Causes of Pain in Legs? 4 Things To Know
There are many causes of pain in the legs, and the symptoms can be anything from numbness to back pain or even fever.
Your health care provider can help you find out what is causing your pain and provide you with treatment options.
Physical therapy is another treatment option your health care provider might suggest.
To help manage your pain, your doctor may prescribe certain exercises and medications to ease your discomfort.
The following are some of the most common causes of pain in the legs.
Symptoms
Pain in the legs can be a common symptom of a number of ailments.
However, there are certain conditions that need medical attention.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are commonly used for pain relief.
A doctor may recommend a specialized treatment plan, and a graduated return to activity should be implemented.
Leg pain may also signal a more serious health condition, such as vascular disease or deep vein thrombosis.
Fortunately, there are several simple methods to treat pain in the legs.
While you may experience muscle sprains and strains after an intense workout, other causes are more serious and require medical attention.
Peripheral artery disease is a common cause of pain in the legs. Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs and may even threaten the heart.
CAUSES
There are numerous different causes of pain in the legs. The thigh, the ankle, the calves, and the leg are all made of different types of tissue and structures.
A wide variety of injuries and conditions can cause pain in the leg. Listed below are some of the most common causes. To learn more, contact your physician to learn more.
You can also use a painkiller like an acetaminophen.
A strain or sprain can be a limiting factor.
It can be caused by excessive stretching, inadequate flexibility training, or improper warming up before physical activity.
When a sprain occurs, the leg muscles are injured, and there may be swelling or bruising.
These symptoms could be the result of an acute or chronic compartment syndrome.
The swelling causes a blood supply to be cut off to the affected muscle tissue, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.
In severe cases, the pain may lead to numbness or even permanent muscle damage.
Treatments
Pain in the legs can be caused by a variety of conditions, including vascular disease and peripheral arterial disease.
If not treated promptly, this condition can result in a number of serious complications, including heart attacks, strokes, amputations, and gangrene.
In many cases, this condition is caused by an underlying neurological problem, such as diabetes or excessive alcohol consumption.
Other causes of leg pain include degeneration of the nerves in the legs.
Some causes of leg pain can be minor injuries that cause swelling and bruising.
Other causes of leg pain are infections, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic illnesses.
A physician should examine leg pain if it interferes with daily activities. X-rays can be taken to determine what is causing it.
They can produce detailed images of bone structure and soft tissue.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed. Ultimately, a physician will determine what type of treatment is necessary to alleviate the pain.
Prevention
Prevention of pain in the legs is essential. Various lifestyle changes can prevent this condition.
Besides exercising regularly, you should monitor your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
If these conditions are high, make sure to take steps to lower them. Limit alcohol intake.
A woman should have one drink a day while a man should limit his intake to two.
Your doctor can also recommend other measures to prevent pain in the legs.
If you suffer from leg pain, you should seek medical help immediately.
Treatment for pain in the legs begins with the proper diagnosis.
Acute muscle pain can be relieved by rest, especially if it is localized.
However, venous problems may need treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, a blood thinner, or compression stockings. More severe cases can require surgical treatment.
In the interim, you should consult a vascular specialist. This treatment will allow you to regain your normal activities.
