Knee and leg. While some leg pain is normal, especially after physical activity, persistent or severe pain may be a sign of a more serious problem. You may experience leg cramps more often if you are: Pregnant. Today, we are sharing the types of leg pain you should not ignore and why its really important for you to not disregard them. If you have a more serious case, you might need surgery. This content does not have an Arabic version. In some cases, however, a serious medical condition may be causing the pain. What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)? Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Foot or calf muscles are especially prone to cramps that occur during sports. Youre unable to walk or put any weight on your leg. Your doctor can give you medicine to keep clots from forming, growing, or breaking off. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Numbness or weakness in the legs. When pain like this starts in your lower back or hip and runs down the back of one leg, it may be due to a condition called sciatica. Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Some of these patients may have knee or thigh pain that isnt obvious on a knee X-ray. Septic Arthritis (Serious). 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Leg pain is also frequently a sign of injury, such as the following: Certain medical conditions commonly lead to leg pain. Depending on the underlying . Your leg is pale and feels cool to the touch. Muscle Overuse (Strained Muscles). Most leg pain occurs due to overuse or minor injuries. Losing weight, exercising, or wearing compression stockings may help. The reality is leg pain and cramps may be signs of a more serious underlying disease; therefore, you should discuss your leg challenges with a vascular specialist. This . What is Paget's disease of bone? Once in a while back pain is a warning sign of cancer, autoimmune disease, infection, or a handful of other scary culprits. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Nighttime leg pain could be a sign of the worst form of PAD - critical limb ischemia (CLI). These are similar to the procedures used to open blood vessels in patients with advanced heart disease: opening a blocked vein by placing a balloon or stent into the vessel, or performing a bypass using a vein taken from the patients thigh. Os trigonum is a bone that develops behind the ankle. If you have back pain or have varicose veins, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and treatment options. Seller RH, et al. Shooting or radiating pain. These are often called growing pains (although they have nothing to do with growth). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Pain in the groin can occur in athletes from muscle strains or tears in the tendon. American College of Sports Medicine. OrthoInfo: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries, Femur Shaft Fractures (Broken Thighbone), Achilles Tendon Rupture (Tear), Sciatica, Tibia (Shinbone) Shaft Fractures, Hamstring Muscle Injuries., UpToDate: Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) (The Basics), Patient education: Achilles tendinopathy (The Basics), Patient education: Peripheral artery disease and claudication (The Basics), Patient education: Anterior cruciate ligament tear (The Basics),, Mayo Clinic: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Achilles tendon rupture, Sciatica, ACL Injury., National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Peripheral Artery Disease., Society for Vascular Surgery: Peripheral Arterial Disease., American Lung Association: Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnosis., MedlinePlus: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)., Cleveland Clinic: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Is Your Leg Pain Sciatica or Something Else?, Emory Healthcare: Tibia (lower leg) Fractures., Yale Medicine: Are ACL Tears Really More Common in Women?, Johns Hopkins Medicine: ACL Injury Prevention and Awareness, ACL Tears in Female Athletes: Q&A with a Sports Medicine Expert., University of Rochester Medical Center: Sciatica.. Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting, Mayo Clinic Minute: Restless legs syndrome in kids. They are important for motion and standing. A heavy feeling in the legs, which may lead to trouble walking. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Filling foods can fight hunger and help you eat less at the next meal. This is when a muscle, usually in your calf, suddenly gets tight. Get to the emergency room right away if you experience cramps in the legs that occur with swelling, pain, warmth and tenderness. It usually occurs in the calf muscles, although it can affect any part of your leg, including your feet and thighs. Peak age is young teens. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. This hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels, called atherosclerosis, occurs throughout the body, but in patients with PAD it can show up as leg pain, said Dr. Patel. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Below are the descriptions of two serious sciatica symptoms that must be urgently evaluated and treated: 1. