps or even a more severe condition such as a clot. You should know what is causing your leg pain in order to get the right treatment. It is important that you consult a doctor if you experience unexplained pain in your legs. This will help determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment. Here are some common causes: ( 1 )
Peripheral Artery Disease
The peripheral artery disease affects your blood vessels and circulation outside of the heart. Atherosclerosis is the main cause. It can cause pain in your legs, feet or arms, especially when you exercise or walk. Leg pain is the most common PAD symptom. This can be due to blocked or narrowed legs arteries. This can decrease the amount of oxygen and blood that reaches your leg, causing pain, cramping or heaviness. Your feet may feel tingly or numb.
PAD can also lead to other complications, including infections and gangrene. It may also increase your risk for heart attack or stroke. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of PAD. The treatment for PAD can include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
DVT is caused by a blood-clot in a deep vein in the body. This usually occurs in the leg. It can be secondary to many causes, but it usually occurs after a person has been standing or sitting for a while. A blood clot can cause swelling and pain in the legs when it blocks or stops the blood flow. Leg pain, swelling and redness are other symptoms. DVT can lead to other complications, including pulmonary embolism.
Untreated DVTs can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening. Blood thinners are usually prescribed to dissolve the clot.
Peripheral Neuropathy
When nerve damage occurs in the peripheral nervous system, it is called peripheral neuropathy. This system is made up of all nerves except the spinal cord and brain. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on the nerves that are affected. Most common symptoms are pain, tingling and numbness in the legs. The pain may be severe and even disabling.
The secondary cause of peripheral neuropathy may be diabetes, alcoholism, infections, exposures to toxins and autoimmune disease. The treatment depends on the cause. In some cases, medication or surgery may be required to improve nerve function. Other times, lifestyle changes or complementary therapy may be recommended.
Electrolyte Balance
Minerals in the blood are essential for nerve and muscular function. Dehydration can cause an electrolyte balance. The body cannot move electrolytes correctly when it lacks water. Your muscles cramp when your electrolytes become imbalanced. Leg pain, confusion and other health issues can result from this.
Electrolyte imbalance is most common in the legs and can cause a lot pain. It is important to consult a physician if you experience leg pain to determine if there is an electrolyte balance. Typically, electrolyte balance is treated with supplements or medications. Surgery may be required in some cases.
Spinal Stenosis
This is a condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. Leg pain can be caused by compression of the spinal nerves. This compression can lead to numbness, pain, and tingling in the legs. In severe cases of spinal stenosis, paralysis can result. Leg pain is the most common symptom or complaint of spinal stenosis. It gets worse when you stand or walk for long periods. The pain may disappear when you rest or sit down. Other symptoms are clumsiness, unsteadiness and a feeling that your feet are asleep. See a doctor if you experience any symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica can cause leg discomfort. Pain is usually caused by irritation or compression of the sciatica nerve. The sciatic is a nerve that runs down each leg from the lower spine. This nerve can be irritated or compressed, which can lead to a number of symptoms including leg pain, weakness, tingling and numbness. Sciatica is caused by many things including herniated disks, spinal stenosis and piriformis. The treatment for sciatica usually includes medications like NSAIDs or opioids as well as physical therapies and surgery.
Arthritis
Arthritis is characterized by swelling or inflammation in one or more joints. Arthritis can start as a dull pain that may worsen over time. The pain may be mild or severe depending on what type of arthritis is present. Other parts of the body such as the legs can be affected.
Leg pain is a common sign of arthritis. The pain may be caused by swelling in the tissues or muscles surrounding the joint, or even the joints themselves. The pain can be so intense that it is difficult to walk, or do other activities.
Pulled muscle
Leg pain can be caused by many different injuries and conditions. A pulled muscle is one of the most common causes of leg pain. A pulled muscle may occur anywhere on the body but is most common in the legs. A pulled muscle becomes inflamed, swollen and painful. The muscle may become stiff and painful. Pain may spread to other areas of the body such as the lower spine or hips.
Consult your doctor if you experience leg pain. A pulled muscle can require physical therapy or medication in some cases.
Sprain
Leg pain can be caused by a sprain, a common injury. This occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones to the joints are stretched or torn. It can be caused by a sports injury, car accident or a fall. Pain, swelling and stiffness are all symptoms. Pain may increase when you put pressure on the joint or move it. Ice, rest and medication are all part of the treatment. If the ligament is ripped, surgery may be required.
