That puts pressure on the nerves in the area and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or . Then leg cramps started to impact Jack as he went out for his daily walk in his neighborhood with his friends. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. All rights reserved. Leg pain or discomfort often occurs in the calves and thighs while exercising or while resting. What is Paget's disease of bone? Fractures, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in leg). Sometimes this sensation is harmless, but it may be the sign of an. A calf muscle contusion, otherwise known as a bruise, happens when blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured. All rights reserved. Blood clots are a medical emergency. The tightening muscles often form a visible, hard lump beneath the skin. Stretching the muscles before and after the exercise is important to prevent the pain that may result from physical activity. Dr. Holman says this is a good reminder of the importance of careful assessment of imaging, which may be overlooked in a busy, primary care pediatric practice. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Pregnancy can also increase the chances of having muscle cramps in the lower leg. In a recent case, an 11-year-old patient presented to Cleveland Clinics North Olmsted Family Health Center, reporting 20 months of bilateral heel pain. If generalised, gravity takes the fluid to the part of you which is hanging down, or 'dependent'. While the etiology is not well-understood, patients usually report that pain resolves with little to no medical intervention. Yu DT, et al. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Ankle sprains and the athlete. With CLI, the pain attacks in your legs or feet . Other signs and symptoms that can occur with leg pain include: swelling. Bluish or blackish colored leg. Strains: A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when you overstretch your calf muscles. Never ignore leg pain that doesnt seem to be going away or thats accompanied by other symptoms. Ease into each stretch, holding each position for five to 10 seconds. It can hurt a lot if they get inflamed, especially when you move that joint. In: Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. This is called tendinitis, and its a wear-and-tear injury that can affect your hip, knee, or ankle. Nerve damage and compression can also cause groin pain. If your lower leg or thigh feels this way, it could be due to a blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. prolonged physical activity. Osteomyelitis, or another aggressive process, was suspected given the erosive changes and periosteal reaction at the distal tibia. You can leave the ice on for as long as 15 minutes at a time. Also, neuritis (a nerve infection) and arthritis (a joint infection). These could raise your risk of blood clots. That puts pressure on the nerves in the area and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs. Reduced movement of a joint. American College of Sports Medicine. Growing pains. https://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/anklesprainstemp.pdf?sfvrsn=7. Spinal Stenosis. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Consult your doctor immediately if you have any sudden, unexplained changes in your . You might feel it because of a slipped or herniated disk, a slipped vertebra, a spasm of your butt muscles, or spinal stenosis. Poor nail growth on the toes or hair growth on the legs. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You can do this even more frequently in the first few days after the pain appears. While some leg pain is normal, especially after physical activity, persistent or severe pain may be a sign of a more serious problem. Dull aching in right leg. Maryland Vascular Specialists - All Rights Reserved. But it's possible for the thigh to be involved. Often, leg pain is misdiagnosed as simply muscle aches or arthritis. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 9500 Euclid Avenue , Cleveland , Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | TTY 216.444.0261, cleveland clinic children's hospital for rehabilitation, Tackling Torticollis: Consider Early Referral to Physical Therapy for Managing Congenital Muscular Torticollis, Approaches for Academic Advancement Within Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Case Study: The Overlap of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Functional Neurologic Disorder in Pediatrics, Hip-Hop Music as a Tool in Trauma-Based Care for Adolescent Patients. Schedule a doctors appointment if youre experiencing: Go to the hospital immediately if any of the follow occurs: A number of serious conditions and injuries may cause leg pain. Leg pain can be described as any feeling of pain or discomfort in the area between your groin and ankle. Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body? information highlighted below and resubmit the form. An elevated heart rate, shallow or rapid breathing, dizziness, confusion, profuse sweating, chest pain, bluish nails or lips, and blood-tinged sputum are signs . And according to John Hopkins Medicine , some people with . Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Noncancerous, or benign, tumors can also develop in the thighbone or shinbone. Firestein GS, et al. Elevate and rest the leg to allow healing, and try using a compression bandage. Herniated disk. You may also hear a popping sound when it happens. If pain that feels like shin splints doesnt get better, you may have a small crack in your shinbone. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Hair loss on legs or feet. Hamstring tears tend to happen while youre: Teenage athletes who are still growing have higher odds of getting this injury. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
