Leg pain is a common symptom and complaint, often due to a cramp, injury, or other cause.
For more specific information, see:
Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse). Common causes of cramps include:
An injury can also cause leg pain from:
Other common causes of leg pain include:
Less common causes include:
If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:
For leg pain caused by varicose veins, elevate the leg and wear elastic bandages or support hose.
For leg pain caused by nerve disorders or claudication:
Call your health care provider if:
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, with careful attention to your legs, feet, thighs, hips, back, knees, and ankles.
To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your health care provider will ask medical history questions, such as:
The following tests may be performed:
Treatment depends on the cause.
For some causes of leg pain, your health care provider may recommend physical therapy. If you have a blocked artery, inserting a balloon catheter into the artery may improve blood flow.
To prevent claudication and nerve damage:
To prevent overuse injuries, like shin splints, muscle cramps, and other causes of leg pain:
Pain - leg; Aches - leg; Cramps - leg
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Bederka B, Amendola A. Leg pain and exertional compartment syndromes. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr., Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 24. Section B.
Ginsberg J. Peripheral venous disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 428.
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 428.
White CJ. Atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 79.
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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