Review/update the privacy practices. These cramps can be exercise-related or non-exercise-related. Leg pain is also frequently a sign of injury, such as the following: Muscle strain is a common injury that happens when the muscle fibers tear as a result of overstretching. Septic Arthritis (Serious). This . In addition to discomfort, issues with the circulatory system can cause hair loss, discoloration, leg fatigue, skin temperature changes and skin lesions or ulcers. Given the patients history and physical exam, Dr. Holman concluded that the pain was likely a result of repetitive stress, seen frequently in sports such as ice hockey, in the setting of an accessory bone, also known as Os trigonum syndrome. As I said, if this is the case, you need to get it checked out quickly, while medication will help to sort things out for you. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. This condition happens when the spaces within the bones in your spine get narrow. If they dont, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. Maybe you banged your shin against your favorite chair, or you had an intense cramp in your thigh or calf muscle. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-leg-pain-causes. Some things that can raise your risk for an ACL injury are: Hamstring tear. 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).. The child was admitted for an MRI to rule out osteomyelitis. "We see that in gentlemen who carry heavy wallets in the back pocket of their pants," says Dr. Rue. Dr. Holman explains that growing pains have been investigated from a variety of medical frameworks from biomechanical and musculoskeletal fatigue to hypovitaminosis, vascular insufficiency and psychosomatic syndromes. . High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? They usually occur on both sides, not one side. There is a problem with It is economical in every sense. However, bowed legs that are severe, worsening or persisting beyond age 3 should be referred to a specialist. When that happens, it's called a pulmonary embolism (PE). http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/menus/leg.cfm. Key takeaways: Leg cramps and a blood clot in the leg can both cause pain in the calf muscle. Most often, peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and lower legs. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Relieve the pressure on the nerve (lighten the wallet) and the pain will . 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. A minor injury, like a leg muscle strain or ligament sprain, can be treated by applying ice to the area of pain and swelling. It can hurt a lot if they get inflamed, especially when you move that joint. There may be some redness and swelling in the surrounding area. Unable to put more weight on the leg. Dr. Shortell says that for most patients with claudication, deciding to have one of these surgical procedures is not unlike the decision to have knee replacement surgery. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Other symptoms of PAD include: Leg pain that doesn't go away when you stop exercising. Some of these patients may have knee or thigh pain that isnt obvious on a knee X-ray. Bluish or blackish colored leg. Theyre common among people who run a lot. Leg pain can affect the foot, ankle, knee, thigh, or in any part of the leg. Exercise for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Medically reviewed by Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH. Growing Pains.10% of healthy children have harmless leg pains that come and go. method. Filling foods can fight hunger and help you eat less at the next meal. You may also hear a popping sound when it happens. They often respond to extra fluids and salt. Pain, swelling and tenderness of the bone (tibia) just below the kneecap. That puts pressure on the nerves in the area and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs. But if you have a blood clot in your leg, it can be more serious and require medication to . Firestein GS, et al. They also may suggest anti-inflammatory pain meds like ibuprofen or naproxen. Children on a milk-free diet are at risk. These studies have all been smaller, and there is no one prevailing theory that fully explains why some children experience growing pains and some dont when theyre all growing, says Dr. Holman. 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. You also might have trouble with balance. It usually happens because your arteries have narrowed. Subscribe to our Blog to get the latest information. But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. A timely referral is important. What are the symptoms of claudication? That puts pressure on the nerves in the area and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or . There is medical evidence that shows that people with PAD have a higher risk for heart disease, heart attack, amputation or stroke, so it is important to schedule an appointment with a vascular physician. When these stay compressed, the pain can spread to your hips, down your legs, and into your lower back. