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Alternative names Return to top
Pain - leg; Aches - leg; Cramps - legDefinition Return to top
Leg pain is a common symptom and complaint. For more specific topics, see foot pain, hip pain, knee pain, muscle pain, joint pain, shin splints, and blockage of leg arteries.
Common Causes Return to top
Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse). Common causes of cramps include:
An injury can also cause leg pain from:
Less common causes include:
Home Care Return to top
If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:
For leg pain caused by nerve disorders or claudication, control diabetes, eliminate alcohol and tobacco, and avoid ill-fitting shoes.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call your doctor if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, with careful attention to your legs, feet, thighs, hips, back, knees, and ankles.
To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:
Do you have any other symptoms like numbness or tingling? Back pain? A fever? Weakness?
The following diagnostic tests may be performed:
Treatment depends on the cause. Medications may include pain medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Coumadin if there is a blood clot, and others. Cellulitis and osteomyelitis are each treated with antibiotics; osteomyelitis will require extended use of antibiotics.
For some causes of leg pain, physical therapy may be recommended by your doctor. If you have a blocked artery, inserting a balloon catheter into the artery to improve blood flow may be advised.
Prevention Return to top
To prevent claudication and nerve damage:
To prevent overuse injuries, like shin splints, muscle cramps, and other causes of leg pain:
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |