Your legs are made up of bones, blood vessels, muscles and other connective tissue. They are important for motion and standing. Playing sports, running, falling or having an accident can damage your legs. Common leg injuries include sprains and strains, dislocations, and fractures.
These injuries can affect the entire leg, or just the foot, ankle, knee, or hip. Certain diseases also lead to leg problems. For example, knee osteoarthritis, common in older people, can cause pain and limited motion. Problems in your veins in your legs can lead to varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis.
- Leg Problems(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/541.printerview.html
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Ankle_Blood_Pressure_Measurement_ABI.html
- Duplex Ultrasound(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Duplex_Ultrasound.html
- Leg Problems(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/541.printerview.html
- Amputation(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Amputation.html
- Angioplasty and Stenting(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Angioplasty_and_Stenting.html
- Endarterectomy(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Endarterectomy.html
- Surgical Bypass(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Surgical_Bypass.html
- Thrombolytic Therapy(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Thrombolytic_Therapy.html
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MedlinePlus: Mobility Aids
- Canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mobilityaids.html
- Achilles Tendon Rupture(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/achilles-tendon-rupture/DS00160/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Broken Leg(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/broken-leg/DS00978/METHOD=print
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Chronic_Venous_Insufficiency.html
- Claudication(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/claudication/DS01052/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Compartment Syndrome(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00204
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Edema(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/840.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/articles/840.printerview.html
- Hamstring Muscle Strain(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00408
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Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hereditary_spastic_paraplegia/hereditary_spastic_paraplegia.htm
- Leg Strain(InteliHealth, Harvard Medical School) - http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/31318.html
- Leg Swelling(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leg-swelling/MY00592/METHOD=print
- Limb Length Discrepancy(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00259
- Lymphedema(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Lymphedema.html
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Meralgia Paresthetica(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/meralgia_paresthetica/meralgia_paresthetica.htm
- Muscle Cramp(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00200
- Muscle Strains in the Thigh(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00366
- Night Leg Cramps(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-leg-cramps/MY00410/METHOD=print
- Overuse Injuries(National Athletic Trainers' Association) - http://www.nata.org/consumer/overuse.htm
- Peripheral Aneurysms(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Peripheral_Aneurysms.html
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)(Society for Vascular Surgery) - http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Leg_Artery_Disease.html
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00166
- Pseudoclaudication vs. Claudication: What's the Difference?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/pseudoclaudication/HQ01278/METHOD=print
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Questions and Answers about Growth Plate Injuries(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Growth_Plate_Injuries/default.asp
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Questions and Answers about Sprains and Strains(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp
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Repetitive Motion Disorders(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/repetitive_motion/repetitive_motion.htm
- Shin Splints(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/shin-splints/DS00271/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all
- Shinbone Fractures(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00161
- Thighbone Fracture(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00364
- Thrombophlebitis(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/thrombophlebitis/DS00223/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
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Troyer Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/troyer_syndrome/troyer_syndrome.htm
- Stasis Ulcer(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/stasisUlcerVenousUlcer.htm
- Burning Sensation of the Extremities(DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/burning-sensation-of-the-extremities/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Calf Pain (DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/calf-pain-unilateral/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Leg Cramps (DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/leg-cramps-unilateral/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Leg Pain (DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/leg-pain-one-leg/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Leg Swelling (Both Legs)(DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/leg-swelling-bilateral/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Leg Swelling (One Leg)(DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/leg-swelling-one-leg/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Leg Weakness (DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/leg-weakness-unilateral/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Numbness of the Arm and Leg(DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/numbness-of-the-arm-and-leg-unilateral/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Numbness of the Leg (DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/numbness-of-the-leg-unilateral/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Tingling of the Leg (DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/tingling-of-the-leg-unilateral/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
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If I Had - Deep Vein Thrombosis(Insidermedicine) - http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archives/If_I_Had_-_Deep_Vein_Thrombosis_-_Dr_David_Lee_MD_1847.aspx?p=mdlnp
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Periarticular Locking Plate Procedure(OR-Live) - One hour program - 11/06/2006 - http://www.or-live.com/distributors/NLM/rnh.cfm?id=378
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Intermittent Claudication(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Intermittent+Claudication%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Leg Injuries(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Leg+Injuries%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Leg Length Inequality(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Leg+Length+Inequality%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Leg Ulcer(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Leg+Ulcer%22
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Comparison of quality of life and functionality in patients with... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19235062&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Subjective and functional outcomes following surgical repair of complete ruptures... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19226093&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Gait aids. These tools are made for walking. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19179932&tool=MedlinePlus
- Leg Injuries and Disorders -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=((leg+injuries[majr:noexp]+OR+leg/ab[majr]+OR+leg+bones/injuries[majr:noexp]+OR+leg+bones/ab[majr:noexp])+NOT+(fractures,bone[mh]+OR+osteoporosis[mh]+OR+hip+injuries[mh]))+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Leg length inequality -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=leg+length+inequality[mh]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+english[la]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Leg ulcer -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=leg+ulcer[majr:noexp]+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Glossary of Orthopaedic Words(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/glossary.cfm
- Orthopedic Glossary(Children's Hospital Boston) - http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site1173/mainpageS1173P9.html
- Find a Peripheral Vascular Disease Screening Site(Society of Interventional Radiology) - http://www.legsforlife.org/findlfl.shtml
- Find an Orthopaedist(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://www6.aaos.org/about/public/members.cfm
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - http://www.aaos.org/
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - http://www.niams.nih.gov/
Also available in Spanish http://www.niams.nih.gov/Portal_En_Espanol/
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Other Causes of Leg Pain - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/summer08/articles/summer08pg21.html
- Bowed Legs(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00230
- Growing Pains(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/growing_pains.html
- Leg Length Discrepancy(Children's Hospital Boston) - http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1100/mainpageS1100P0.html
- Patient Guide to Femoral Anteversion(Johns Hopkins Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery) - http://www.hopkinsortho.org/femoral_anteversion.html
- Pediatric Thighbone (Femur) Fracture(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) - http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00424
- What a Pain! Kids and Growing Pains(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/aches/growing_pains.html
- Ankle Injuries and Disorders - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ankleinjuriesanddisorders.html
- Deep Vein Thrombosis - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/deepveinthrombosis.html
- Foot Injuries and Disorders - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/footinjuriesanddisorders.html
- Hip Injuries and Disorders - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hipinjuriesanddisorders.html
- Knee Injuries and Disorders - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kneeinjuriesanddisorders.html
- Restless Legs - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/restlesslegs.html
- Varicose Veins - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/varicoseveins.html
- Vascular Diseases - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vasculardiseases.html
- Bones, Joints and Muscles - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bonesjointsandmuscles.html
- Injuries and Wounds - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/injuriesandwounds.html
Leg Injuries and Disorders - Multiple Languages - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/leginjuriesanddisorders.html