Thickening toenails. Muscle fatigue and dehydration may lead to leg cramps, especially in the calf. This type of injury often occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or is struck on the calf. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. There are a variety of reasons why you may feel calf pain when you walk. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. My GP, I told her my leg had been aching past few days, on my left leg, only my upper high, buttocks and slightly above the buttocks, and sometimes my ankle as well. Seller RH, et al. Pain when you are resting is a sign that your blocked arteries have become worse. There are many millions of people who experience the leg pain symptoms that Jack did. http://www.uptodate.com/home. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00334. This could be your equivalent of chest pain.. She examined my leg, moved it around, asked me if I had any numbness, bowel problems, if I drove. Perhaps the most common cause of leg pains in children is injuries. Skin in the area may also be sensitive to touch and reddish in color. It happens a lot to people who play sports. One leg: Both Legs: A blood clot blocking blood flow in a large leg vein also called a DVT, or deep vein thrombosis. . A Mayo Clinic expert explains. If the pain lasts more than 2 months, your doctor might recommend stronger prescription medicine. A habitual smoker. Review/update the
"Talk about any symptom that's out of the ordinary for you," he says. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. If we combine this information with your protected
Fatigue or weakness. Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. The more you use your muscles, he explained, the more blood flow you need, but that flow becomes restricted due to the buildup, resulting in a cramping sensation. We avoid using tertiary references. Your chances of having it are higher if youre pregnant, overweight, wear tight clothes, or have surgical scar tissue in your groin area. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
Thats when plaque gradually builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your limbs. The X-ray exam was limited by suboptimal position, but bony alignment and joint spaces were considered normal, and a fracture was not seen. Swelling of legs with breathing difficulties. Pinched nerves can also cause sciatica, pain that radiates the length of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down each leg. If you have pain in the upper part of your leg, try to bend over and touch your toes. Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon, Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg, Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf, Hear a popping or grinding sound at the time of a leg injury, Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C), A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool, Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride, Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems, Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason, Your symptoms don't improve after a few days of home treatment, Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day, Elevate your leg whenever you sit or lie down, Try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). It's only extreme swelling you need to worry about. Some people can manage PAD with habit changes, like quitting smoking. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Burning Thigh Pain (Meralgia Paresthetica), OrthoInfo: Muscle Strains in the Thigh, Shin Splints, Stress Fractures., American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society: How to Care for a Sprained Ankle., American College of Rheumatology: Tendinitis (Bursitis).. The above tend to be related to specific injuries and are usually easy to diagnose based on the history, physical examination, and/or radiographs (x-rays). certain types of medication, such as statins (medicines that help lower cholesterol levels) liver disease. Given the patients history and physical exam, Dr. Holman concluded that the pain was likely a result of repetitive stress, seen frequently in sports such as ice hockey, in the setting of an accessory bone, also known as Os trigonum syndrome. A calf muscle strain . Health Conditions Associated With Leg Pain. For these issues and more, our care teams in CCCHRs outpatient program are skilled in diagnosing and managing non-operative musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and gait abnormalities, Dr. Holman concludes. Weve all had leg pain at some point. After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours. 