Leg pain is one of the most common ailments people suffer, regardless of age. That pain can be indicative of various underlying issues. Perhaps it’s a mild cramp due to physical overexertion that goes away in the morning. Maybe it’s a painful sensation that’s a symptom of a much more severe disease that could be life-threatening if left untreated. So, what are the various causes of leg pain? And what leg pain treatments can help you find relief when you need it most?
What Are the Common Causes of Leg Pain?
The core cause of any pain in the legs is poor circulation. This pain, though, can have a myriad of root causes, including:
- Periphery Artery Disease (PAD) – This disease results from arterial narrowing, which restricts blood flow to the rest of the body. Failure to get appropriate treatment for PAD can result in a heart attack, a stroke, and ultimately death.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – A DVT is a clot in the leg, usually in the lower thigh or just below the knee. While some DVTs have no symptoms, most who suffer from the disease have pain, leg swelling, and “hot spots” at the clot’s location. If left untreated, DVTs can cause pulmonary embolisms, which is when a clot dislodges and moves to the lungs.
- Peripheral Neuropathy – This is a catch-all term for damage to the leg’s nerves that causes a “short circuit” from the brain to the legs. Diabetes is the number one cause of peripheral neuropathy, but improper medications, accidents, and strokes can also cause it.
- Meralgia Paresthetica—A condition that usually targets the upper thighs, meralgia paresthetica (sometimes called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome) occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) has too much pressure on it, causing a burning, prickling, or tingling sensation. It is most common among pregnant women. Still, it also commonly occurs among obese people, people who wear tight clothes all the time, and people who have scar tissue near and around the groin area.
- Spinal Stenosis – One of the more serious causes of leg pain is spinal stenosis, which occurs when the spinal bones begin narrowing. The bone narrowing puts pressure on the lower extremities, causing weakness and persistent pain.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of causes of leg pain. All these causes require immediate medical attention to avoid long-term and permanent damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Leg Pain?
Leg pain can be of varying degrees. Acute pain comes quickly and goes away just as quickly, while chronic pain may persist for several weeks, months, or years.
Leg pain has a variety of symptoms, including:
- Swelling – If one leg is larger than the other, it can be a source of pain.
- Heat – Legs that feel hot to touch are often also in excruciating pain.
- Slow-Healing Wounds—Some wounds heal quickly, while others, depending on the severity, require more time to heal correctly. However, wounds that should quickly heal (such as a small cut) but take a long time to do so often indicate other leg issues.
- Discoloring – Legs with compromised circulation are often discolored (with a bluish-green tinge) and accompanied by leg pain.
When Should You See a Doctor for Your Leg Pain?
You should immediately seek help from a physician if:
- You Have Pain During or After Walking – You should expect a bit of soreness after a long or strenuous walk or other unusual physical activity. However, if your pain is excruciating and interfering with your everyday activities, seek immediate medical attention.
- Your Legs Are Swollen—Swollen legs are a common heart, kidney, or liver failure symptom. If left untreated, these conditions can be fatal.
- Your Mild Symptoms Don’t Improve After a Few Days of Home Treatment – Leg pain that seems like a “minor issue” can signify something more serious. This is especially true if the pain doesn’t improve after a few days of home treatment.
- You Have Varicose Veins – These thick, ropey veins caused by weak walls can cause long-term circulation problems. Varicose veins need medical intervention sooner rather than later.
Leg pain treatments vary depending on the underlying cause, and it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis to determine the most effective solution. A healthcare professional can guide you in choosing the right course of treatment to relieve your pain and prevent further complications.
Let AllCare Health & Pain Help You Find Leg Pain Relief
With world-class Jersey City pain management specialists serving the greater New Jersey area, AllCare Health & Pain is dedicated to helping all our clients find relief from all types of leg pain. Our dedicated team is here to help you explore leg pain treatments that meet your needs. Contact us today at 201-386-9800 to get started with an appointment.
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