Leg Pain

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What Causes Pain in the Legs?

Leg pain can occur for many reasons. Muscle soreness is a very common reason. This may occur after performing a high-intensity exercise or performing an extended activity beyond normal daily activity. Usually, muscle soreness is at its worst about 48 hours after the activity. Muscle soreness may occur in any part of the complex leg muscle anatomy. This is referred to as “DOMS” (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).  

Other sources of leg pain may come from injuries to the hip, knee, or ankle joint. These joints can refer pain to the leg around the joints. Leg pain from the joints may occur from:

• Arthritis.
• Meniscus tears.
• Ligament tears.
• Muscle and tendon strains.
• Fractures.

Leg pain can be caused by high-intensity exercise

The Low back is a common source of leg pain as well. 80% of the population will experience an episode of lower back pain in their lifetime.  Many of these cases also have sciatica, which is pain down the leg from the sciatic nerve.  

Leg pain may also come from varicose veins. This is usually worse with increased walking or standing activity. Compression stockings are sometimes recommended to help with this.

Why Do My Legs Hurt at Night?

Leg pain at night can occur for several reasons. Leg cramps can occur at night for some people and disrupt sleep.  Leg cramps occur from dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.  

Leg pain at night may also occur from swelling from increased activity during the day prior. This may require elevating the legs at night.

Leg pain at night from Sciatica may occur from improper positioning of the low back. Placing a pillow between the knee when lying on the side or under the knees while lying on the back may help.

When Should I Be Concerned About Leg Pain?

While some injuries cause leg pain that can be handled at home with self-care, some require seeing an MD or an emergency room visit.  Injuries that require immediate care or an emergency room visit are as follows:-

• An injury that exposes bone or tendon
• Pain, swelling, and redness/warmth in your calf can indicate a blood clot.
• A popping or grinding sound in the leg at the time of the injury
• If you are unable to bear any weight on the leg

The above injuries may be life-threatening if not treated properly and on time.  Please do not hesitate to call emergency services if the above occur.  Sometimes emergency care is not required, but securing a visit to your MD as soon as possible is necessary.  The following issues require seeing your MD as soon as possible:

• Swelling in legs that are accompanied by breathing problems
• Calf pain after prolonged sitting like a car or plane ride
• Signs of an infection in the leg – accompanied by swelling, redness, and high temperature
• A swollen leg that is pale or cold

While the above issues listed do not require emergency treatment, they are still serious and should not be taken lightly.  It is best not to prolong the symptoms if at all possible.  If, after seeing the MD or visiting the emergency room and the symptoms are not getting better with treatment, be sure to call your MD to make another appointment and follow up on the increase or lack of decrease of symptoms.    

How Do I Get My Legs to Stop Aching?

Taking care of aching legs is part of self-care treatment that can easily be done at home.  The best ways to decrease aching legs from cramps or overuse are as follows:

• Rest the leg
• Elevate your leg above your heart
• Apply ice packs to your leg for up to 20 minutes – be sure to have a barrier between your leg and ice to avoid an ice burn
• Stretch and massage muscles to decrease cramps
• Take over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen.

Can Leg Pain Be a Sign of Heart Problems?

There are some instances where leg pain can be a sign of other issues, including heart issues.  When someone has increased swelling and pain in the legs, accompanied by breathing issues, it could sign congestive heart failure or peripheral artery disease.  Peripheral artery disease occurs when the arteries in your body become narrow and fatty tissue builds up, blocking blood flow to and from your heart.  

What Does it feel like when you have a Blood Clot in Your Leg?

A blood clot is an uncommon cause of leg pain, but it can be a very severe condition.  Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood remains in a vein for an extended period and begins to clot.  This can block the blood flow in the vein.  The concern is that if the clot moves, it can travel to the heart or lungs.  This can cause a life-threatening condition known as a Pulmonary Embolism (PE).  

A blood clot in the leg can cause pain, usually in the calf.  It also can cause swelling in the lower leg and ankle.  Blood clots are more common with bed rest or after surgery.  

If there is concern about a blood clot, diagnostic ultrasound is performed.  If a blood clot is found, the patient is typically treated with blood thinners (anticoagulants).  

How Can JOI Help With Leg Pains?

JOI Physical Therapists and Medical Massage Therapists can help alleviate leg pain

If you have leg pain that does not improve with conservative treatment, such as anti-inflammatories, rest, and gentle exercise, it may be time to see a doctor. Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute has many orthopedic surgeons that can help with your leg pain and injuries.  Please do not hesitate to call and make an appointment to diagnose your issue and get you on your way to recovery!  To schedule physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.

If you want to learn more about the anatomy of the leg, go to anatomy videos.

Related Articles: 

• Best Low Impact Workouts for Knee Strength
• Bones of the Leg
• Physical Therapy for Athletic Performance

Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

New to JOI, you can now schedule your follow up appointments and cancel appointments on the JOI Portal.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.