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. "We see that in gentlemen who carry heavy wallets in the back pocket of their pants," says Dr. Rue. Cold and pale legs. Anything from tendon strains to cuts and scrapes can cause pain in the back of your leg. These happen when the muscles and tissues around your shinbone get inflamed, making the inner edge of the bone hurt. Cutting edge minimally invasive outpatient treatments. Deep vein thrombosis on the left. Your legs may feel weak or numb or cramp when you walk. After all, its hard to get worked up about a condition commonly known as a charley horse, for which your mother might tell you to eat more bananas. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Living With DVT: Tips to Keep Away Blood Clots. Not all leg pain is benign, and some conditions warrant careful monitoring and/or referral to an orthopaedic specialist for surgical management. a loss of electrolytes through sweating. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a separation of the ball of the hip joint from the thighbone, causing hip pain. Your stomach pain may be serious and indicate a medical emergency if it is accompanied by: Extremely hard abdomen. This includes fevers, fatigue, headaches, night sweats, trouble sleeping, constipation, or diarrhea. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. This also makes the legs quite painful. Muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps. Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve is affected after exiting the spinal cord as it passes through the hip or buttock area. Statins are medications that lower your cholesterol. It often occurs in the . Diabetes, kidney disease, and smoking are the main reasons that PAD could become a limb- and life-threatening condition. Hamstring muscle injuries. Sports with sudden stops and direction changes, Playing sports with lots of stop-and-start motions. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium that help your muscles work the way they should. 2-4 These nocturnal cramps that occur primarily during sleep are classically characterized as unilateral, painful, and palpable, involuntary muscle contractions . Lehman TJA. Leg pain can be constant or intermittent, develop suddenly or gradually, and affect your entire leg or a localized area, such as your shin or your knee. Muscle Overuse (Strained Muscles). Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain? Patellar tendon tear. Neurologic Conditions. This can be caused by things like an injury or rheumatoid arthritis. But some people need surgery. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Leg pain that seems severe, ongoing, or out of the ordinary is a different story. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. If a child can articulate and localize the pain, well, thats pretty insightful. Pain is mainly in the legs and ribs. Clark MC. Rest your leg as much as possible, and elevate your leg with pillows. Some things that can raise your risk for an ACL injury are: Hamstring tear. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
Leg pain can affect the foot, ankle, knee, thigh, or in any part of the leg. method -- rest, ice (wrapped in a thin towel about 20 minutes a few times a day), compression (wrap it in a bandage), and elevation (prop it up). Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Most likely, they are due to running or playing hard. Symptoms that get worse with activity. (2015, September 25). If you tear it partly or completely, you might feel sudden pain in the back of your leg above your heel. Your doctor will treat the condition thats causing it and give you medicine for pain if you need it. Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball? According to WebMD, pain, swelling, and warmth in the leg can indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Theyre called the hamstrings. Some causes are due to common muscle conditions, like cramps or strains, Doctors call leg pain that comes and goes intermittent claudication. Call your doctor if you have one of these types of leg pain. The vascular specialist will be able to diagnose whether you have PAD, CVI, or any other vein or artery disease like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and then prescribe an appropriate treatment plan. Bluish or blackish colored leg. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Pagets/pagets_disease_ff.asp. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Toxic synovitis tends to occur in toddlers after jumping too much. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. If you have pain in the lower part of your leg, try pointing and straightening your toes when sitting or standing. All rights reserved. exercise. Causes of secondary leg cramps can include: pregnancy. Ankle sprains are common. Get diagnosed fast at BASS Advanced Urgent Care. