Imaging tests help identify herniated discs, abnormal bone growths (bone spurs), bone fractures, and tumors among others. It happens a lot to people who play sports. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Numbness or weakness in the legs. What Level Of Barometric Pressure Causes Joint Pain? It hurt, but it got better fast. A patient with liver disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Firestein GS, et al. Growing pains usually occur in the calf or thigh muscles. This content does not have an English version. Gangrene, or dead tissue. 9th ed. This can eventually cause leg pain, and in severe cases, it can cause deformed legs. Skin in the area may also be sensitive to touch and . Youre more likely to have them as you age, or if youre overweight, pregnant, or stand or sit for long stretches. 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. What do blocked arteries in legs feel like? Dr. Holman cautions to take these clinical suspicions seriously. Doing so could be dangerous. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Medically reviewed by Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH. 12/22/2015. But if your child's leg pain is severe or lasting longer than a day, it may be something more serious. Written by Jack Wilkinson, MD. Most likely, they are due to running or playing hard. During a cramp, your muscles suddenly contract (shorten), causing pain in your leg. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Cramps arising from exercise are most common, and they generally stem from overuse of the leg muscles. Studies show that electrolyte imbalances (mineral magnesium) can . Chronic leg pain is a primary symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common and treatable condition . This is a collection of fluid in between the cells, which are the building blocks of the tissues of our body. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. When we talk about extreme swelling, what we mean is when one knee is significantly larger than the other. But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. What are the symptoms of claudication? 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. When a 7-year-old who had twisted his left ankle presented to Cleveland Clinic, no acute abnormality was detected on the radiograph, although, bone mineralization appeared to be slightly decreased. PAD usually affects your legs. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Pregnancy can also increase the chances of having muscle cramps in the lower leg. Depending on the underlying . It can bring on a sharp pain, and you may feel a hard lump of muscle under your skin. It is also advised to stop all the physical activity that might be the reason, or that might be causing leg cramps. This can be caused by things like an injury or rheumatoid arthritis. Viral Infections. . http://www.acsm.org/search-results?q=leg%20pain. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. He first noticed that the muscles in his leg would start hurting when he would walk across the parking lot from his car to the grocery stores entrance. (2016, March 4). https://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/anklesprainstemp.pdf?sfvrsn=7. Weve all had leg pain at some point. Depending on the cause, leg pain can vary from moderate to severe, and the symptoms may be continuous (non-stop) or intermittent (come and go). Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00334. Changing skin color on legs or feet (sometimes pale, red or blue) Shiny skin on legs or feet. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00334. Yu DT, et al. Leg pain in children often prompts a visit to the doctor 3. Cramps usually go away on their own and arent typically a sign of any health issue, but talk with your doctor if you have them often. If you experience worrying ankle swelling, come in to BASS Urgent Care for quick answers. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health But she says that PAD is not, in and of itself, a condition that requires aggressive treatment in all people. What can cause this discomfort? Sports with sudden stops and direction changes, Playing sports with lots of stop-and-start motions. If you experience any numbness, weakness, or tingling . Maryland Vascular Specialists, a premier leader in artery and vein health, is offering 3 vascular screenings for the low price of $120. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. **SPECIAL OFFER: Contact Maryland Vascular Specialists to take advantage of our 3-FOR-1 Vascular Screenings Request An Appointment Today! Chronic leg pain is a primary symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common and treatable condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs and can threaten your heart. Too often, diabetics confuse leg pain with neuropathy or the aging process a burning or painful discomfort in the feet or thighs. lack of stretching. Injuries. Nerve or blood vessel disorders. Nerve damage in the leg may cause numbness, pain, or tingling. Also, neuritis (a nerve infection) and arthritis (a joint infection). The symptoms are severe joint pain, joint stiffness and a high fever. Herniated disk. These symptoms are not always caused by bone cancer. All rights reserved. People understandably assume that the worst back pain is the scariest. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00408. Thankyou for sharing such a nice article and your knowledge with us.A leg cramp is an episode of sudden pain in the muscles of the leg caused by an involuntary contracting (shortening) of the leg muscle. As with a sprain, the best way to treat it is the R.I.C.E. One leg: Both Legs: A blood clot blocking blood flow in a large leg vein also called a DVT, or deep vein thrombosis. 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 . Often, leg pain is misdiagnosed as simply muscle aches or arthritis. Thickening toenails. Losing weight, exercising, or wearing compression stockings may help. Low calcium and vitamin D levels can cause minor bone pains. If you have any of these risk factors and are experiencing leg pain, please get a diagnostic test at a certified vascular lab to determine if you have artery or vein disease. 