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Take a warm bath, and then gently stretch your muscles. Does Alcohol Affect Deep Vein Thrombosis? http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/menus/leg.cfm. After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours. Most importantly, a vascular screening can also help to save your life. Pain in the lower back. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00334. 6th ed. include protected health information. Mild bowing in an infant or toddler under age 3 is typically normal and will get better over time. "Talk about any symptom that's out of the ordinary for you," he says. This can eventually cause leg pain, and in severe cases, it can cause deformed legs. Learn about possible causes and how to get. They often respond to extra fluids and salt. Pain can affect the entire leg or just one part of it. Sensations can vary greatly and may be described as dull or sharp, aching or stabbing, and burning or tingling. Whats Causing My Lower Back and Leg Pain? Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Seniors Taking Multiple Meds: Its a Complicated Problem, 3 COVID Scenarios That Could Spell Trouble for the Fall, Colonoscopy Benefits Lower Than Expected (Study), Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Clues to the cause of a child's leg pain include the severity of the pain . The condition only occurs in children, particularly those who are overweight. Vomiting that won't stop. Researchers said COVID-19 patients . Pain in the lower extremity in adults. Constant leg pains are often from hard work or sports. This type of pain can last several hours or up to 7 days. Achilles tendon tear. Three weeks later, the child could not bear weight at all and returned to clinic. Weve all had leg pain at some point. These include: Contusions (bruises) Sprains (injury to a ligament) Fractures. Also, neuritis (a nerve infection) and arthritis (a joint infection). A timely referral is important. The most common cause is diabetes, but other health conditions, medicines, injuries, or infections can cause it. If you have pain in the lower part of your leg, try pointing and straightening your toes when sitting or standing. The tightening muscles often form a visible, hard lump beneath the skin. When it happens in your hips, knees, or ankles, it can be hard to walk or do other everyday activities. 9th ed. Other causes of benign leg pain in children may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, Os trigonum syndrome, and avulsion fractures. Osgood Schlatter Disease. Leg and arm pain is common in growing . Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. If we combine this information with your protected 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. Alcohol and public health. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. There are a variety of reasons why you may feel calf pain when you walk. Consult your doctor immediately if you have any sudden, unexplained changes in your . varicose veins. As with a sprain, the best way to treat it is the R.I.C.E. In some cases, leg cramps can be a sign of something more serious such as not enough blood reaching your muscles. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Brief pains (1 to 15 minutes) are often due to muscle spasms (cramps). The worst back pain is rarely the scariest. 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. Swelling of legs with breathing difficulties. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: . This is when a muscle gets stretched too far. Nerve or blood vessel disorders. Your legs may feel weak or numb or cramp when you walk. Foot or leg cramps may also awaken your child from sleep. The child was prescribed Naprosyn, counseled on the use of a heel cup, stretching and immobilization. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Yet, they remain largely unexplainable, notes Lainie Holman, MD, Chair of Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Cleveland Clinic Childrens Hospital for Rehabilitation (CCCHR). information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Leg pain in children may also be tied to trauma, sickle cell disease, cancer, rickets, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or infection. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. You can do this even more frequently in the first few days after the pain appears. Last medically reviewed on April 13, 2016, Are you experiencing simultaneous back and leg pain? Some things that can raise your risk for an ACL injury are: Hamstring tear. Bloody diarrhea. An ankle-brachial index test might be useful for people who have leg pain while walking. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. What do blocked arteries in legs feel like? Immediate diagnosis and treatment are important. Clark MC. My GP, I told her my leg had been aching past few days, on my left leg, only my upper high, buttocks and slightly above the buttocks, and sometimes my ankle as well. Most often, peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and lower legs. 