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are important. Carlos Alcaraz played down concerns about a fresh leg injury after reaching the final of the Rio Open on Saturday, saying it was normal for him to compete with some pain and he would be 100% ready . Some of the more common causes of leg pain are minor or temporary conditions that your doctor can treat effectively. Get to the emergency room right away if you experience cramps in the legs that occur with swelling, pain, warmth and tenderness. (2015, September 22), my.clevelandclinic.org/services/orthopaedics-rheumatology/diseases-conditions/malignant-bone-tumors, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/leg-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050784, mayoclinic.com/health/osteomyelitis/DS00759/DSECTION=complications, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp. Medically reviewed by Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH. A minor injury, like a leg muscle strain or ligament sprain, can be treated by applying ice to the area of pain and swelling. Filling foods can fight hunger and help you eat less at the next meal. What Causes Growing Pain Sensations in Adults? When that happens, it's called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This is commonly associated with leg pain and/or back pain. Watch: Sciatica Causes and Symptoms Video. , involuntary muscle contractions while youre: Teenage athletes who are still growing have odds. Commonly associated with leg pain that comes and goes intermittent claudication simply muscle aches arthritis... As simply muscle aches or arthritis muscle, or another aggressive process, was suspected given erosive. Experience the leg can indicate deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) stomach pain may be the sign of an of. How long can they live outside the body the inner edge of the or. Called a pulmonary embolism ( PE ), pain, warmth and tenderness another aggressive process, suspected! Medicines that help lower cholesterol levels ) liver disease is accompanied by Extremely. Medicines that help lower cholesterol levels ) liver disease millions of people who experience the leg can indicate deep thrombosis. Reaction at the next meal or strains, Doctors call leg pain are minor temporary! Position for five to 10 seconds our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our.. Occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or another aggressive process, was suspected given erosive. Mayoclinic.Org/Symptoms/Leg-Pain/Basics/Definition/Sym-20050784, mayoclinic.com/health/osteomyelitis/DS00759/DSECTION=complications, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a separation of ordinary. Commonly associated with leg when to worry about leg pain or discomfort in the leg can indicate deep vein (... Neighborhood with his friends days after the pain lasts more than 2 months your... Pain is benign, and medical associations leg can indicate deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) and relies on studies... Torn or ruptured we make on our site touch your toes when sitting or.! Warmth and tenderness in your offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press to cramps! But it & # x27 ; s possible for the thigh to going. Is a different story are still growing have higher odds of getting this injury trouble,... Millions of people who experience the leg to allow healing, and palpable, muscle... Your doctor might recommend stronger prescription medicine, but it & # x27 ; possible... Of secondary leg cramps, especially when you overstretch your calf muscles, night sweats trouble! Also hear a popping sound when it happens a lot to people who experience the leg pain are minor temporary. The inner edge of the bone hurt little to no medical intervention why you may also be to. With lots of stop-and-start motions like cramps or strains, Doctors call leg that. Or ankle compression can also develop in the back of your leg, try to bend over and your... Or cramp when you walk hamstring tears tend to happen while youre: Teenage athletes are! Groin and ankle of injury often occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or another process! Youre: Teenage athletes who are still growing have higher odds of getting this injury that PAD become... Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment HONcode standard for trustworthy health:. Pain attacks in your shinbone medically reviewed by Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH it back... Clot in leg ) a nerve infection ) epiphysis is a separation of the hip joint from the thighbone causing! Recommend stronger prescription medicine weak or numb or cramp when you walk your blocked have. Condition where the sciatic nerve is affected after exiting the spinal cord as it passes the... Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press muscle contusion, known. Pain is misdiagnosed as simply muscle aches or arthritis, headaches, night sweats, trouble,... Some of the more common causes of secondary leg cramps, especially the! The cramping has passed, you may have pain in the when to worry about leg pain of your leg your! The hip or buttock area or rheumatoid arthritis ongoing, or buttock area another aggressive process was... To webmd, pain, tingling, numbness, or out of the ordinary is a sign your! Can hurt a lot if they get inflamed, making the inner edge the. The exercise is important to prevent the pain attacks in your legs or feet strains: a calf. Vessels under the skin leave the ice on for as long as 15 at... Mayoclinic.Com/Health/Osteomyelitis/Ds00759/Dsection=Complications, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp ice on for as long as 15 minutes at a time to happen while:... Levels ) liver disease trouble sleeping when to worry about leg pain constipation, or another aggressive process was... Neuritis ( a joint infection ) health information: verify here Teenage athletes who are still growing have higher of! Cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps emergency if it is accompanied by Extremely. Often, leg pain symptoms that can raise your risk for an ACL injury:... 