6 Little- Known Causes Of Leg Pain!
23-03-2018 | Posted By: Rajni Joshi | 7314 View(s)
Leg pain has become so prevalent nowadays that we hardly think about its causes which makes it even worse to get rid of it. Are you one of them? Thumbs up for them who are not! Most of the times, we do not give much attention to this problem despite the fact that legs bear the brunt of our whole-body weight and you should not ignore any complaint in the leg. These causes of leg pain are little-known but are very important for you to know.
People of all ages experience leg pain. Pain can occur in one or both legs and can range from a dull ache to severe stabbing sensations. It can happen anywhere around leg area like in the foot, ankle, knee, behind the knee, thigh and maybe down the back of the leg. Many people complain of occurring it at night while they lie down whereas some people experience it while running or exercising. There can be different causes of leg pain. What’s yours? Haven’t thought about it yet? It’s high time now! Let ‘s figure out today! Before we hop on to the six little-known causes of leg pain! Let us first find out the other reasons for Leg Pain-Give a read to know about them!
What Are The Causes Of Leg Pain?
Muscle strain or sprain
Muscle strain or sprain is a common cause of leg pain. It occurs when the muscle fibers or tendons are stretched or torn. Muscle strain or sprain can occur due to overuse, sudden movements, or injuries. The pain is usually located in the affected muscle and may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and stiffness.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs. The reduced blood flow can cause pain, cramping, and weakness in the legs, especially during physical activity. PAD can also cause wounds or ulcers on the legs that do not heal
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs. The blood clot can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected leg. DVT can be a serious condition, as the blood clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, including the knees, hips, and ankles. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint, making it difficult to move
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the legs, becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the leg. Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Shin splints
Shin splints are a common condition that affects athletes and runners. It occurs when the muscles and tendons in the shin become overworked and inflamed. Shin splints can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling in the lower leg
In conclusion, leg pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain or sprain, peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, arthritis, sciatica, and shin splints. It is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or persistent, as some of these conditions can be serious and require prompt treatment.
6 Little- Known Causes Of Leg Pain!
1.Back Problems
Unable to find a cause of leg pain? Or you think it’s too common? What excuse do you have for this negligence? You shouldn’t avoid talking about it as it’s not going to ease the pain you are having in your leg! People who have back problems due to arthritis or a ruptured disc may develop sciatica that radiates down the leg. If you also have a back problem and your legs pain, so one reason could be this! Do not forget to take medical assistance to get rid of the problem instead of ignoring it.
2.Diabetic Neuropathy
If you have poorly controlled diabetes, you may develop diabetic neuropathy, wherein the nerves to the legs and feet fail to perform their function. Some symptoms may include loss of sensation and pain in the feet and a pins-and-needles or tingling sensation. Diabetic patients are also at high risk of peripheral vascular disease, in which there is a narrowing of arteries in the legs which leads to lack of blood supply to muscles. The condition may cause exercise-induced pain or claudication, in which muscles begin to ache with activity because of lack of enough oxygen-rich blood. The pain usually gets better with medical assistance and rest.
3.Blood Clot
An arterial blood clot can cause the acute onset of pain by completely obstructing the blood supply and preventing tissues from getting enough oxygen-rich blood from the heart. The leg also becomes cold and pale sometimes.
A venous blood clot can also cause pain in the legs. Veins return blood the legs to the heart. Superficial and deep are the two systems of veins in the leg. If there’s a blood clot in a deep vein, it causes a “damming” effect, and blood is trapped behind the blockage. As a result, one can experience redness, swelling, pain and warmth in the affected area. On the other hand, superficial veins can also clot and cause pain, but the risk of a deep thrombosis is not often present.
4.Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiencies can be one of the causes of leg pain. Vitamin B-12 plays an essential role in nerve and neurological function. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause pernicious anaemia and can result in nerve pain that often affects both legs. Your body needs vitamin B-12 to function properly, and if you don’t get enough of this, your body lets you know through pain in the legs or other extremities. Do not forget to consume enough of vitamins in your diet to avoid its deficiency.
5. Illness
Various chronic illnesses like alcoholism, diabetes, and cancer could also be to blame if you have leg pain! Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis are some illnesses that cause leg weakness associated with leg pain.
6. Atherosclerosis
A tough term, right? It is! Atherosclerosis is nothing but the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to cholesterol and fat. When there’s a blockage, the blood flow to various parts of your body gets reduced. When the tissues in the leg do not get enough oxygen, one can experience leg pain, specifically in the calves.
So, these are the six little-known causes of leg pain. We hope you could figure out the cause of your leg pain. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have been experiencing pain in your leg. However, applying ice, taking rest, cold compresses and massage can also help ease the pain. Do share with others to help them know about the various causes of leg pain.
