Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse). Common causes of cramps include:
Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood
Medications such as:
Diuretics, which can cause you to lose too much fluid or minerals
Statins, which lower cholesterol and can cause muscle injury
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:
A torn or overstretched muscle (strain)
Hairline crack in the bone (stress fracture)
Inflamed tendon (tendinitis)
Shin splints -- pain in the front of your leg related to overuse or repetitive pounding
Other common causes of leg pain include:
Atherosclerosis that blocks blood flow in the arteries (this type of pain, called claudication, is generally felt when exercising or walking and relieved by rest)
Blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) from prolonged bed rest
Infection of the bone (osteomyelitis) or skin and soft tissue (cellulitis)
Inflammation of the leg joints by arthritis or gout
Nerve damage -- common in diabetics, smokers, and alcoholics (symptoms include numbness, tingling, or a sensation of pins-and-needles)
Varicose veins
Less common causes include:
Benign tumors or cysts of the femur or tibia (osteoid osteoma)
Drugs such as allopurinol and corticosteroids
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease -- poor blood flow to the hip that may stop or slow the normal growth of the leg
Malignant bone tumors (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma)
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 11 and 15 years old
Home Care
If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:
Rest as much as possible.
Elevate your leg.
Apply ice for up to 15 minutes. Do this 4 times per day, more often for the first few days.
Gently stretch and massage cramping muscles.
Take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
For leg pain caused by varicose veins, leg elevation and compression with elastic bandages or support hose can help.
For leg pain caused by nerve disorders or claudication, control diabetes, eliminate alcohol and tobacco, and avoid ill-fitting shoes.
Call your health care provider if
Call your doctor if:
The painful leg is swollen or red
You have a fever
Your pain worsens when walking or exercising and improves with rest
The leg is black and blue
The leg is cold and pale
You are on medications that may be causing leg pain. DO NOT stop or change any of your usual medications without talking to your doctor
Self-care steps do not help
What to expect at your health care provider's office
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 doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:
Where exactly is your pain?
Do you have pain in one or both legs?
How would you describe the pain? Dull and aching? Sharp and stabbing? Do you consider it to be severe?
Is the pain worse at any particular time of day, like in the morning or at night?
What makes the pain feel worse? For example, does exercise or long periods of standing worsen your pain?
Does anything make your pain feel better like elevating your legs?
Do you have any other symptoms like numbness or tingling? Back pain? A fever? Weakness?
The following diagnostic tests may be performed:
Arteriogram to check blood flow
Blood tests for specific diseases
Bone biopsy if tumor is seen on MRI which may be malignant
Bone scan
Duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam to look for a blood clot
MRI if a malignant tumor is suspected
X-ray of your back or legs
Treatment depends on the cause. Medications may include pain medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Coumadin if there is a blood clot, and others. Cellulitis and osteomyelitis are each treated with antibiotics. Osteomyelitis will require extended use of antibiotics.
For some causes of leg pain, physical therapy may be recommended by your doctor. If you have a blocked artery, inserting a balloon catheter into the artery to improve blood flow may be advised.
Prevention
To prevent claudication and nerve damage:
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Limit how much alcohol you drink.
Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.
Reduce other heart disease risk factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
To prevent overuse injuries, like shin splints, muscle cramps, and other causes of leg pain:
Warm up before physical activity and cool down afterward. Be sure to stretch.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise.
References
Wilder RP. Overuse injuries: tendinopathies, stress fractures, compartment syndrome, and shin splints. Clin Sports Med. 2004; 23(1): 55-81, vi.
Gutt CN. Prophylaxis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis in general surgery. Am J Surg. 2005; 189(1): 14-22.
Vinik AI. Diabetic neuropathies. Med Clin North Am. 2004; 88(4): 947-999, xi.
Armitage J. The safety of statins in clinical practice. Lancet. 2007 [June 6 e-pub].
Update Date:
7/17/2007Updated by:
Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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