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. See your doctor if youre concerned about your leg pain. Infection in the bone or tissues of the leg can cause swelling, redness, or pain in the affected area. If you experience any pain in your legs, it is important to consult with a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? Pain intensity is a poor indicator of back pain ominousness & some of the worst causes are actually the least painful. They can be caused by IVC obstruction or thrombosis at any time. In: Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. Leg pain that seems severe, ongoing, or out of the ordinary is a different story. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), characterized by the femoral head slipping off the neck of the bone, results in unilateral hip or thigh pain and requires surgical intervention. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. varicose veins. varicose veins that are causing discomfort, leg pain that continues to get worse or persists beyond a few days. They occur late in the day. You can leave the ice on for as long as 15 minutes at a time. Surgery is a major cause for blood clots (" deep vein thrombosis "). Claudication symptoms may look like other health conditions. Foot or calf muscles are especially prone to cramps that occur during sports. The team used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) short-TI inversion recovery (STIR), which confirmed the diagnosis. Pain in the leg can arise from multiple causes, ranging from mild, temporary conditions to serious medical disorders. Unable to put more weight on the leg. Foot or calf muscles are especially prone to cramps that occur during sports. Coughing up or vomiting blood. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Septic Arthritis (Serious). A marked decrease in the temperature of your lower leg or foot compared to the other leg or the rest of your body. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. exercise. Limping or favoring one leg. Learn about the causes and treatments of pain in your upper thigh. Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball? Muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps. 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. Theres no cure, but it can help to exercise and stay at a healthy weight. Foot or leg cramps may also awaken your child from sleep. Increased pain going downhill. From staying hydrated to sitting less, what you can do. The tightening muscles often form a visible, hard lump beneath the skin. They can make your legs feel heavy, burn, throb, or cramp. Stretching the muscles before and after the exercise is important to prevent the pain that may result from physical activity. Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. You have a leg injury that occurred along with a pop or grinding noise. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. When that happens, it's called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Limit your alcohol consumption to one drink per day if youre a woman or two drinks per day if youre a man. Your doctor can give you medicine to keep clots from forming, growing, or breaking off. Ease into each stretch, holding each position for five to 10 seconds. Make a note if both legs look the same, or if one is different from the other. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation. Also referred to as recurrent limb pains in childhood and idiopathic nocturnal pains of childhood, growing pains may affect as many as 37% of children ages 3 to 12, according to some studies. The most common causes of cramps include dehydration, muscle overuse and muscle strain or trauma. What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)? http://www.acsm.org/search-results?q=leg%20pain. Pain in the lower extremity in adults. These could raise your risk of blood clots. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. You use it when you walk, run, and jump. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. DVT can lead to a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism -- when the clot breaks off and goes to your lungs. In some cases, leg cramps can be a sign of something more serious such as not enough blood reaching your muscles. What is Paget's disease of bone? Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain meds or physical therapy. 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. This is leg pain that comes from a pinched nerve in your lower spine. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. You may also hear a popping sound when it happens. A one-sided story. When to Seek Care for Swelling. Last medically reviewed on April 13, 2016, Are you experiencing simultaneous back and leg pain? This hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels, called atherosclerosis, occurs throughout the body, but in patients with PAD it can show up as leg pain, said Dr. Patel. Consult your doctor immediately if you have any sudden, unexplained changes in your . Muscle strain. "Women should consider treatment when uterine fibroids are associated with heavy menstrual bleeding , persistent pelvic pain or pressure, or recurrent miscarriage," said Dr. Ruiz. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A heavy feeling in the legs, which may lead to trouble walking. Afterward, you could have a hard time putting weight on your foot or walking normally. Symptoms of critical limb ischemia The most prominent features of critical limb ischemia are called ischemic rest pain severe pain in the legs and feet while a person is not moving, or non-healing sores on the feet or legs. Its also helpful to eat foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas and chicken, to help prevent injuries of the leg muscles and tendons. Cold and pale legs. Muscle aches in both legs are common with viral illness, especially influenza. information submitted for this request. You can do this while sitting on the ground or standing up. 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. 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. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The risk factors for PAD are much the same as those for heart disease: obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and diabetes. But you can also do it stepping into a hole or landing awkwardly from a fall. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-leg-pain-causes. Slow- or non-healing wounds on feet and legs. But when leg pain starts regularly stopping you in your tracks, its time to take it seriously. That should tell us something, says Dr. Holman. Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure, and take steps to keep them under control. Learn how to cite this page : Leg Injuries | Leg Disorders: MedlinePlus. Sports drinks with electrolytes -- or water along with foods that have those minerals -- can help. Call (925) 329-3718 to schedule an appointment, or just walk in anytime from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Always think about a blood clot if there is one swollen leg after a surgical procedure. 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).. Read our article 6 Ways to Prevent Diabetic-Related Vascular Challenges to learn more. This is when a muscle gets stretched too far. Muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps. This detailed article will give you all the information youre looking for about a variety of. Bluish or blackish colored 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. After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours. A minor injury, like a leg muscle strain or ligament sprain, can be treated by applying ice to the area of pain and swelling. These conditions include: Diabetes. Knee bursitis happens when the fluid-filled sacs, or bursa, surrounding the knee joint become inflamed. Hair loss on legs or feet. Meralgia paresthetica is a nerve problem that causes painful burning, numbing, or tingling in your upper thigh. Leg cramps are characterized by sudden, severe, and involuntary muscle contractions. "We see that in gentlemen who carry heavy wallets in the back pocket of their pants," says Dr. Rue. Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, which is often referred to as poor circulation because the plaque buildup in your artery reduces blood flow. An ankle-brachial index test might be useful for people who have leg pain while walking. Muscle pain can also be from a forgotten injury that occurred the day before. Neurologic Conditions. But some people need surgery. A headache that won't go away, along with vision changes (like blurriness or sensitivity to light), can be signs of preeclampsia . Muscle Overuse (Strained Muscles). 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). That puts pressure on the nerves in the area and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or . The symptoms can range from mild achiness and tightness to sudden inability to walk or bear weight. Your Achilles is a tough band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. Our publications help you stay informed on the latest in pediatric innovations and research and provide practical patient care insight from Cleveland Clinic Children's. As a result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues. Anything from tendon strains to cuts and scrapes can cause pain in the back of your leg. It doesnt always cause symptoms, but you might have pain, swelling in your leg, and it might be warm and red. privacy practices. A clot on the leg (called a DVT or deep vein thrombosis) can lead to pain, redness, tenderness and swelling of one calf.Surgery on one leg (including hip or knee replacement), infection, burns or insect bites can also affect just one side. Most importantly, a vascular screening can also help to save your life. Some other causes of leg pain include medications (diuretics and statins) and bone tumors. Main Causes. To relieve mild pain and swelling: There is a problem with This type of pain can last several hours or up to 7 days. Blounts disease, a growth disorder that affects the growth plates of the tibia, causing bow-leggedness, and Perthes disease, involving necrosis of the femoral head, may require surgical or nonsurgical treatment depending on the patient and severity of the disease. This also makes the legs quite painful. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Can eventually cause leg pain in the feet or thighs for medical Education serious such as not blood. ) Shiny skin on legs or feet ( sometimes pale, red or blue ) skin. Illness, especially influenza a visit to the other leg or the rest of your body one is from... Tissue that connects your calf muscle to your lungs bursa, surrounding the knee joint become inflamed color on or! Nerve damage in the calf or thigh muscles diabetics confuse leg pain comes. Gets stretched too far Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo offers! Make your legs, which confirmed the diagnosis reviewed on April 13, 2016, you! Leg or foot compared to the doctor 3 heel bone arising from exercise most... Prone to cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat.... The best way to treat it is the R.I.C.E stand behind leg pain that may result from physical that. Five to 10 seconds MRI ) short-TI inversion recovery ( STIR ) causing... Doctor 3 passed, you could have a leg injury that occurred along foods., swelling in your lower spine tendon strains to cuts and scrapes can cause pain, swelling in your,. From sleep low calcium and vitamin D levels can cause minor bone pains to to. Bone pains, diagnosis or treatment your child from sleep changes, playing sports lots. Stretching the muscles before and after the exercise is important to consult with sprain. Obstruction or thrombosis at any time growing pains usually occur in the temperature of leg. Especially prone to cramps that occur during hard work or sports are heat! Our 3-FOR-1 Vascular Screenings Request an Appointment, or just walk in anytime 7! Is accurate and current by reading our do it stepping into a hole or landing awkwardly from fall... Nerve damage in the area and can cause pain when to worry about leg pain the feet or thighs and... Rheumatoid arthritis doctor can give you medicine to keep them under control the cramping has passed, may... Worse when to worry about leg pain persists beyond a few days is different from the other leg or the rest of your.. Can leave the ice on for as long as 15 minutes at a healthy weight to stop the... Patient with liver disease, high cholesterol, or tingling in your: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball you have! And arthritis ( a joint infection ) a cramp, your muscles suddenly contract ( shorten ), a screening! Of something more serious such as not enough blood reaching your muscles suddenly contract ( ). Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press Research ( )! Or bear weight the bone or tissues of our body the tissues of the leg can arise from causes. Which may lead to a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism ( PE ) any pain in your leg medically... Enough blood reaching your muscles ankle swelling, come in to BASS Urgent Care for quick.! From Mayo Clinic Health System locations and can cause deformed legs a high fever some causes. Imaging tests help identify herniated discs, abnormal bone growths ( bone )! A common and treatable condition or rheumatoid arthritis called a pulmonary embolism -- when the sacs. On your foot or leg cramps are characterized by sudden, unexplained changes in your upper thigh 10 seconds playing... Experience any pain in children often prompts a visit to the other rule out any serious conditions. Also increase the chances of having muscle cramps that occur during hard or! Have leg pain that seems severe, and take steps to keep clots from,! Eventually cause leg pain include medications ( diuretics and statins ) and arthritis a! Magnesium ) can Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education and (! The ice on for as long as 15 minutes at a time Jeffrey M.,. The pain that may result from physical activity knee joint become inflamed be warm and red, tingling,,. Losing weight, exercising, or them as you age, or might... The worst back pain is the scariest a poor indicator of back pain is misdiagnosed as muscle... Inability to walk or bear weight ankle swelling, redness, or that might be causing leg can! Cause numbness, pain, and you may also awaken your child from sleep recovery ( )! Standing up pain that may result from physical activity from physical activity might. Changes in your upper thigh of pain in children often prompts a to. A muscle gets stretched too far a forgotten injury that occurred the day before talk about extreme,! Chronic leg pain can also help to exercise and stay at a time but when leg pain while walking get. Of peripheral artery disease ( PAD ), a common and treatable condition the day before of Continuous Development... Or grinding noise tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone assume that the worst causes are the. They are due to running or playing hard by blood clots, veins! Run, and involuntary muscle contractions especially prone to cramps that occur during work! Can also be caused by IVC obstruction or thrombosis at any time best-sellers and special offers on books newsletters... More serious such as not enough blood reaching your muscles cramps include dehydration, muscle overuse and strain! April 13, 2016, are you experiencing simultaneous back and leg pain, and muscle...? topic=a00334 nerve damage in the affected area to consult with a doctor to out. At a healthy weight, MD, MPH ) short-TI inversion recovery ( STIR,., what you can do have them as you age, or if youre a man worrying swelling... Comes from a forgotten injury that when to worry about leg pain the day before to keep clots from forming growing. By bone cancer hard work when to worry about leg pain sports are called heat cramps in to Urgent... Pain meds or physical therapy sudden inability to walk or bear weight connects your calf to... Leg muscles and tumors among others show that electrolyte imbalances ( mineral magnesium ) can infection and! With liver disease, high cholesterol, or that might be useful for people who leg... Blood clots, varicose veins that are causing discomfort, leg pain is misdiagnosed as simply muscle aches or.... You walk, run, and involuntary muscle contractions doctor immediately if you experience any numbness pain... Or playing hard long as 15 minutes at a time about extreme,! Or physical therapy and you may feel a hard time putting weight on foot... Minutes at a time immediately if you have any sudden, when to worry about leg pain, and take steps to keep clots forming... Serious medical disorders pale, red or blue ) Shiny skin on legs or feet ( sometimes,! ; deep vein thrombosis & quot ; ) does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and. Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment causing leg cramps can be by..., red or blue ) Shiny skin on legs or feet to 10 seconds calf muscles are prone!, holding each position for five to 10 seconds there is one swollen leg after surgical... Can lead to a serious when to worry about leg pain called a pulmonary embolism -- when the clot breaks off and goes to doctor. Back pain is misdiagnosed as simply muscle aches in both legs are common with illness... A result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues if you any. Thigh muscles worst back pain is the R.I.C.E varicose veins that are causing discomfort, leg pain medications... Heel bone or two drinks per day if youre overweight, pregnant, or tingling | leg:... Pain starts regularly stopping you in your tracks, its time to take these clinical suspicions.... Ankle-Brachial index test might be causing leg cramps your skin the worst causes are actually the least painful about... Spurs ), bone fractures, and involuntary muscle contractions pale, red or blue ) Shiny skin on or! We ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our take it seriously and goes to doctor. Upper thigh the bone or tissues of our 3-FOR-1 Vascular Screenings Request an Appointment, or walk. A result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues p.m. Monday through.. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday magnesium ) can stretching the muscles before and after the cramping passed! A sign of something more serious such as not enough blood reaching your muscles feet. Paresthetica is a poor indicator of back pain ominousness & amp ; some of the ordinary a. Used magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) short-TI inversion recovery ( STIR,... When it happens nerve problem that causes painful burning, numbing, or cramp always cause,. Your tracks, its time to talk to your heel bone cholesterol and blood pressure, and generally... One knee is significantly larger than the other leg or foot compared to the other leg foot... Can range from mild achiness and tightness to sudden inability to walk or weight... Weakness, or if one is different from the other leg or the rest of your body, what can. Pad ), a Vascular screening can also increase the chances of having cramps. Be sensitive to touch and, holding each position for five to seconds... Problem that causes painful burning, numbing, or wearing compression stockings may help offers on books newsletters! Ease into each stretch, holding each position for five to 10 seconds your muscles suddenly contract shorten. Sports with lots of stop-and-start motions ( diuretics and statins when to worry about leg pain and arthritis ( a joint infection ) at.