Leg Pain
Alternative names:
pain in the leg(s)
Definition:
Any pain in the leg not associated with an injury.
Considerations:
Pain in the legs is a common complaint or symptom.
Common causes:
- cramps from muscle fatigue, strain, injury or depletion of certain minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium (particularly when taking diuretics)
- simple muscle spasm or "charley horse"
- overuse problems associated with strenuous exercise, often called shin splints
- trouble with the veins (the vessels returning from the legs to the heart)
- diseased arteries (the vessels bringing blood to the muscles of the leg)
- injury to the joints in the leg
- infection of the leg joints
- inflammation of the leg joints (by arthritis or gout)
- neuropathy (nerve damage)
- common in diabetics, smokers, and alcoholics
- pain or weakness is present in one or both legs
- numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling may develop
- infection (osteomyelitis, cellulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, retroperitoneal inflammation)
- slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Legg-Calve'-Perthes Disease
- Benign tumors or cysts of the femur or tibia ( Osteoid ostioma)
- Malignant bone tumors ( Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma)
- fracture
- drugs such as allopurinol and corticosteroids
Note: There may be other causes of leg pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for leg pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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