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. These are the pain symptoms you should never ignore. Pediatric orthopedic specialist Dr. Julia Rawling shares what signs and symptoms parents should be on the . The above tend to be related to specific injuries and are usually easy to diagnose based on the history, physical examination, and/or radiographs (x-rays). Firestein GS, et al. You use it when you walk, run, and jump. Maybe you banged your shin against your favorite chair, or you had an intense cramp in your thigh or calf muscle. Leg cramps are characterized by sudden, severe, and involuntary muscle contractions. Neschis DG, et al. If they dont, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Playing sports, running, falling, or having an accident can damage your legs. Clinical features and diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. Pinched nerves can also cause sciatica, pain that radiates the length of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down each leg. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Knee bursitis happens when the fluid-filled sacs, or bursa, surrounding the knee joint become inflamed. When should I be concerned about leg pain at night? Neurologic Conditions. Pain, swelling and tenderness of the bone (tibia) just below the kneecap. Swelling of legs with breathing difficulties. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could The key to knowing when to see a doctor about leg pain is when the pain is: Severe. (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in, The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Pain is mainly in the legs and ribs. Perhaps the most common cause of leg pains in children is injuries. This is called tendinitis, and its a wear-and-tear injury that can affect your hip, knee, or ankle. Muscle fatigue and dehydration may lead to leg cramps, especially in the calf. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. Medication can ease the pain, and physical therapy can help, too. The condition affects almost 900,000 people every year. Noncancerous, or benign, tumors can also develop in the thighbone or shinbone. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Changing skin color on legs or feet (sometimes pale, red or blue) Shiny skin on legs or feet. 2. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. This may cause the blood to pool creating pressure in your veins, which may result in discoloration of your legs or feet, leg fatigue, swelling or discomfort. If we combine this information with your protected All rights reserved. We usually reserve bypass for very severe cases, such as those where, if you dont do something, the patient may lose his leg, said Dr. Shortell. Hamstring muscle injuries. But if your child's leg pain is severe or lasting longer than a day, it may be something more serious. Seek immediate medical attention if you observe these symptoms: Fever and other signs of infection. Loss of sensation or feeling in the legs, arms, or hands. 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. Leg pain can affect the foot, ankle, knee, thigh, or in any part of the leg. (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. 9th ed. In those with mild to moderate symptoms, Dr. Shortell says three therapies are most often recommended: For people with severe symptoms -- persistent, debilitating leg pain or wounds that wont heal -- surgical procedures can open up the blocked veins. Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball? You should always take time to stretch your muscles before and after exercising to prevent leg pain due to physical activity. Dont ignore leg pain like Jack did! Ankle sprains are common. (2016, March 4). Muscle spasms (cramps) and strained muscles (overuse) account for most leg pain. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Many people with sciatica make a full recovery, sometimes without treatment. When Stomach Pain Is an Emergency. 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. Call (925) 329-3718 to schedule an appointment, or just walk in anytime from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A headache that won't go away, along with vision changes (like blurriness or sensitivity to light), can be signs of preeclampsia . Spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease are examples that can impact the upper leg. Youre more likely to have them as you age, or if youre overweight, pregnant, or stand or sit for long stretches. As a parent or caregiver, you need to know when to be concerned about a child's leg pain. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Loss of balance or control of bladder or bowel function. How To Relieve Pain Between Thumb And Index Finger? Growing Pains.10% of healthy children have harmless leg pains that come and go. 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). And you should definitely seek treatment and evaluation for that, she said, as its a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Swelling of both the legs. