What Causes Your Legs to Hurt?
March 21, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Leg pain can be caused by various factors, including:
- Muscle Strain or Overuse: Engaging in strenuous physical activities, repetitive movements, or overexertion can lead to muscle strain or overuse injuries, resulting in leg pain.
- Muscle Cramps: Sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles, known as muscle cramps, can cause intense pain in the legs. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and muscle fatigue are common causes of muscle cramps.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD occurs when there is narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs, reducing blood flow to the muscles and causing pain, cramping, or fatigue, especially during physical activity (claudication).
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It can cause pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg.
- Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins near the surface of the skin, known as varicose veins, can cause discomfort, aching, or throbbing pain in the legs, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
- Sprains and Strains: Ligament sprains or tendon strains can occur due to sudden twisting or stretching of the leg, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the leg, such as fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula, can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg, can cause sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the lower back to the leg.
- Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the legs, particularly the knees and hips.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to conditions like diabetes, can cause symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the legs and feet.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them, especially during periods of rest or sleep.
If you experience persistent or severe leg pain, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.