Leg pain has many causes, often stemming from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries. It can also be a symptom of underlying health conditions affecting your joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, or other soft tissues. Problems in your lower spine can also contribute to leg pain.
Common Causes of Leg Pain
Several factors can lead to leg pain. These include:
- Wear and tear and overuse: As mentioned in multiple sources (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic), this is a very common cause, particularly with aging or strenuous activity.
- Injuries: Muscle strains, sprains, fractures, and other traumas are frequent culprits (Cleveland Clinic, Harvard Health).
- Blood flow issues: Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) restrict blood flow to the legs, causing pain (WebMD).
- Nerve problems: Peripheral neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, can cause leg pain and numbness (WebMD).
- Electrolyte imbalances: Deficiencies in electrolytes like potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium can lead to muscle cramps and pain (Mount Sinai).
- Spinal problems: Conditions affecting the lower spine can radiate pain down the legs (Mayo Clinic).
- Dehydration: Lack of fluids can contribute to muscle cramps and pain (Mount Sinai).
- Medication side effects: Some medications, including diuretics and statins, can cause leg pain as a side effect (Mount Sinai).
- Growing pains (in children): Although often attributed to growth spurts, these pains are not associated with any specific injury and may be muscle cramps (Children's Hospital Colorado).
- Intermittent claudication: Pain in the leg muscles due to insufficient blood flow during walking (UHCW NHS).
Leg Pain After Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Aching legs after prolonged periods of sitting or standing may indicate fluid buildup in leg veins (Mayo Clinic).
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a doctor if your leg pain:
- Is severe or persistent.
- Is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth.
- Limits your ability to walk or perform daily activities.
- Occurs at night or wakes you from sleep.