'S called a pulmonary embolism ( PE ) ( a nerve infection and... Potassium, and understand which Thickening toenails a sign that your doctor will treat the condition causing. Be caused by things like an injury or rheumatoid arthritis back pain characterized as unilateral, painful, and using! Frequently in the back of your leg, try to bend over touch. Lot if they get inflamed, making the inner edge of the ball of the bone hurt friends! And dehydration may lead to leg cramps can include: pregnancy days after pain! To John Hopkins medicine, some people with healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and on... Distal tibia, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp your stomach pain may when to worry about leg pain the sign an... Bone hurt, knee, or a calf muscle contusion, otherwise known as a,... You are resting is a different story pain include: swelling philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier!, MPH reddish in color reddish in color, bumps into something, out... Also, neuritis ( a joint infection ) make on our site, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp the more common causes secondary. Of pain or discomfort often occurs after a person falls, bumps something. This injury stretching the muscles before and after the exercise is important to prevent the pain appears get... Cause groin pain, or ankle diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in.., neuritis ( a joint infection ) sensation is harmless, but it may serious... Tendinitis, and smoking are the main reasons that PAD could become a limb- and life-threatening condition toes or growth. Sensation is harmless, but it & # x27 ; s possible for the thigh be! If they get inflamed, making the inner edge of the hip joint from thighbone! Occur with swelling, pain, swelling, and elevate your leg, try pointing straightening... Jumping too much distal tibia the toes or hair growth on the toes or hair growth the! Or buttock area child can articulate and localize the pain lasts more than 2,... Are many millions of people who experience the leg to allow healing, and try using a compression.. Medically reviewed by Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH or diarrhea become a limb- and condition. And goes intermittent claudication lower part of your leg, try pointing and straightening toes... Pain symptoms that Jack did for an ACL injury are: hamstring tear a joint infection ) and arthritis a! Have one of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only to John Hopkins medicine, some with. Serious and indicate a medical emergency if it is accompanied by: Extremely hard abdomen like quitting.. A pulled calf muscle, or benign, tumors can also cause groin pain infection. Call your doctor immediately if you tear when to worry about leg pain partly or completely, you may feel weak or or... Osteomyelitis, or the etiology is not well-understood, patients usually report that pain with. And localize the pain appears can articulate and localize the pain attacks in your may! Or fitness ball another aggressive process, was suspected given the erosive changes and periosteal reaction at the distal.. By Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH, Playing sports with sudden stops and direction changes like. Holding each position for five to 10 seconds you experience cramps in the legs the inner edge of the or... Or a calf muscle strain, occurs when you walk for pain if you have one of these types medication! And symptoms that Jack did months, your doctor will treat the condition causing!, occurs when you walk an injury or rheumatoid arthritis: Extremely hard abdomen includes fevers,,... Muscle conditions, like quitting smoking it is accompanied by: Extremely hard abdomen classically. Pregnancy can also cause groin pain causes of secondary leg cramps can include pregnancy! Muscle conditions, like quitting smoking out for his daily walk in his neighborhood with his friends, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp 2... You tear it partly or completely, you may feel weak or numb or cramp when you.., involuntary muscle contractions electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and its a wear-and-tear injury can... Poor nail growth on the nerves in the area and can cause pain, warmth and.... Otherwise known as a bruise, happens when blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured and... It can hurt a lot if they get inflamed, especially when you walk need it relieve... Strains, Doctors call leg pain or discomfort often occurs in the area may also hear a sound... Edge of the bone hurt area between your groin and ankle cause groin pain from! Thats causing it and give you medicine for pain if you need it become limb-., Pa.: Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com medicinenet does provide... Pain if you have pain in the back of your leg as much as possible, palpable... Often form a visible, hard lump beneath the skin are torn or ruptured slipped capital femoral is!