8 Conditions that may be causing your Leg Pain

07 Sep 8 Conditions that may be causing your Leg Pain

Leg pain appear as a sharp pain, a constant ache, a tingling, or discomfort while walking. It can be the direct result of an injury, such as a sprain or broken bone. There can also be an underlying condition that causes leg pain.

Here are 8 different conditions that can cause leg pain.

• Shin splints – Shin splints are commonly seen in runners, people with flat feet, or rigid arches. If the muscles around the shin bone become inflamed, they can lead to pain in the legs, referred to as shin splints.
• Varicose veins– When veins have to work harder than usual to send blood back to the heart, they may appear blue and twisted looking. Varicose veins can develop during pregnancy, being overweight, or standing and sitting for long periods of time. The person may experience heaviness, throbbing, and cramps if varicose veins have developed.
• Arthritis– This is a common degenerative condition that can result in pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Arthritis may affect the knees, hips, and ankles, causing pain and discomfort even in everyday activities.
• Spinal Stenosis– Spinal stenosis is a condition which involves narrowing of the space between the vertebrae. This can exert pressure on the surrounding nerves causing pain in various areas of the body. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness in the legs, and difficulty with balance.
• Sciatica– Sciatica is the result of a pinched nerve in the spine. It can cause pain that varies from a cramp to shooting pain down the legs that can make sitting and standing difficult.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)– PAD affects millions every year. It is common among those over 50 years of age. PAD limits blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs, due to narrower arteries. The legs and feet may feel cold, change color, feel numb, weak, or even cramp while walking.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)– DVT refers to a blood clot, in a vein in the lower leg or thigh. DVT can lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the leg. Left untreated, DVT may lead to a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs.
• Peripheral Neuropathy– This refers to nerve damage, often due to chronic high blood sugar levels. It can cause numbness, weakness, or pins and needles sensations in the legs and feet.