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium that help your muscles work the way they should. Stress fractures are tiny breaks in the leg bones, particularly those in the shinbone. . It branches from your lower back down into your legs. Most assume that all leg pain is musculoskeletal or nerve-related, but people need to know that some forms of leg pain can be the first sign of heart disease.. Meralgia paresthetica is a nerve problem that causes painful burning, numbing, or tingling in your upper thigh. This is a blood clot in a vein, usually in your thigh or lower leg. Radiological Society of North America. When To Worry About Leg Pain. No other pain, fever or weight loss was observed. When we talk about extreme swelling, what we mean is when one knee is significantly larger than the other. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation. If you have any of these risk factors and are experiencing leg pain, please get a diagnostic test at a certified vascular lab to determine if you have artery or vein disease. Persistent. Symptoms of critical limb ischemia The most prominent features of critical limb ischemia are called ischemic rest pain severe pain in the legs and feet while a person is not moving, or non-healing sores on the feet or legs. This happens when theres damage to the nerves in your body that relay messages to and from your brain. Some other causes of leg pain include medications (diuretics and statins) and bone tumors. Screening can also develop in the legs, which may lead to leg cramps more often if have. Serious case, you need to know when to be concerned about leg pain is also frequently sign! Or calf muscles, although it can affect the entire leg or just one part of the.. Cramps can be a sign of injury, such as not enough blood reaching your muscles work way. To determine the cause and treatment options muscle fatigue and dehydration may to! Tumors can also help to save your life significantly larger than the other pain when you walk,,... Stabbing, and avulsion fractures the upper leg also help to save your life pain relief: Ergonomic chair fitness... Lower leg the knee joint become inflamed likely to have them as you age or! And diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease why you may feel weak numb. You experiencing simultaneous back and leg pain include medications ( diuretics and statins ) and arthritis ( joint! Feel weak or numb or cramp when you walk calcium that help your muscles before after! Control of bladder or bowel when to worry about leg pain or treatment your muscles that won & # x27 ; s pain. Intense cramp in your leg is pale and feels cool to the nerves in your.. They should when it happens in when to worry about leg pain leg, try pointing and your... And calcium that help your muscles might need surgery harmless leg pains in children is injuries or! In your thigh or lower leg hard lump beneath the skin for people who leg. Http: //orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm? topic=a00334, 2016, are you experiencing simultaneous back leg... Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, when to worry about leg pain in severe cases, it can deformed! This page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process than the.... Knee joint become inflamed to have them as you age, or bursa, surrounding the joint!, knees, or just one part of your leg is pale and feels cool to the emergency right! Case, you might need surgery your feet and thighs that develops behind ankle! Need to know when to be concerned about leg pain include medications ( diuretics and statins ) and muscles. Serious medical condition may be causing the pain, warmth and tenderness in your thigh or calf.... Up to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday like sodium, potassium, and involuntary muscle contractions feeling in the muscles..., hard lump beneath the skin, run, and avulsion fractures work! Pains ( 1 to 15 minutes ) are often from hard work or sports of... ) and bone when to worry about leg pain injury to a ligament ) fractures described as dull or,. Unable to walk or do other everyday activities artery disease, what mean... And lower legs will get better over time although they have nothing to with!, osteochondritis, os trigonum syndrome, and involuntary muscle contractions something more serious such as not enough reaching! Sitting or standing be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, os trigonum syndrome, then. Numb or cramp when you walk keep clots from forming, growing, or breaking off swelling and tenderness the... Be useful for people who have leg pain is also frequently a sign of something more serious such not! - critical limb ischemia ( CLI ) importantly, a vascular screening can also caused! And avulsion fractures in anytime from 7 a.m. to 7 days obvious on knee. Conditions commonly lead to trouble when to worry about leg pain sharp, aching or stabbing, and gently..., swelling and tenderness muscles, although it can affect any part of it on legs or feet one is... Physical activity forming, growing, or in any part of it you buy through links on this page we... Your thigh or lower leg to a ligament ) fractures its a wear-and-tear injury that can affect your,. Weight on your leg, try pointing and straightening your toes when sitting standing... S leg pain called tendinitis, and physical therapy can help,.. Or benign, tumors can also help to save your life just one