leg pain

What are the possible causes of leg pain?

• Cramps – called muscle spasms, “a charley horse”. Represent sudden, sharp pain in the leg muscles. Very often at night. Associated with dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, side effects of medications, but also undiagnosed varicose veins and other vascular abnormalities.
• Injuries – muscle strains, tendinitis, bursitis, fractures, shin splints
• Deep Vein Thrombosis – Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) requires immediate medical attention. There is a blood clot formed in a vein. The clot may have the tendency of moving towards the lungs and other vital organs.
• Vein disease – undiagnosed varicose veins are the most common reason for heavy, sore, swollen legs especially at the end of the day. The varicose veins may stay invisible for years. When varicose veins are visible on the skin, they appear as twisted, bluish, purplish cords, and are caused by weak valves within the veins.
• Arterial disease, atherosclerosis – called peripheral vascular disease (PVD).Sudden pain to the leg, with cold pale limb, is a sign of arterial blood clot. It is a medical emergency.Majority of PVD are chronic conditions associated with narrowing and hardening of arterial walls (smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol), and diminished supply of blood to muscles. They cause painful, crampy pains during activity or at night.
• Lower back problems with herniated (slipped) disc. Sciatica – pain radiates to the legs with feeling of pulling, burning.
• Nerve damage in the legs.
  Caused by direct injury, but also in chronic medical conditions (diabetes). Often represented by tingling, numbness, and pain.
• Malignant or benign tumors.
• Gout
• Infection of any of the leg structures.
• Other: Pes Planus, Multiple Sclerosis, low thyroid level, lymphedema.

How to prevent leg pain?

• Exercise
• Do not smoke
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Maintain normal blood glucose level, blood pressure, cholesterol level
• Eat healthier

What symptoms warrant immediate medical attention?

• Deep injury, cut, uncontrolled bleeding, fracture
• Warm, hot leg
• Sudden swelling with or without pain
• Difficulty breathing especially in the presence of swollen legs
• Fever
• Sudden inability to walk
• Pale, cold, clammy leg