Muscle Cramp
Muscle cramps are uncontrolled, painful contractions of the muscle. Muscle cramps are common in the legs, but can affect any muscle. A muscle cramp can cause severe pain, and it can be difficult to relax the muscle. The cramp may last seconds, minutes or even hours. Dehydration, excessive exercise, electrolyte deficiency, and medication are all possible causes of muscle cramps.
Resting the muscle and applying heat or ice can help relieve a cramp. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
Shin Splints
Shin Splints are a painful condition along the shinbone. It is not clear what causes shinsplints, but they are often caused by overworking the muscles and tendons surrounding the shinbone. It can occur when a person increases their level of activity too rapidly, for example going from running once a week to daily running. Flat feet can also cause shin splints, as they can place excess strain on the muscles and tendon around the shinbone. Shin splints can cause pain, swelling and stiffness along the shinbone. Shin splints are usually treated with RICE (rest, ice compression and elevation). In some cases physiotherapy is also recommended.
Stress fracture
Stress fractures are a common cause of leg pain. Stress fractures are caused by repeated or sustained pressure on the bones. Pain usually gets worse over time, making it hard to walk or do other activities. Multiple environmental factors can increase the risk of stress fractures, such as obesity, poor nutrition, lack exercise and smoking. This injury is more common in women than men, due to the smaller size of their bones.
Stress fractures can cause a dull aching leg pain, swelling or tenderness around the bone. It may also be difficult to bear weight on the leg. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis results from an inflammation of the tendons. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness around the affected area. Achilles tendon tendinitis is most commonly found in the Achilles, located at the back of your ankle. It can also affect other parts of the leg such as the hamstrings or calf muscle.
Tendinitis in the calf or hamstring muscles can be caused by many things. These include overuse, injury or infection. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms. Redness or warmth may also be present.
Varicose veins
You can see varicose veins as enlarged, twisted veins just beneath the surface of the skin. These veins can appear as cords or ropes and are often blue, red or flesh-colored. The medical condition varicose veins can cause leg discomfort and other symptoms. This is especially true when standing or walking.
When they become varicose they cannot do their job correctly. Blood can pool in the veins and cause pain. It may feel like a burning or throbbing sensation, or it could be cramping, aching, stinging, or aching. This pain may be accompanied by swelling or a feeling of weight in the legs. Treatments for varicose legs include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.
Burning thighs
Leg pain can be caused by burning thighs. This can be due to several factors such as nerve damage, poor blood circulation or muscle strain. It’s crucial to determine the cause of burning thighs in order to get the right treatment.
You may need to change your lifestyle to improve your health if poor blood circulation is the cause of your burning thigh. You could also try to quit smoking, eat a healthy, balanced diet and get regular exercise. The treatment for a burning thigh caused by nerve damage will be focused on relieving symptoms and preventing additional damage. Surgery may be required in some cases.
Trauma
Leg pain can occur in many ways due to trauma. Release of chemicals can cause nerve sensitization and pain. This type of burning sensation is called neuropathic. Trauma can damage nerves and cause pain. Trauma can also cause swelling and inflammation, which can lead to pain.
Calcium deficiency
Leg pain could be caused by a calcium deficit. Lack of calcium can make your muscles and nerves weaker and more painful. A calcium deficiency can also cause numbness, tingling, and cramps in the legs. You should consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms to determine if you require more calcium. You may find relief from leg pain by taking a calcium supplement, or eating more foods rich in calcium.
Injection neuropathy
Injection neuropathy occurs when a nerve is injured. Injury can occur from a direct blow or compression to the nerve. Injection neuropathy may cause leg pain and numbness. The pain can be constant or intermittent. The numbness can be mild or severe. The treatment for injection neuropathy involves medications to relieve pain and physical therapy that improves strength and flexibility.
Cancer
Cancer is a serious illness that can present with many symptoms. Leg pain is a common cancer symptom. Leg pain may be caused by cancer or the treatment used to combat the cancer.
Leg pain can be caused by cancer in many ways. Cancer can grow and press against nerves or blood vessel in the leg causing pain. Leg pain can be caused by cancer treatments. For example, chemotherapy drugs can damage nerves or muscles in the legs. Radiation therapy may also cause tissue damage in the legs.
