Leg Pain Causes: What May Cause Leg Pain? 16 Conditions That Can Cause Leg Pain

Leg pain can occur for various reasons, ranging from minor issues like muscle cramps or overuse to more severe conditions such as injuries, nerve problems, fractures, or underlying medical conditions. A healthcare professional should evaluate the exact cause of your leg pain. Here are some common causes of leg pain:

1. Muscle Cramps

Sudden, involuntary, and hard contractions of one or more muscle groups can cause moderate to severe pain in the legs. Causes can include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium or calcium), muscle fatigue, overuse, or prolonged sitting or standing. Cramps often resolve on their own but can be relieved by gently stretching the affected muscle, massaging it, and ensuring adequate hydration.

2. Muscle Strains

Muscle strains occur when muscles or their tendons are stretched or torn due to overexertion, sudden movements, or lifting heavy objects. Symptoms include pain in the legs, swelling, and muscle weakness.

Treatment involves resting the affected leg, icing the strained area, compression, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

3. Injuries

Injuries to the leg can result from various accidents, trauma, or excessive stress on the muscles, bones, ligaments, or other structures in the leg. These injuries can cause varying degrees of pain, swelling, and functional impairment. Leg injuries like fractures (broken bones), sprains (ligament injuries), or contusions (bruises) can result from accidents, falls, or sports activities.

• Fractures occur when enough force is applied to the bone to break it. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or direct blows to the leg.
• Sprains happen when ligaments (tissues connecting bone to bone) are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting or trauma.
• Contusions result from blunt trauma or impact to the leg, causing damage to blood vessels beneath the skin.
• Tendon (connective tissues that attach muscles to bones) injuries can occur from direct trauma, overuse, or repetitive stress.
• Ligament injuries involve damage to the tough, fibrous bands that connect bone to bone and stabilize joints.
• Overuse injuries stem from repetitive activities or excessive stress on the leg muscles, tendons, or bones without adequate rest and recovery.
• Sports-related injuries can encompass a wide range of injuries, including muscle strains, ligament sprains, fractures, and more, often resulting from the physical demands of sports and athletic activities.

4. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD is a circulatory condition where arteries in one or both legs become hardened, narrowed, or blocked. This may cause reduced blood flow to the muscles. Symptoms include pain in the legs and cramping or fatigue during physical activity (claudication). Management includes lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgical procedures to improve blood flow.

5. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT can cause leg pain due to the formation of thrombus

[00–444 in one of the deep veins of the legs. DVT can have serious consequences if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

DVT typically occurs when blood flow in a deep vein is slowed or interrupted, allowing blood to pool and form a clot. Various factors can contribute to DVT, including:

• Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights or bed rest)
• Surgery or trauma
• Pregnancy and postpartum period
• Certain medical conditions that affect blood clotting (e.g., clotting disorders)
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Family history of DVT

6. Arthritis

Leg pain is common with arthritis, especially in older adults. Depending on the age and joint condition, there are different types of arthritis, but two of the most common types that can affect the legs are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis: It occurs secondary to wearing and tearing of the cartilage between the knee joint. Wearing of the cartilage due to age causes rubbing of the knee bone against each other – leading to knee pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is a type of arthritis in which the body’s own immunity mistakenly attacks the joints. The immune cells attack the synovium – the thin lining around the membranes of the joints. This leads to inflammation in the joints and can result in joint damage over time.

7. Neuropathy

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage or dysfunction that can lead to various neurological symptoms, including pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. When neuropathy affects the nerves in the legs, it can lead to leg pain. There are several types of neuropathy that can cause leg pain:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy often results from conditions such as diabetes, alcohol abuse, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases. It can also occur due to infections, vitamin deficiencies, or hereditary factors.
• Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a specific type of peripheral neuropathy that occurs in individuals with diabetes. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time.
• Sciatica (Compression Neuropathy): Compression or entrapment of nerves can occur at various locations in the leg. Common examples include sciatic nerve compression (sciatica) or compression of the peroneal nerve around the knee.

8. Infections

Infections can be a less common but significant cause of leg pain. Leg pain due to infections may result from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Here’s a more detailed explanation of how infections can lead to leg pain:

• Cellulitis is a soft tissue (skin) infection caused by a bacterium. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the legs. It often develops when bacteria, usually streptococcus or staphylococcus, enter the skin through a cut, scratch, or other breaks in the skin’s protective barrier.
• An abscess can be superficial (involving the skin) or deep (involving the muscles and soft tissues). It is a collection of pus (dead cells + pathogens) that results from infection. Abscesses can develop within the soft tissues of the legs, often due to bacteria entering through a wound or hair follicle.
• Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) or fungal cellulitis, can affect the skin on the legs and cause itching, burning, and pain.
• Certain systemic infections, such as viral or bacterial infections, can cause generalized symptoms, including muscle and joint pain, which may affect the legs.
• Some STIs, such as syphilis or herpes, can lead to skin rashes, ulcers, or sores on the genital area, including the legs, and may be associated with pain or discomfort.

9. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that typically develop in the legs. While they may not always directly cause pain, they can lead to various leg-related symptoms, including discomfort and aching.

Varicose veins often develop when the valves in the veins, which help blood flow in one direction back to the heart, become weak or damaged. When these valves malfunction, blood can accumulate in the veins and cause them to swell and become varicose. Pain associated with varicose veins is often aggravated by factors such as prolonged standing or sitting, hot weather, and high-impact physical activities.

Elevated pain or discomfort is due to increased pressure within the affected veins when standing for extended periods, which makes it harder for blood to flow against gravity.

10. Growing bone pains

Growing pains, also known as benign limb pains of childhood, are a common cause of leg pain in children, typically between the ages of 3 and 12. These pains are generally considered harmless, but they can cause discomfort and concern for both children and parents.

The exact cause of growing pains is not well understood, but they are believed to be related to the rapid growth and development of muscles, bones, and other tissues during childhood. Growing pains are often associated with increased physical activity or prolonged periods of standing or walking.

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe leg pain, consult your doctor (orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist) for a proper diagnosis and optimal treatment plan based on the underlying cause.

11. Ligament Sprain

A ligament sprain can cause leg pain when the tough, fibrous ligaments that connect bones together are stretched or torn. This typically occurs due to sudden twisting or injury to a joint. The leg pain, in this case, is often localized and can be quite painful. Common areas where ligament sprains can cause leg pain include the knees and ankles.

There is usually acute pain at the site of the sprain, which can be sharp or throbbing. Swelling often occurs as the body’s natural response to injury, causing further discomfort. Some individuals may notice bruising around the injured area due to blood vessel damage. The affected joint may feel unstable or loose, making it difficult to bear weight or move normally. Pain and swelling can limit the joint’s range of motion.

It’s important to consult an orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis if you suspect a ligament sprain is causing your leg pain, as the severity and treatment can vary depending on the extent of the injury.

12. Tendonitis

Tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, can be a cause of leg pain when the tendons in the leg become inflamed or irritated. Tendons connect muscles to bones and play a crucial role in joint movement. When tendons are overused, injured, or subjected to repetitive stress, they can become inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. Tendonitis can affect various tendons in the leg, including those around the knee, ankle, or heel.

Tendonitis typically presents with localized pain in the affected area. Inflammation of the tendon can lead to swelling at the site of the injury. You may experience stiffness or rigidity and a reduced mobility in the affected joint. The area around the inflamed tendon may be tender to the touch.

Common types of leg tendonitis include;

• Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee): It occurs due to inflammation of the patellar tendon. It connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
• Achilles Tendonitis: It occurs due to inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
• Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tibialis posterior tendon, often causing pain along the inside of the ankle.

13. Shin Splints

Shin splints can cause leg pain, primarily along the front or inner part of the lower leg. This condition is commonly seen in athletes and individuals who engage in activities involving repetitive stress on the shinbone (tibia) and surrounding muscles. Here’s an explanation of shin splints as a cause of leg pain:

The hallmark symptom is pain along the front or inner edge of the shinbone. It is usually described as a dull, aching sensation. The affected area may be tender to the touch. Pain typically worsens during or after physical activity, especially activities that involve running or jumping. Some individuals with shin splints may experience mild swelling in the affected area. In severe cases, there may be localized redness or warmth.

Shin splints often result from repetitive stress on the muscles in the lower leg, such as running on hard surfaces or engaging in activities with sudden stops and starts. Pushing too hard or increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity too quickly can contribute to shin splints. Wearing inappropriate or worn-out athletic shoes can increase the risk of shin splints.

14. Stress Fractures

These are tiny cracks in bones, usually caused by repetitive stress or overuse. These fractures often occur in weight-bearing bones in the leg, such as the tibia (shinbone) or metatarsal bones in the feet.

Stress fractures typically cause localized pain – that may be aching or throbbing and usually worsens with weight-bearing activities. There may be mild swelling at the site of the fracture. The area around the stress fracture is usually tender to the touch. Pain often intensifies during activities like running, jumping, or walking. Rest may alleviate the pain temporarily. In some cases, individuals may experience pain even when resting or at night.

15. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

RLS causes an intense and uncontrollable urge to move the legs. It typically worsens at night or during inactivity. Lifestyle changes, like avoiding triggers and regular exercise, or medications targeting neurotransmitters, can provide relief.

16. Tumors

Tumors in or near the leg can cause pain by pressing on nerves, blood vessels, or bones. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Symptoms vary but may include constant or intermittent pain, swelling, weakness, or skin changes. Treatment depends on the tumor type and stage, often involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.