Leg Pain Causes

     There are many causes of leg pain.  Some causes are trauma related, while others are non-traumatic.  On this website, we will explore some of the causes for leg pain.  We will share information with you about arthritis joint pain, including both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Second we will discuss hamstring injuries, which can cause pain and take some time to recover.  Third, another cause of leg pain is peripheral artery disease, in which you have leg pain because of narrowed arteries which reduce the blood flow to your limbs.  Fourth, a blood clot in the leg, also known as deep vein thrombosis, can block the circulation of blood through your veins.  A broken bone may be the result of trauma and may require you to wear a cast or even receive surgery.  Sciatica is a painful condition caused by the sciatic nerve, and the end result is pain from the buttocks and down your leg.  Finally, a common cause of leg pain is leg cramps, which are involuntary contractions of the muscles that can be very painful until they subside.  On this website, I will begin by providing you with an introduction to each form of leg pain, and then I will go into more detail about each form on the following pages.

Arthritis Joint Pain

     Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.  There are two kinds of arthritis:  rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.  The two most common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness in the joints.  Pain, redness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion may all be experienced as symptoms of arthritis.  Osteoarthritis is the result of damage to your joints.  It most commonly affects your hips, hands, knees, and spine, but it can really affect any joint.  It tends to get worse over time, and there is no cure; however, treatments can help you to relieve pain and keep you active.  Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the lining of your joints, which can result in aching, throbbing, swelling, and deformity.  Proper treatment may help you to manage the pain and prevent further damage. 

Hamstring Injury

     The hamstring is a group of muscles that go across the back of your thigh and extend from the lower pelvis to the back of your shin bone.  Many people who experience hamstring injuries are involved in sports activities, such as soccer, tennis, track and field, and basketball.  Additionally, a hamstring injury can be the result of a direct blow.  Some hamstring strains are less severe and may result in some bleeding in the muscle.  However, in severe cases the hamstring may suffer a complete rupture, which may require surgery to repair.  Symptoms of a hamstring injury may include bruising, swelling, muscle spasms, and pain when contracting the hamstring.  If you have a hamstring injury, it is important to get treatment within the first 48 hours.  Treatment may include physical therapy, wearing a compressive bandage and using an ice pack, massage, and possibly even surgery.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

      Peripheral arterial disease is a circulatory condition that causes leg pains because of narrowed arteries that reduce your blood flow to your limbs.  Since your extremities may not be able to receive enough blood flow, you may feel leg pain when you walk.  This is also known as intermittent claudication.  This condition can also be a sign of fatty deposits in your arteries.  Often peripheral artery disease can be treated through quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating healthy foods.  Early diagnosis of the disease can help you get early treatment and keep the condition from worsening. 

Blood Clot in Leg

     A blood clot in the leg can also be referred to as deep vein thrombosis.  This happens when a blood clot becomes imbedded in one of your major deep veins, such as the ones present in your lower legs, thighs, or pelvis.  This clot blocks circulation of the blood through the veins, which are responsible for carrying blood from your lower body to your heart.  Pain, swelling, and warmth can be symptoms of the clot in the affected area.  This condition can be severe if the clot breaks loose and travels through your bloodstream, because it could cause blockages of blood vessels in your lungs, which is called pulmonary embolism.  Symptoms of this condition include gradual onset of pain, swelling, redness, warmth to the touch when you feel the affected area, bluish or whitish discoloration of the skin, and leg cramps.  In some cases, the blood clot will resolve itself, but in some cases it requires medical attention.

Broken Bone

     A broken bone is usually the result of trauma.  There are four bones in your leg:  the femur, the tibia, the patella, and the fibula.  Symptoms of a broken leg include swelling, deformity, and pain.  Often the broken leg is obvious, but in some cases it may need an x-ray to be diagnosed.  If you break a bone, you should try to keep it still, as increased movement will increase the pain.  If a break occurs, there will likely be swelling and bruising.  Once you arrive at the emergency room, your bone will need to be moved back into position, which is called reduction.  In most cases you will need to wear a cast, and in severe cases, surgery may be required.

Sciatica

     Sciatica is a condition that involves pain from your back and buttocks to your leg and possibly even your foot.  The symptoms may include tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg.  Sitting or standing may make your symptoms worse.  Sometimes sciatica will go away with time.  Doctors often suggest that you avoid sitting for extended periods of time, alternate taking short walks and lying down, taking a warm shower frequently, and using a heating pad.  Sometimes in severe cases injections of steroids, physical therapy, and surgery are recommended by your doctor.

Leg Cramp

     When there is a forceful involuntary contraction of a muscle, we call this a cramp.  Muscle cramps may last for only a few seconds, or they may last for as long as fifteen minutes.  Cramps are a common cause of leg pain.  "Charley horses," which are cramps in the calf, are very common and often attack during nighttime hours.  When you have a cramp, you will likely feel a knotted muscle that may bulge, be very firm to the touch, and feel very tender.  The best way to relieve the cramp is to try to stretch the muscle.  Cramps may also be relieved when you stand or walk around.  Massaging the cramped muscle may also help.

Preventing Leg Pain

Whatever your leg pain causes may be, there are a number of ways you can help prevent it from developing.  The vast majority of leg pain is caused by a simple issue, like muscle strain from common activities, walking, or lack of motion.   Here are just a few things you can do to help prevent the many common leg pain causes from setting in. 

• Stretch Every Day - Stretching can help you prevent leg pain from strains, pulled muscles, and other common problems from setting in.  Even if you are not going to engage in strenuous activity, take five or so minutes every morning to stretch out your legs for the day.  It is very important to stretch before you perform any kind of exercise or strenuous activity.
  
  
• Avoid Sitting for Too Long - At the adverse of the scale, a general lack of activity can help bring on the common leg pain conditions listed above.  If you have to be sitting for an extended period of time, get up and move around at least once every hour to help blood circulate and to stretch out your legs, literally.
  
  
• Movement is Key - Providing movement, especially when sitting for prolonged periods of time will help your legs stay healthy.  Leg muscle contractions are essential for helping blood fight against gravity to get back to the heart.