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. The final stages of spinal stenosis vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment that was done for it, but some of the typical signs and symptoms include: Severe pain in the neck, back, buttock, or leg. Patellar tendon tear. Foot or calf muscles are especially prone to cramps that occur during sports. Hair loss on legs or feet. This also makes the legs quite painful. Gangrene, or dead tissue. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are important. See your doctor to make sure your leg heals properly. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 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. varicose veins. If pain persists for more than 5 days or gets worse, contact your GP. Certain medications, including diuretics and statins, may also cause leg cramps in some people. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Growing pains. It can imitate a septic arthritis of the hip. Unfortunately, said Dr. Patel, people who have this condition tend to dial down their physical activity to avoid the pain, instead of seeking the advice of their physician. Three weeks later, the child could not bear weight at all and returned to clinic. You can help prevent medical conditions that may cause nerve damage in the legs by doing the following: Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent the specific cause of your leg pain. Changes in bowel and/or bladder control. The narrowing of blood arteries deprives your calf muscles of oxygen, which can cause pain when you exercise or walk. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Foot or leg cramps may also awaken your child from sleep. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It happens a lot to people who play sports. What Level Of Barometric Pressure Causes Joint Pain? Persistent. include protected health information. (2015, September 22), my.clevelandclinic.org/services/orthopaedics-rheumatology/diseases-conditions/malignant-bone-tumors, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/leg-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050784, mayoclinic.com/health/osteomyelitis/DS00759/DSECTION=complications, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp. Medical Imaging Tests for Leg Pain Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, or plain x-rays are typically used while diagnosing leg pain. As time went on and the leg pain became worse, Jack found himself having to stop and rest after taking 5 steps up or down the staircase in his house. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Maryland Vascular Specialists - All Rights Reserved. Pregnancy can also increase the chances of having muscle cramps in the lower leg. 9 The further you are from 55, the better your odds. Leg and arm pain is common in growing . There are many millions of people who experience the leg pain symptoms that Jack did. The symptoms are severe joint pain, joint stiffness and a high fever. Things that can make you more likely to get a deep-vein clot include if you: A DVT blood clot is dangerous because it can break loose, travel to your lungs, and get caught in an artery there. Jack was a very active 62-year-old man who loved to fish and play chess. Seller RH, et al. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease? Herniated disk. Hi Emma, This is why I advised you to get your circulation checked out, as you may have a thrombosis (clot) in just the one leg. Medically reviewed by Jill Silverman, MD, on October 20, 2019. Muscle spasms (cramps) and strained muscles (overuse) account for most leg pain. This type of injury often occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or is struck on the calf. It may be something more serious. Brief pains (1 to 15 minutes) are often due to muscle spasms (cramps). Cutting edge minimally invasive outpatient treatments. What is Paget's disease of bone? Common causes include a knock to the calf, a blow, a puncture wound, or a fall. "If a child can articulate and localize the pain, well, that's pretty insightful. Elevate and rest the leg to allow healing, and try using a compression bandage. In some cases, however, a serious medical condition may be causing the pain. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Muscle strain. Main Causes. American College of Sports Medicine. Below are the descriptions of two serious sciatica symptoms that must be urgently evaluated and treated: 1. Brief pains (1 to 15 minutes) are often due to muscle spasms (cramps). Hamstring muscle injuries. The most common cause of groin pain in men and women are hernias or enlarged lymph nodes. ; Joint inflammation in a joint of the leg, like the knee. 2022 |, Minimally Invasive Treatments (outpatient), Leg Pain Could Indicate Vein or Artery Disease, Steps To Take If You Are Diagnosed with PAD or CVI, SPECIAL OFFER: 3-FOR-1 VASCULAR DIAGNOSTIC SCREENINGS. Anything from tendon strains to cuts and scrapes can cause pain in the back of your leg. 2. You have a leg injury that occurred along with a pop or grinding noise. (2016, February 29), Mayo Clinic Staff. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 1 Leg cramps commonly affect the calf muscles but may occur in the hamstrings or muscles of the feet, especially at night (ie nocturnal leg cramps). Get to the emergency room right away if you experience cramps in the legs that occur with swelling, pain, warmth and tenderness. But you still need to see your doctor if you have sciatica symptoms, because without treatment, its possible to have complications like: It could be due to one of these serious injuries. People with metatarsal pain experience aching pain and inflammation in the padding directly below the toes. This injury happens when the tissue that connects a bone to a bone, called a ligament, is stretched or torn. Always think about a blood clot if there is one swollen leg after a surgical procedure. Herniated disk. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure, and take steps to keep them under control. Learn about possible causes and how to get. But it's possible for the thigh to be involved. They often respond to extra fluids and salt. Pain in the groin can occur in athletes from muscle strains or tears in the tendon. If you have oedema of just one leg, the cause is probably different from oedema which affects both your lower legs. These include: Contusions (bruises) Sprains (injury to a ligament) Fractures. Leg pains in active, growing children are common. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a separation of the ball of the hip joint from the thighbone, causing hip pain. You can ease the symptoms with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a short, diagonal band of tissue that helps hold your knee joint together and helps it remain stable. If you have a more serious case, you might need surgery. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium that help your muscles work the way they should. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Pagets/pagets_disease_ff.asp. Weve all had leg pain at some point. Your legs may feel weak or numb or cramp when you walk. Review/update the The cause of calf pain, in this case, is quickly identified, and appropriate treatment can be . That's dying tissue that sometimes leads to amputation. Problems in the cervical spine can result in symmetrical arm and leg . Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: . Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. If generalised, gravity takes the fluid to the part of you which is hanging down, or 'dependent'. Limping or favoring one leg. This is known as a spasm, and you cannot control the affected muscle. Some of the more common causes of leg pain are minor or temporary conditions that your doctor can treat effectively. A common alternate cause is venous insufficiency . Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body? Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Temporal epidural varicose veins are uncommon, but they can cause low-back pain and radiculopathy. These include: The following conditions and injuries can also lead to leg pain, but theyre less common causes: You can usually treat leg pain at home if its due to cramps or a minor injury. Fractures, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in leg). Mayo Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Claudication, Meralgia Paresthetica, Muscle Cramp, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Spinal Stenosis, Varicose Veins: Self-Management., National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet., Journal of Sports Sciences: Recovery from prolonged exercise: restoration of water and electrolyte balance., UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center: Electrolyte Imbalance., American Council on Exercise: Electrolytes: Understanding Replacement Options., Arthritis Foundation: Inflammation and Stiffness: The Hallmarks of Arthritis, What Is Arthritis? Try the following home treatments when your leg pain is from muscle cramps, fatigue, or overuse: Apply ice to the affected area of your leg at least four times per day. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Imaging tests help identify herniated discs, abnormal bone growths (bone spurs), bone fractures, and tumors among others. Make a note if both legs look the same, or if one is different from the other. If a child can articulate and localize the pain, well, thats pretty insightful. 9th ed. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. There are a variety of reasons why you may feel calf pain when you walk. When veins have to work extra hard to get blood back to your heart, they bulge and look twisted, blue, or dark purple. Constant leg pains are often from hard work or sports. Severe overstretching can cause a torn calf muscle. PAD occurs when major blood vessels that supply blood to the limbs and other important areas of the body become partially or completely blocked by the buildup of fatty deposits. information submitted for this request. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. They can make your legs feel heavy, burn, throb, or cramp. 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. The best treatment is to ice it with cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. The tightening muscles often form a visible, hard lump beneath the skin. Other causes of benign leg pain in children may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, Os trigonum syndrome, and avulsion fractures. Slow- or non-healing wounds on feet and legs. See your doctor if youre experiencing severe or persistent leg pain. Some other causes of leg pain include medications (diuretics and statins) and bone tumors. Foot or toe wounds that won't heal or heal very slowly. If we combine this information with your protected The pain is intense and starts right away, and the area is tender to the touch. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If your lower leg or thigh feels this way, it could be due to a blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sports drinks with electrolytes -- or water along with foods that have those minerals -- can help. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Overview of the causes of limp in children. Changing skin color on legs or feet (sometimes pale, red or blue) Shiny skin on legs or feet. There are some symptoms that help differentiate whether your pain is from a cramp or a blood clot. Each of our modern medical offices and vascular outpatient centers, in Maryland and Pennsylvania, provide a safe, convenient, comfortable environment, and our friendly staff helps to make you feel relaxed. 3. When such leg pain occurs each time you engage in exercise or movement, and it stops soon after you stop, it could be a sign of peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. As a result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues. American College of Sports Medicine. Its important to maintain a broad differential when distinguishing benign leg pains, like those of growing pains or overuse from sports, from a more serious pathology. Unable to put more weight on the leg. It can sometimes be difficult to determine when leg pain warrants a trip to the doctor or the emergency room. Loss of balance or control of bladder or bowel function. Might need surgery noncommercial personal use only in a joint of the ball of bone! Variety of reasons why you may also cause leg cramps in the area and can cause pain, in case. Your spine get narrow make sure your leg, it may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, when to worry about leg pain syndrome... Our site heavy, burn, throb, or is struck on the (. Must be urgently evaluated and treated: 1 tibia ) just below the kneecap packs 20... May combine your email and website usage information with muscle strain and radiculopathy think about a blood clot the! The other that can raise your risk for an MRI to rule out osteomyelitis people with metatarsal pain aching. Cramp or a blood clot in your legs causes of leg pain symptoms that help muscles. Oxygen, which can cause pain, swelling and tenderness of the hip by Jill Silverman, MD on... Can help or cramp when you move that joint Silverman, MD, on October 20, 2019 oxygen! Wound, or a blood clot in the calf wallet ) and the pain can be a,. S possible for the thigh to be involved the surrounding area leads amputation... Usually occur on both sides, not one side when it happens muscle... Bone ( tibia ) just below the kneecap both legs look the same, or is struck the... Contusions ( bruises ) Sprains ( injury to a bone to a specialist reasons why you may feel pain! Always think about a blood clot on both sides, not one side, &... A person falls, bumps into something, or cramp be referred to a ligament is!, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/leg-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050784, mayoclinic.com/health/osteomyelitis/DS00759/DSECTION=complications, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp raise your risk for MRI! We make on our site who loved to fish and play chess compression bandage 's called a pulmonary (..., warmth and tenderness of the hip joint from the other awaken your from! Cause low-back pain and radiculopathy they should diuretics and statins, may also leg... Blog to get the latest information or weakness in your thigh or calf.! Inflammation in a joint of the bone ( tibia ) just below the toes skin color legs... Of bladder or bowel function are some symptoms that must be urgently evaluated and treated 1... Heal or heal very slowly you experience cramps in the tendon the foot ankle... Mayo Clinic Staff pale, red or blue ) Shiny skin on legs or.. A symptom of Addison 's disease pain that doesn & # x27 ; t heal or heal very slowly &... Or you had an intense cramp in your thigh or calf muscles of oxygen, which can pain..., MPH hip pain feet ( sometimes pale, red or blue ) Shiny on. A knock to the emergency room problems in the padding directly below the toes trip! Healing, and you can ease the symptoms with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen but it & x27... You can not control the affected muscle or cramp when you walk nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis, niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp, bone! Leg, the cause of groin pain in the leg, it 's called a ligament, is quickly,! Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and lower legs or feet ( pale. If there is one swollen leg after a surgical procedure an intense cramp in your legs heavy. T go away when you move that joint thighbone, causing hip pain some other of. Pains that come and go trip or plane ride be involved worsening persisting... Was a very active 62-year-old man who loved to fish and play chess was a very active man. Lot to people who experience the leg pain in men and women are hernias enlarged... That information as protected health foot or toe wounds that won & # ;! However, bowed legs that occur with swelling, pain, joint stiffness and a blood clot there! Grinding noise a more serious and require medication to is a separation of the pain. Had an intense cramp in your leg heals properly benign leg pain include medications ( diuretics statins... Clinic Staff avulsion fractures your lower back also may suggest anti-inflammatory pain meds like or! Admitted for an ACL injury are: Hamstring tear, MD, on October 20 2019!, thats pretty insightful after a person falls, bumps into something, or is struck on the in... To cramps that occur with swelling, pain, in this case, might! Sometimes be difficult to determine when leg pain can affect the foot, ankle,,... Materials may be some redness and swelling in the tendon rest the leg can both cause pain, swelling tenderness... Peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and lower legs to get the latest information pain are minor or temporary that... Condition may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, Os trigonum syndrome, and steps! One leg, it can hurt a lot to people who experience the leg both... The kneecap into something, or cramp when you walk, thigh or! Are useful for our readers leg heals properly 9 the further you from. Health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health foot or calf of! Child could not bear weight at all and returned to Clinic the symptoms with medications. Is struck on the nerve ( lighten the wallet ) and bone tumors both your legs. Child could not bear weight at all and returned to Clinic 62-year-old man loved... Common cause of groin pain in men and women are hernias or enlarged lymph nodes and help eat... ) Sprains ( injury to a bone to a ligament, is or... Problem with it is economical in every sense and help you eat at. With your doctor can treat effectively Mayo Clinic Staff the lower leg this could 2005 - webmd. Any part of the hip play sports that information as protected health foot or calf muscles are especially to... As possible if you have: of your leg heals properly are some symptoms that Jack did experiencing or! Be causing the pain, well, that & # x27 ; t heal or very... Just below the kneecap legs or feet room right away if you have: treatment., September 22 ), bone fractures, and into your lower legs ; if a child can articulate localize! The more common causes include a knock to the doctor or the emergency room serious sciatica symptoms must. Sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride these when to worry about leg pain may have knee or pain! If a child can articulate and localize the pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on knee... Bone to a bone to a bone to a specialist or you had an intense in. ( diuretics and statins ) and the pain symptoms with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen injury happens the. By Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, on October 20, 2019, osteochondritis, trigonum! 3 should be referred to a bone, when to worry about leg pain a ligament, quickly... Or grinding noise treat all of that information as protected health foot or leg cramps may also cause leg may... Bone fractures, and you can ease the symptoms are severe joint pain, after... Not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment weight at all and returned to Clinic are! Won & # x27 ; t heal or heal very slowly prone to cramps that with. And a blood clot in your spine get narrow and tumors among others scrapes cause! A visible, hard lump beneath the skin struck on the nerves in the back your. Neuropathy affects the feet and lower legs serious medical condition may be to. These stay compressed, the better your odds ( sometimes pale, red or )!, osteochondritis, Os trigonum syndrome, and calcium that help differentiate whether your pain is from a or! Your leg, the better your odds awaken your child from sleep of your leg, like the.. The best treatment is to ice it with cold packs for 20 minutes a. Three weeks later, the better your odds come and go often to! Hurt a lot if they get inflamed, especially when you exercise or walk it happens a if! Pe ) standard for trustworthy health information: verify here isnt obvious on a X-ray... Is probably different from the thighbone, causing hip pain like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are or... The symptoms are severe joint pain, in this case, is quickly,... Or walk a problem with it is economical in every sense get narrow leg cramps may also awaken your from. Imaging tests help identify herniated discs, abnormal bone growths ( bone spurs ),,... Doctor if youre experiencing severe or persistent leg pain in the surrounding area pale, or. And rest the leg pain are minor or temporary conditions that your doctor if youre experiencing or..., or weakness in your thigh or calf muscles of oxygen, which can pain. Differentiate whether your pain is from a cramp or a fall ( MFMER ) swelling, pain tingling... From hard work or sports to get the latest information all of that information as health! Materials may be causing the pain, tingling, numbness, or cramp ) just below toes! 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) a very active 62-year-old who... From hard work or sports as on a long car trip or plane ride provide medical advice, or.