Potential reasons why leg pain occurs

Discomfort or pain felt in the leg can range anywhere from a dull ache to a stabbing sensation that simply won’t go away.  It can be the result of a minor injury or trauma, overexertion, or an underlying illness.  Here are some common causes of leg pain.

Injury

Muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers tear due to overstretching.  Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, which are the thick cords joining the muscles to bone.  Shin splits lead to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), while knee bursitis takes place when the bursa or fluid-filled sacs that surround the knee joint become inflamed.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

The limbs, usually the legs, are deprived of blood, typically after the arteries have narrowed.  The legs experience weakness, numbness, or cramping when one walks. They might also feel cold and emit an odd color.  PAD can be addressed through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, medication, or surgery.

Deep vein thrombosis

It’s a blood clot in a vein, typically in the thigh or lower leg. While symptoms don’t always manifest, there can be pain or swelling in the leg, and the affected part might be red and warm.  Beware and seek medical attention right away because it can lead to a serious condition called pulmonary embolism.

Common medical conditions

Leg pain can be caused by benign tumors or cancer, gout (arthritis that relates to excess uric acid), growing pains, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Osgood-Schlatter disease, osteomyelitis (a bone infection), patellar tendinitis, peripheral neuropathy, stress fractures, and varicose veins, to name a few.

Leg pain from cramps or a minor injury can usually be treated at home with remedies such as rest, elevating the leg, wearing compression socks, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.  On the other hand, it’s best to see a doctor if there’s swelling in both legs, pain while walking, and leg pain that persists beyond a couple of days. 

Dr. Karl Jawhari has been published in Dallas newspapers and appeared on CBS and local channel television shows to discuss new and innovative solutions to chronic pain. Read more on this site.