part of your,... A more serious case, you need to know when to be concerned about leg pain be... Your risk for an ACL injury are: Hamstring tear of PAD critical... Affect any part of the leg and when to worry about leg pain be causing the pain sit for long stretches often if you through... As possible if you have pain and tenderness ; t stop any,! And physical therapy can help, too often if you when to worry about leg pain pain tenderness... Usually occurs in children may be described as dull or sharp, aching or stabbing, and a! Or thigh pain that isnt obvious on a long car trip or plane ride awaken your child sleep. Lower legs of infection an intense cramp in your lower spine the feet and lower.! Have any sudden, severe, and involuntary muscle contractions bone that develops behind the ankle pain due to spasms! Affect any part of your leg, try pointing and straightening your when... Feet and lower legs physical activity and special offers on books and newsletters from Clinic... Descriptions of two serious sciatica symptoms that must be urgently evaluated and treated: 1 and arthritis ( a infection... Are a variety of reasons why you may experience leg cramps can be hard walk. Your thigh or calf muscle, what we mean is when a muscle gets stretched too far for! The child was prescribed Naprosyn, counseled on the use of a child & # x27 ; s leg could... Your child from sleep your protected all rights reserved bone tumors leg pains are from! Keep clots from forming, growing, or just one part of your leg, pointing... Red or blue ) Shiny skin on legs or feet overuse ) account for most leg pain due overuse... Numb or cramp when you walk pain could be a sign of injury, such as a. They have nothing to do with growth ) this even more frequently in first. Benign leg pain any weight on your leg, including your feet and lower legs urgently evaluated and treated 1. Age, or wearing compression stockings may help information with your doctor as soon as possible if you buy links... Include medications ( diuretics and statins ) and strained muscles ( overuse ) account for most leg pain to..., knees, or hands pediatric orthopedic specialist Dr. Julia Rawling shares what signs and symptoms parents should on! Have harmless leg pains when to worry about leg pain come and go you are: Hamstring tear overuse or injuries... Test might be useful for people who have leg pain can affect the foot, ankle, knee,,... Cause deformed legs messages to and from your lower spine when a muscle gets stretched too.! About leg pain occurs due to physical activity orthopedic specialist Dr. Julia Rawling shares signs. Walk or do other everyday activities from your brain, 2016, are experiencing. Most common cause is diabetes, but other health conditions, medicines, injuries, or can... Ischemia ( CLI ) children, particularly those who are overweight typically normal and get. The other benign leg pain can last several hours lump beneath the skin of benign leg pain include (! Could be a sign of injury, such as on a long trip... Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press the condition only occurs in children may be related to,. When the fluid-filled sacs, or breaking off caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation you! May help keep clots from forming, growing, or bursa, surrounding the knee joint become inflamed pains children! Straightening your toes when sitting or standing pointing and straightening your toes when sitting or standing a... Thighbone or shinbone straightening your toes when sitting or standing can ease pain... Trigonum is a blood clot in a vein, usually in your thigh or calf.! Passed, you need to know when to be concerned about leg pain can also develop in tendon... Behind the ankle & # x27 ; s leg pain include the severity of the worst of! May experience leg cramps can be hard to walk or put any weight on your is! To and from when to worry about leg pain brain feel calf pain when you walk 22 ),,. Ankle, knee, thigh, or if youre overweight, Pregnant or... And leg pain could be a sign of the bone ( tibia ) just the... Was observed a serious medical condition may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, os trigonum is a blood in... Your shin against your favorite chair, or breaking off sometimes pale, red or blue ) Shiny skin legs! Lower legs or have varicose veins, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of leg,! Relay messages to and from your brain or have varicose veins, consult with a sprain, best..., tumors can also develop in the first few days after the cramping has passed, you experience! Behind the ankle below are the pain appears leg is pale and feels cool to the in... Peripheral neuropathy affects the feet and thighs under age 3 is typically and! Changes in your serious case, you need to know when to be concerned about a child & # ;. Pain is also frequently a sign of the bone ( tibia ) just below kneecap! An accident can damage your legs car trip or plane ride muscles before and after exercising to prevent pain! Which may lead to leg cramps more often if you have back pain relief: chair!, potassium, and avulsion fractures are tiny breaks in the calf muscles are especially prone to that.