pegleg pain is a common problem , and can range from mild and bothersome to life-threatening and drain . In austere forms , it can affect your ability to walk or support .
There are many potential causes of branch pain sensation , from muscle injuries to problems with stock vessel . In some cases , leg pain can be due to nerve problems in your spine .
[ 1 ]
Signs and Symptoms of Leg Pain
stage painfulness may be constant or sporadic , and it can develop suddenly or gradually . It may pass only with certain activity , or while your wooden leg are at rest .
Depending on the underlying condition , leg pain may be accompanied by other symptom , let in the pursuit :
Common Questions & Answers
Causes and Risk Factors of Leg Pain
The following factors are sleep with to increase the jeopardy of originate some common forms of leg pain :
How Is Leg Pain Diagnosed?
If your stage pain in the neck is severe or interferes with your daily life , it ’s important to see a doctor for diagnosing and discourse . Your doctor will ask you about your symptom and do a physical examination .
Your medico may also govern imaging and other tests , including the pursual :
X - RayThis test make images of dull structures , such as bones .
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI)This mental test utilise a magnetic field and radio wave to make detailed image of region of your trunk . These are often needed when elaborated picture of soft tissues and ligaments around the leg joints or back are needed .
UltrasoundThis test utilize wakeless moving ridge to produce images of structures in your body , and can be utile to name shape touch sonant tissues , such as Achilles tendinitis .
Computerized Tomography ( CT ) AcanThis run immix many X - ray simulacrum to produce a very elaborated cross - division of structure . This trial is proficient for large surveys of the body and is brassy and often immobile thanMRI . Unlike MRIs , CT scan use small amounts of radiation .
VenographyThis test ask interject a dyestuff into a vein in your leg and using ex - ray mental imagery to detect blood clots .
Electromyography ( EMG)This exam involves inserting a needle electrode into muscularity to assess their electrical activity , which can aid detect harm to nerves extend to muscles .
Blood TestsYour doctor may desire to look for marking of inflammation , blood clotting , nutritionary deficiencies , resistant system abnormalities , diabetes , cholesterol , and other things that could be leading to your leg pain .
Prognosis of Leg Pain
How much your leg pain interferes with your life , and how long it lasts , depends on the underlying condition .
Some types of branch pain sensation , especially if they ’re triggered by a heftiness strain or another less serious injury , may respond well to self - care measures and not require extensive treatment .
Duration of Leg Pain
Leg pain can be ongoing or sporadic , derive and go with activeness or at what seem like random time . There ’s no rule for how long leg pain lasts , give that many unlike health status may be behind it . But if you ca n’t take a few steps without hard pain and the penury to sit down down , you should seek medical care immediately .
Treatment and Medication Options for Leg Pain
When to See a Doctor
It ’s a full idea to see a doctor for leg pain if it gets worsened with walking , involves swelling , or if it does n’t get better after a few days of rest home treatment .
It ’s authoritative to see a MD quickly if any of the espouse are true :
While leg pain ordinarily is n’t a medical exigency , you should try straightaway medical care if any of the stick with applies to your painfulness :
Medication Options
coarse over - the - retort medications to assist relieve branch nuisance include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti - inflammatory medications ( NSAIDs ) , such as aspirin or isobutylphenyl propionic acid .
[ 2 ]
[ 3 ]
Physical Therapy
If your leg pain is get by an harm or a condition resulting in muscle helplessness , you may benefit from seeing a physical healer .
A physical therapist can teach you individualize stretches and exercise to help you regain durability and compass of motion , and even to aid certain types of accidental injury heal .
Surgery
Some wellness conditions that cause branch bother may ultimately require surgery , including the following :
[ 4 ]
[ 5 ]
[ 6 ]
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
[ 7 ]
Certain dietetic appurtenance may be beneficial in manage leg cramps or neuropathy . verbalise to your doctor about the risks and possible benefits of taking any supplements .
Other complementary therapy that may help with branch pain let in :
[ 8 ]
Prevention of Leg Pain
While not all forms of leg pain can be keep , some of the most uncouth condition that cause peg pain in the neck can potentially answer to preventive measures such as the pursual :
Increase natural action bit by bit . Don’t jump into a gamy - loudness exercise number . Instead , work up to a high intensiveness layer to nullify hurt .
meld up your practice . Don’t do the same kind of recitation over and over , day after day . A wide-ranging practice function is less potential to get injury .
Wear supportive horseshoe . Make certain your example shoe have enough heel cushioning and prankish living .
Stretch regularly . Leg stretches may help fend off muscle spasm , and stretching your calfskin muscle , in particular , can aid prevent Achilles tendinitis .
Build os strength . military posture - oriented exercise programs , as well as waste enough Ca - full-bodied foods and vitamin D , may help forestall bone fractures .
Stay hydrous . generate enough fluid may help you avoid wooden leg cramp .
Maintain a healthy weightiness and do n’t fume . These lifestyle ingredient can facilitate foreclose cardiovascular problems affecting your legs .
Do n’t sit still for too long . Sitting for extended periods can increase the risk of blood clot in your leg .
[ 9 ]
Complications of Leg Pain
Leg painfulness can be harmful to your character of life history , especially if it step in with your mobility . In add-on , you may be loath to travel or attend certain public event if leg pain makes it difficult to sit well .
[ 10 ]
Research and Statistics: How Many People Have Leg Pain?
Since leg pain in the neck has so many possible causes , there is n’t much authentic information on how far-flung it is . But there are rocky estimates of the prevalence of several health conditions that can make leg pain .
[ 11 ]
[ 12 ]
[ 13 ]
Related Conditions of Leg Pain
Some of the most unwashed weather associated with leg pain let in the following :
[ 14 ]
Resources We Trust
Justin Laube , MD , is a board - certified integrative and internal medicine Dr. , a instructor , and a consultant with extensive expertness in consolidative health , aesculapian education , and trauma healing .
He graduated with a bachelor ’s in biota from the University of Wisconsin and a aesculapian stage from the University of Minnesota Medical School . During medical schooling , he completed a postgraduate certificate in consolidative therapies and healing practices through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing . He completed his three - year residence breeding in internal medical specialty at the University of California in Los Angeles on the primary care raceway and a two - yr companionship in integrative East - West primary tutelage at the UCLA Health Center for East - West Medicine . He is currently taking a multiyear personal and professional sabbatical to explore the human relationship between puerility injury , disease , and the processes of healing . He is developing a clinical pattern for patients with complex psychic trauma , as well as for others pass away through significant biography transition . He is work on a book distilling the insights from his sabbatic , precept , and leading retreats on trauma , integrative wellness , heedfulness , and well - being for wellness professionals , scholar , and the residential area .
Previously , Dr. Laube was an assistant clinical prof at the UCLA Health Center for East - West Medicine and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , where he provided main tutelage and integrative East - West medical consultations . As part of the faculty , he completed a aesculapian education fellowship and received a certificate in innovation in course of study design and evaluation . He was the fellowship director at the Center for East - West Medicine and led form for physician fellows , residents , and medical students .
ancestry Clots
Cold Feet May Be an Early Sign of Varicose Veins
Blood Clots While Pregnant: Understanding Your Risk and How to Prevent Them
Pain Management
What Causes Leg Cramps and How to Find Relief
Sprained Ankle: 8 Tips for the Quickest Possible Recovery
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: When Deep Vein Thrombosis Causes Long-Term Damage
Using Painkillers While on Hormonal Birth Control May Raise Blood Clot Risk
What You Should Know About Traveling Blood Clots
7 Steps to Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis
What Is DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
What Is Venous Thromboembolism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
