Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.
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When should I be concerned about leg pain?
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: 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.
How do I get my legs to stop aching?
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.
- Gently stretch and massage cramping muscles.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Is leg pain a symptom of any disease?
Leg Pain Could Indicate Vein or Artery Disease
Often, leg pain is misdiagnosed as simply muscle aches or arthritis. The reality is leg pain and cramps may be signs of a more serious underlying disease; therefore, you should discuss your leg challenges with a vascular specialist.
Does leg pain indicate heart problems?
Leg pain isn’t a symptom of a heart attack, but it can be a sign of heart disease. You may be experiencing the effects of PAD. In a 2019 study, about 5 percent of people with PAD experienced a heart attack within 30 months.
What are the first signs of a blood clot in the leg?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include:
- Leg swelling.
- Leg pain, cramping or soreness that often starts in the calf.
- Change in skin color on the leg — such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin.
- A feeling of warmth on the affected leg.
Why are my legs so achy and tired?
Poor circulation
Your legs may feel tired or fatigued if your blood isn’t circulating through your body properly. Poor circulation often affects the lower part of your body since it’s harder for blood to flow upward toward your heart. Sometimes blood can collect in your legs, ankles, and feet.
What does a blocked artery in leg feel like?
Claudication is a symptom of a narrowing or blockage of an artery. Typical symptoms of claudication include: Pain, a burning feeling, or a tired feeling in the legs and buttocks when you walk. Shiny, hairless, blotchy foot skin that may get sores.
Why am I always tired and my legs ache?
Poor Circulation
Diabetes and smoking are two leading causes of poor blood circulation. If you are experiencing tired, achy legs and you smoke or are diabetic, it could be due to the blocked arteries that supply blood to your leg muscles. This is the first indication of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
What is vascular leg pain like?
What are the symptoms of vascular pain? Symptoms include lack of circulation, pain, or heaviness in the area affected by vascular disease or injury. There also may be numbness, weakness, or a tingling feeling in the affected area.
What causes leg pain from knee down to ankle?
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) can be another cause of leg pain. Pain in the knee and ankle joints of the leg is common with the arthritis conditions. The pain of sciatica (from disc disease of the spine) may radiate down the leg and is another common cause of leg pain.
Can dehydration cause leg pain?
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of leg cramps. A cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. The fluids in your body allow your muscles to relax, but—when those muscles are dehydrated—they get irritable and prone to cramping.
Can high blood pressure make your legs hurt?
High blood pressure is a risk factor for poor circulation, a condition also medically diagnosed as peripheral arterial disease, causing symptoms such as leg aches and pain, leg cramps in the calf or thighs while exercising or weakness in the legs.
What kind of leg pain is associated with heart disease?
If you have plaque buildup in your blood vessels, you may feel pain in your calves when they need blood quickly. That pain is called claudication, and claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Some people describe claudication as an ache; others say it’s excruciating.
What are heavy legs a symptom of?
The main cause of heavy legs is generally poor blood circulation. Blood circulation problems generally occur in the lower part of your body, especially your legs. This is because the lower section of your body needs to fight against gravity to transfer the blood back up to your heart.
How do you check for blood clots in legs at home?
This evaluation, known as Homan’s Test, consists of laying flat on your back and extending the knee in the suspected leg. Have a friend or family member raise the extended leg to 10 degrees, then have them squeeze the calf. If there’s deep pain in the calf, it may be indicative of DVT.
What are the 10 signs of a blood clot?
Arms, Legs
- Swelling. This can happen in the exact spot where the blood clot forms, or your entire leg or arm could puff up.
- Change in color. You might notice that your arm or leg takes on a red or blue tinge, or gets or itchy.
- Pain.
- Warm skin.
- Trouble breathing.
- Lower leg cramp.
- Pitting edema.
- Swollen, painful veins.
What does a blood clot feel like in your leg behind your knee?
While the vein is closer to the surface of the skin in the back of the knee, a clot can form anywhere in the blood vessel. The skin over the affected area may also feel warm to the touch. The pain, which can start in the lower leg, may feel like a cramp.
What are weak legs a symptom of?
Sudden leg weakness can be a cause for concern and should prompt immediate medical attention. Some causes of sudden leg weakness include stroke (due to a decrease in oxygen reaching parts of the brain), spinal cord damage, or a pinched nerve coming out of the spinal cord.
What deficiency causes tired legs?
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause heavy and tired legs after running, muscle cramps, fatigue, and odd sensations in your legs and feet. Some foods rich in vitamin B1 include whole grains, vegetables, legumes, milk products, and meat.
Can heart problems cause weakness in legs?
As a result, people with heart failure often feel weak (especially in their arms and legs), tired and have difficulty performing ordinary activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries.