Definition
Leg pain is a common problem. It can be due to a cramp, injury, or other cause.
Alternative Names
Pain – leg; Aches – leg; Cramps – leg
Causes
Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a
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Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood -
Medicines (such as diuretics and statins)
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Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time
An injury can also cause leg pain from:
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A torn or overstretched muscle (
strain ) -
Hairline crack in the bone (stress fracture)
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Inflamed tendon (
tendinitis ) -
Shin splints (pain in the front of the leg from overuse)
Other common causes of leg pain include:
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Atherosclerosis that blocks blood flow in the arteries (this type of pain, called claudication, is generally felt when exercising or walking and is relieved by rest) -
Blood clot (
deep vein thrombosis ) from long-term bed rest -
Infection of the bone (
osteomyelitis ) or skin and soft tissue (cellulitis ) - Inflammation of the leg joints caused by
arthritis orgout Nerve damage common in people with diabetes, smokers, and alcoholicsVaricose veins
Less common causes include:
- Cancerous bone tumors (
osteosarcoma , Ewing sarcoma) Legg-Calve-Perthes disease — poor blood flow to the hip that may stop or slow the normal growth of the leg- Noncancerous (benign) tumors or cysts of the femur or tibia (osteoid osteoma)
- Sciatic nerve pain (radiating pain down the leg) caused by a slipped disk in the back
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis — usually seen in boys and overweight children between ages 11 and 15
Home Care
If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:
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Rest as much as possible.
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Elevate your leg.
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Apply ice for up to 15 minutes. Do this 4 times per day, more often for the first few days.
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Gently stretch and massage cramping muscles.
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Take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Other homecare will depend on the cause of your leg pain.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
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The painful leg is swollen or red.
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You have a fever.
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Your pain gets worse when you walk or exercise and improves with rest.
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The leg is black and blue.
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The leg is cold and pale.
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You are taking medicines that may be causing leg pain. DO NOT stop taking or change any of your medicines without talking to your health care provider.
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Self-care steps do not help.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your health care provider will perform a physical and look at your legs, feet, thighs, hips, back, knees, and ankles.
Your health care provider may ask questions such as:
- Where on the leg is the pain? Is the pain in one or both legs?
- Is the pain dull and aching or sharp and stabbing? Is the pain severe? Is worse at any time of day?
- What makes the pain feel worse? Does anything make your pain feel better?
- Do you have any other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, back pain, or fever?
Your health care provider may recommend physical therapy for some causes of leg pain.