Tackling Leg Pain

What You Should Know
Leg pain is very common. While leg pain is uncomfortable, most leg pain is not a medical emergency. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes and self-care can solve the problem. However, some leg conditions are more serious and may require prompt professional care.

If you have leg pain, your doctor, chiropractor, podiatrist or other health professional is likely to ask you a lot of questions. Is your pain dull or sharp? Did you injure yourself or did the pain seem to start without a cause? Does the pain change at certain times, such as when you are in bed? When are the symptoms worse? Does changing positions make it better or worse? Are legs and ankles swelling? Is your pain in a certain location, such as your shins, joints or hip? Do you have other medical problems? Have you been repeating the same motion, like running or lifting?

Your care provider can help you determine the cause of leg pain. It might be the result of an injury, another health problem like diabetes, or as a side effect of an injury to another area of your body like your foot or spine.

When health problems cause leg pain, it is very important to treat the health problems, not just the pain.

Common Causes

• Poor circulation leads to many chronic leg problems -- including pain. Clogged arteries, hypertension and improper functioning of valves in the veins can cause poor circulation. Impaired circulation can harm the nerves (peripheral neuropathy), blood vessels (peripheral vascular disease) and skin of your legs.

   

• Varicose veins are one of the most common circulation problems. Varicose veins affect one out of two people age 50 and older. Circulation problems can also lead to swelling, crusty blistered skin that becomes broken or infected (cellulitis), dangerous blood clots and even gangrene (when the leg tissue dies). Poor circulation also prevents quick healing of injuries.

   

• Arthritis or deterioration of the joints can also cause leg pain.

   

• Inflammation of the joints might be caused by an immune problem (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) or due to wear and tear after years of use.

   

• Injuries are another common cause of leg pain. Injuries and overuse of the legs and feet can lead to painful bruises, sprains, torn cartilage or broken bones. Old injuries can cause pain years after an injury. Runners sometimes have painful shin splints (a common injury of the lower leg.) Pulled hamstring muscles are also common sports injuries. A foot, ankle or Achilles tendon injury can change the way you walk or run. An awkward gait or an injury can radiate pain to the calf or create a burning sensation.

   

• Injuries or arthritic spurs at the spine can also create sharp leg pain. A herniated disc or bone spur can put pressure on the spinal nerve. Pressure and inflammation in the lower part of the spinal cord (lumbar sacral region) can cause pain to shoot down the buttocks, hip and thigh (sciatica.) Pain if often reduced by reducing the irritation of the nerve.

   

• Some people suffer from restless legs or leg cramps especially at night or when lying down. Moving the legs temporarily eases the feelings. Exercise, good nutrition and medication might help solve these problems.

   

• There are other serious causes of leg pain. Cancer or serious infections can involve the leg bone, muscles or skin.

What You Should Do
Find out the causes and solutions to your leg pain. Don't just accept it.

• For minor injuries, consider anti-inflammatory medicine like aspirin or Motrin. Home therapy might also include rest and elevation of the leg. Consider compression hosiery as an inexpensive way to minimize swelling and the achy heavy feeling associated with varicose and spider veins. Heat or ice packs might also provide some relief.

   

• If your pain persists for too long, seek an accurate diagnosis and proper care. Explain your health problems and symptoms to a qualified professional. Expect a physical exam and a blood pressure check.

   

• If an infection or inflammation is suspected, plan on blood tests to help in the diagnosis of these problems. Your doctor might order an ultrasound test to see if you might have poor blood flow in your legs. Nerve damage might be checked with a nerve conduction study. Your doctor might also recommend studies of your arteries. X-rays might be ordered to view your bones for a fracture, tumor or infection. A CT scan of your lower spine is possible if you have the symptoms of sciatica. For severe pain, your care provider might also recommend a muscle relaxer, steroids or an epidural injection to block the pain. An electrical nerve stimulator might also give you some pain relief.

   

• Ask your doctor or therapist about exercises. Regular exercise can enhance your circulation, vein health, flexibility and leg strength. Walking is effective and easy on the joints for most people. People who cannot walk easily can often exercise in a chair or in the bed. Gently stretching muscles and tendons around joints can often help to reduce pain.

   

• Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your back and legs. Eat a low-fat, low-salt, low-sugar, high-fiber diet to avoid water retention and constipation. Such a diet might reduce swelling and varicose veins.

   

• Think about positions that harm circulation. Don't sit or stand still for long periods of time. Find a reason to get up and move. Don't cross you legs. Elevate your legs to change their position when possible.

   

• For severe pain, you might consider surgery for a herniated disc, joint or circulation problems if other solutions fail.

For More Information
Go to Healthymemphis.org/links for Web links on ways to find resources about leg pain causes and solutions.

Family Health. Take Charge! is provided by the Healthy Memphis Common Table: healthymemphis.org. This article supports the care and advice of your doctor. Talk to your care provider about any health condition or before starting new treatments.

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