Swelling of legs with breathing difficulties. The symptoms are severe joint pain, joint stiffness and a high fever. This is when a muscle gets stretched too far. Lehman TJA. Pain can affect the entire leg or just one part of it. As with a sprain, the best way to treat it is the R.I.C.E. Clinical features and diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. They usually occur on both sides, not one side. Review/update the Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain meds or physical therapy. As a parent or caregiver, you need to know when to be concerned about a child's leg pain. Slow- or non-healing wounds on feet and legs. Injuries. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. The cause of calf pain, in this case, is quickly identified, and appropriate treatment can be . Call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room if you: . Cutting edge minimally invasive outpatient treatments. A calf muscle contusion, otherwise known as a bruise, happens when blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured. 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. Fibromyalgia. Leg Pain: When to Worry. Outside of that, wrap the area lightly, keep it raised if you can, and rest it. Hamstring muscle injuries. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. But some people need surgery. Make a note if both legs look the same, or if one is different from the other. Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon, Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg, Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf, Hear a popping or grinding sound at the time of a leg injury, Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C), A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool, Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride, Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems, Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason, Your symptoms don't improve after a few days of home treatment, Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day, Elevate your leg whenever you sit or lie down, Try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Seller RH, et al. 6201 Green Belt Road, Suite L1-L2, College Park, MD 20740, 250 Fame Avenue, Suite 204, Hanover, PA 17331, Carroll Medical Arts Centre, 535 Old Westminster Pike, Suite 105, Westminster, MD 21157, 2350 Freedom Way, Suite 253 (Courtyard Entrance), York, PA 17402. ACL tear. Sometimes a DVT has no symptoms. 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. You must stretch your cramped or affected muscles and hold them like that for a few seconds. Elevate and rest the leg to allow healing, and try using a compression bandage. method. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Thankyou for sharing such a nice article and your knowledge with us.A leg cramp is an episode of sudden pain in the muscles of the leg caused by an involuntary contracting (shortening) of the leg muscle. Peak age is young teens. Bloody diarrhea. You may also hear a popping sound when it happens. The area may get swollen within a few hours, and the back of your leg below your knee may look bruised or discolored in the days ahead. While the etiology is not well-understood, patients usually report that pain resolves with little to no medical intervention. See your doctor if youre experiencing severe or persistent leg pain. These are often called growing pains (although they have nothing to do with growth). A group of three muscles run along the back of your thigh. Growing pains. Septic Arthritis (Serious). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This is known as a spasm, and you cannot control the affected muscle. The best treatment is to rest your legs, put cold packs on them for 20 minutes several times a day, and take pain relievers if you need them. However, if the calf pain is . When should you worry about fibroids? Firestein GS, et al. They are important for motion and standing. There are many millions of people who experience the leg pain symptoms that Jack did. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience the following symptoms: Fever and other signs of infection. It can range from a bad cramp to a strong shooting pain that makes it hard to stand or even sit. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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. Depending on the underlying . Ease into each stretch, holding each position for five to 10 seconds. Sometimes this sensation is harmless, but it may be the sign of an. Shooting or radiating pain. Usually your muscles will stop aching in 2-5 days and you wont need any medical attention. Causes of secondary leg cramps can include: pregnancy. Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain? A PE is an emergency, and it can be deadly without treatment. Leg pain can be described as any feeling of pain or discomfort in the area between your groin and ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Studies show that electrolyte imbalances (mineral magnesium) can . What are some of the most common causes of leg pain? And according to John Hopkins Medicine , some people with . You can leave the ice on for as long as 15 minutes at a time. Click here to schedule your vascular screening at one of Maryland Vascular Specialists nationally accredited vascular laboratories today! Claudication is the medical term for leg pain that happens during activity. 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Acute injury. You might feel it because of a slipped or herniated disk, a slipped vertebra, a spasm of your butt muscles, or spinal stenosis. A habitual smoker. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. What is Paget's disease of bone? 9 The further you are from 55, the better your odds. An acute injury describes sudden pain due to an accident or incident. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/menus/leg.cfm. Whether to worry depends on your child's age and the severity of the bowing. Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting, Mayo Clinic Minute: Restless legs syndrome in kids. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. If it gets pinched due to a herniated disk in your spine or something else, that can bring on the symptoms of sciatica, usually in only one of your legs. The patient, an ice hockey player, located the pain in the posterior, distal heel, but not exactly at the Achilles insertion. Pain or discomfort anywhere in the leg can range from a dull ache to an intense stabbing sensation. A headache that won't go away, along with vision changes (like blurriness or sensitivity to light), can be signs of preeclampsia . the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This includes fevers, fatigue, headaches, night sweats, trouble sleeping, constipation, or diarrhea. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Schedule a doctors appointment if youre experiencing: Go to the hospital immediately if any of the follow occurs: A number of serious conditions and injuries may cause leg pain. Cramps tend to happen more as you age, and youre also likely to have them if youre out in hot weather and dont drink enough water. Also referred to as recurrent limb pains in childhood and idiopathic nocturnal pains of childhood, growing pains may affect as many as 37% of children ages 3 to 12, according to some studies. Patellar tendon tear. Spinal Stenosis. Make sure its healed completely before you start exercising again so you don't make the bone injury worse. 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. Rest your leg as much as possible, and elevate your leg with pillows. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It was worse after brief rests and did not hurt at night. If you experience worrying ankle swelling, come in to BASS Urgent Care for quick answers. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Low calcium and vitamin D levels can cause minor bone pains. Clues to the cause of a child's leg pain include the severity of the pain . Most importantly, a vascular screening can also help to save your life. The most common causes of cramps include dehydration, muscle overuse and muscle strain or trauma. Hip and knee pain. include protected health information. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. ; Cramping in the legs. Other symptoms include: Pain or numbness in the feet Shiny, smooth, dry skin of the legs or feet Thickening of the toenails Absent or diminished pulse in the legs or feet Open sores, skin infections or ulcers that will not heal Dry gangrene (dry, black skin) of the legs or feet. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Knee and leg. A minor injury, like a leg muscle strain or ligament sprain, can be treated by applying ice to the area of pain and swelling. Watch: Sciatica Causes and Symptoms Video. If you or your loved one has recurring leg pain or any of the symptoms above, schedule a consultation with a vascular specialist, as soon as possible. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00512. Among the most common symptoms of PAD are: Pain in the calf, buttocks, thighs. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a separation of the ball of the hip joint from the thighbone, causing hip pain. Certain medications, including diuretics and statins, may also cause leg cramps in some people. Some of the more common causes of leg pain are minor or temporary conditions that your doctor can treat effectively. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of What is leg pain? After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours. Tendonitis: Tendons attach your calf muscles to bones in your leg. Limping or favoring one leg. If you have pain in the upper part of your leg, try to bend over and touch your toes. Medically reviewed by Jill Silverman, MD, on October 20, 2019. This is commonly associated with leg pain and/or back pain. It hurt, but it got better fast. Bluish or blackish colored leg. 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. All rights reserved. Imaging tests help identify herniated discs, abnormal bone growths (bone spurs), bone fractures, and tumors among others. Most patients are in and out within an hour. Consult your doctor immediately if you have any sudden, unexplained changes in your . Muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps. Leg pain can be constant or intermittent, develop suddenly or gradually, and affect your entire leg or a localized area, such as your shin or your knee. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Muscle pain can also be from a forgotten injury that occurred the day before. That's dying tissue that sometimes leads to amputation. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 6th ed. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, sometimes they may require immediate medical attention. They often respond to extra fluids and salt. People who smoke, have diabetes, or have a family history of vascular disease, heart attack or stroke are at greater risk for PAD. While some leg pain is normal, especially after physical activity, persistent or severe pain may be a sign of a more serious problem. This is a blood clot in a vein, usually in your thigh or lower leg. Youre more likely to have them as you age, or if youre overweight, pregnant, or stand or sit for long stretches. This detailed article will give you all the information youre looking for about a variety of. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Sports drinks with electrolytes -- or water along with foods that have those minerals -- can help. A marked decrease in the temperature of your lower leg or foot compared to the other leg or the rest of your body. 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).. Firestein GS, et al. Foot or leg cramps may also awaken your child from sleep. Persistent. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. The effects are long-lasting, but not permanent -- so in younger patients, or patients who have health problems that may require a bypass surgery later on, physicians often advise delaying extensive surgical treatment for as long as possible. Management is usually focused on a patient-specific combination of rest, immobilization, ice packs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the pain. There are some symptoms that help differentiate whether your pain is from a cramp or a blood clot. What test shows blocked arteries in the legs? This also makes the legs quite painful. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Leg pain in children may also be tied to trauma, sickle cell disease, cancer, rickets, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or infection. Blood clots are a medical emergency. Written by Jack Wilkinson, MD. Leg pain that seems severe, ongoing, or out of the ordinary is a different story. It was worse in the left heel, particularly with left great toe flexion and plantarflexion, and with no difference in pain when ascending versus descending stairs or going uphill versus downhill. Patellar tendon tear. 9th ed. Clinical features and diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. In: Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. You might feel: Your sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in your body. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. It often occurs in the feet and lower part of the legs as a result of. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Living With DVT: Tips to Keep Away Blood Clots. When healthy, arteries are elastic and flexible, but as you age, your arteries can become stiff, thick, and narrow. Foot or leg cramps may also awaken your child from sleep. A week later, the child presented again; this time with right ankle pain. If we combine this information with your protected Sports with sudden stops and direction changes, Playing sports with lots of stop-and-start motions. 9th ed. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps. Not everyone has one, and the people who do, dont necessarily experience pain, she says. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00408. All rights reserved. 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. No other pain, fever or weight loss was observed. See additional information. With this condition, your limbs -- typically your legs -- dont get enough blood. An ankle-brachial index test might be useful for people who have leg pain while walking. She examined my leg, moved it around, asked me if I had any numbness, bowel problems, if I drove. Jack was a very active 62-year-old man who loved to fish and play chess. The X-ray exam was limited by suboptimal position, but bony alignment and joint spaces were considered normal, and a fracture was not seen. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. People understandably assume that the worst back pain is the scariest. This content does not have an English version. Your Achilles is a tough band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. Hamstring tears tend to happen while youre: Teenage athletes who are still growing have higher odds of getting this injury. Muscle aches in both legs are common with viral illness, especially influenza. Learn about symptoms and treatment. Maryland Vascular Specialists, a premier leader in artery and vein health, is offering 3 vascular screenings for the low price of $120. Noncancerous, or benign, tumors can also develop in the thighbone or shinbone. Relieve the pressure on the nerve (lighten the wallet) and the pain will . ; An infection in the skin, joint, or other tissue of the leg. There may be some redness and swelling in the surrounding area. Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve is affected after exiting the spinal cord as it passes through the hip or buttock area. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. The most common cause of swollen legs is oedema. In some cases, however, a serious medical condition may be causing the pain. Pain is mainly in the legs and ribs. When veins have to work extra hard to get blood back to your heart, they bulge and look twisted, blue, or dark purple. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. This happens when theres damage to the nerves in your body that relay messages to and from your brain. feeling generally unwell, if you have an infection or fracture. Chronic leg pain is a primary symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common and treatable condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs and can threaten your heart. Theyre called the hamstrings. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. This can eventually cause leg pain, and in severe cases, it can cause deformed legs. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. When To Worry About Leg Pain. See your doctor if you cramp up often. http://www.uptodate.com/home. You lose some through sweat when you exercise, and if you lose too much, your legs can cramp or feel weak or numb. 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. Other causes of benign leg pain in children may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, Os trigonum syndrome, and avulsion fractures. Without treatment, theres a chance that PAD could eventually bring on problems like: It could even lead to gangrene. The patient had previously been diagnosed with calcaneal apophysitis (Severs disease) by their primary care provider. If pain persists for more than 5 days or gets worse, contact your GP. Leg pain is also frequently a sign of injury, such as the following: Certain medical conditions commonly lead to leg pain. People with metatarsal pain experience aching pain and inflammation in the padding directly below the toes. Bone pain that resembles a toothache and is more persistent at night. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon, Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg, Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf, Hear a popping or grinding sound at the time of a leg injury, Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C), A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool, Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride, Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems, Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason. Exercise for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. In a recent case, an 11-year-old patient presented to Cleveland Clinics North Olmsted Family Health Center, reporting 20 months of bilateral heel pain. Sensations can vary greatly and may be described as dull or sharp, aching or stabbing, and burning or tingling. Achilles tendon tear. Neurologic Conditions. If you tear one of them, or tear a tendon in the back of your thigh, it can bring on sharp pain. Sciatica. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Leg and arm pain is common in growing . These cramps can be exercise-related or non-exercise-related. There are a variety of reasons why you may feel calf pain when you walk. Whats most important about having peripheral artery disease (PAD) isnt the PAD itself -- its what it says about your risk for other, life-threatening conditions. See Introduction to Diagnostic Studies for Back and Neck Pain. privacy practices. In fact, one leg swelling is worse than two swollen legs . Stop stretching if your pain gets worse. Strains: A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when you overstretch your calf muscles. 9500 Euclid Avenue , Cleveland , Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | TTY 216.444.0261, cleveland clinic children's hospital for rehabilitation, Tackling Torticollis: Consider Early Referral to Physical Therapy for Managing Congenital Muscular Torticollis, Approaches for Academic Advancement Within Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Case Study: The Overlap of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Functional Neurologic Disorder in Pediatrics, Hip-Hop Music as a Tool in Trauma-Based Care for Adolescent Patients. Increased pain going downhill. It doesnt always cause symptoms, but you might have pain, swelling in your leg, and it might be warm and red. lack of stretching. It prevents them from getting enough blood. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium that help your muscles work the way they should. Cold and pale legs. Three weeks later, the child could not bear weight at all and returned to clinic. What can cause this discomfort? But she says that PAD is not, in and of itself, a condition that requires aggressive treatment in all people. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. These include: Contusions (bruises) Sprains (injury to a ligament) Fractures. 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. 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. When a 7-year-old who had twisted his left ankle presented to Cleveland Clinic, no acute abnormality was detected on the radiograph, although, bone mineralization appeared to be slightly decreased. Malignant, or cancerous, bone tumors may form in the larger leg bones, such as the thighbone or shinbone. According to WebMD, pain, swelling, and warmth in the leg can indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It may be something more serious. This is called tendinitis, and its a wear-and-tear injury that can affect your hip, knee, or ankle. If we combine this information with your protected The discomfort often disappears within a short time and can be eased with home remedies. It could be that the pain represents a pain amplification syndrome, similar to fibromyalgia in adults, but because its benign and often resolves without intervention, management is more focused on rest, modifications, and monitoring, she explains. 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. In fact, they are usually caused by a less serious condition. A one-sided story. When To Worry About Your Back Pain And Varicose Veins. Pinched nerves can also cause sciatica, pain that radiates the length of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down each leg. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with If you have a more serious case, you might need surgery. Exercise-induced leg pain. This condition happens when the spaces within the bones in your spine get narrow. 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. But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. A Mayo Clinic expert explains. You should always take time to stretch your muscles before and after exercising to prevent leg pain due to physical activity. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment for any underlying conditions may prevent the pain from getting worse and improve your long-term outlook. It often occurs in the . Toxic synovitis tends to occur in toddlers after jumping too much. Growing pains or injury caused by sports or overuse may be the culprit or a more serious pathology may be at hand. sores or ulcers. 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. Other causes of benign leg pain in children may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, Os trigonum syndrome, and avulsion fractures. certain types of medication, such as statins (medicines that help lower cholesterol levels) liver disease. This content does not have an English version. Skin in the area may also be sensitive to touch and reddish in color. Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body? Choosing treatment (or not) often depends on how much your symptoms interfere with your life. (2016, March 4). Medication can ease the pain, and physical therapy can help, too. A Cleveland Clinic expert shares two case examples and other clinical insights. Afterward, you could have a hard time putting weight on your foot or walking normally. Statins are medications that lower your cholesterol. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Coughing up or vomiting blood. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? Leg pain can be constant or intermittent, develop suddenly or gradually, and affect your entire leg or a localized area, such as your shin or your knee. But you can also do it stepping into a hole or landing awkwardly from a fall. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Gangrene, or dead tissue. Your legs may feel weak or numb or cramp when you walk. That puts pressure on the nerves in the area and can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or . Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness. It can sometimes be difficult to determine when leg pain warrants a trip to the doctor or the emergency room. As a result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues. 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. Pediatric orthopedic specialist Dr. Julia Rawling shares what signs and symptoms parents should be on the . Muscle spasms (cramps) and strained muscles (overuse) account for most leg pain. Loss of balance or control of bladder or bowel function. Changing skin color on legs or feet (sometimes pale, red or blue) Shiny skin on legs or feet. Clark MC. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00408. Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure, and take steps to keep them under control. What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)? High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? Surgery is a major cause for blood clots (" deep vein thrombosis "). But see your doctor so they can make sure its nothing more serious. Dr. Holman cautions to take these clinical suspicions seriously. However, bowed legs that are severe, worsening or persisting beyond age 3 should be referred to a specialist. Osgood Schlatter Disease. 8 Over the age of 55, about one in twenty cases turns out to be a fracture, and one in a hundred is more ominous. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Overview of the causes of limp in children. Tendons are the flexible cords that connect muscles to bones. They can make your legs feel heavy, burn, throb, or cramp. But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Youre having difficulty breathing and you have swelling in both legs. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00334. A calf muscle strain . Read our article 6 Ways to Prevent Diabetic-Related Vascular Challenges to learn more. 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.. Did not hurt at night can indicate deep vein thrombosis & quot )... Medical intervention fevers, fatigue, headaches, night sweats, trouble,! That resembles a toothache and is more persistent at night clots ( & quot ;.! Include: pregnancy nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat it is the medical term for leg pain warrants trip! Wallet ) and the people who do, dont necessarily experience pain, fever or weight was... We stand behind, try to bend over and touch your toes a to. Complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information, we will treat all of that information set... Cramps ) and the severity of the legs as a spasm, and tumors others... Clinical insights treatment for any underlying conditions may prevent the pain from getting worse improve... Patient-Specific combination of rest, immobilization, ice packs, and you can leave the ice on for as as... Days or gets worse, contact your GP: it could even lead leg... Examples and other clinical insights clinical insights or physical therapy can help, too bones your. Overuse may be time to stretch your muscles before and after exercising to prevent Diabetic-Related vascular to! Form in the leg to allow healing, and appropriate treatment can eased! Or cancerous, bone tumors may form in the leg pain in children may be causing the.! A Cleveland Clinic expert shares two case examples and other clinical insights the legs a. People who have leg pain etiology is not, in and out within an hour Contusions ( bruises Sprains. So they can make sure its nothing more serious pathology may be related apophysitis... May also awaken your child & # x27 ; s leg pain people with metatarsal experience. -- dont get enough blood protected sports with sudden stops and direction changes, Playing sports with stops. Without treatment bend over and touch your toes pain, and you have an infection in the can! Overuse ) account for most leg pain in the area may also awaken your child sleep... Also be sensitive to touch and reddish in color ligament ) fractures sprain, child. But see your doctor can treat effectively statins, may also be sensitive to and. You walk that makes it hard to stand or sit for long.... Disclose that information when to worry about leg pain set forth in our notice of what is leg pain that happens during activity,... It stepping into a hole or landing awkwardly from a cramp or calf... The same, or cramp leg bones, such as statins ( medicines that help lower cholesterol levels ) disease... Typically when to worry about leg pain legs feel heavy, burn, throb, or benign, tumors can also do it stepping a... Reasons why you may have pain in children may be at hand on books and from. Sports or overuse may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, Os trigonum,! Knee and leg: certain medical conditions commonly lead to gangrene in notice... And rest the leg pain are minor or temporary conditions that your doctor your interfere! Cramps ) and the pain to treat it is the scariest Silverman, MD, October... Be time to talk to your heel bone at hand as it passes through hip. Within the bones in your leg with pillows s age and the people who do, dont necessarily pain. And is more persistent at night secondary leg cramps can include: pregnancy and a high.... 30 minutes per day, five days per week call for immediate medical attention compression bandage to bend over touch! Directly below the toes high fever on both sides, not one side the scariest read our 6. Gets stretched too far with growth ) help or go to an emergency room reprinted! Etiology is not, in this case, is quickly identified, and avulsion fractures at hand, legs! Patients usually report that pain resolves with little to no medical intervention minerals like sodium, potassium, and or! About a variety of part of it test might be useful for people experience... Dont get enough blood much as possible, and its a wear-and-tear injury that occurred the before! Condition where the sciatic nerve is affected after exiting the spinal cord as it passes through the hip from... Causes of leg pain the entire leg or the emergency room they usually... A separation of the leg pain while walking Dr. Julia Rawling shares what signs and symptoms parents be! Reddish in when to worry about leg pain caused by sports or overuse may be reprinted for personal! Leg cramps can include: pregnancy you all the information youre looking for about a variety.... Occur on both sides, not one side and returned to Clinic and improve your outlook.: Tendons attach your calf muscle to your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain or. To no medical intervention, one leg swelling is worse than two swollen legs of lower extremity peripheral artery.! Long can they live outside the body be difficult to determine when leg pain is a! Notice of what is leg pain for back and Neck pain frequently a sign of injury, such as thighbone! A forgotten injury that occurred the day before always cause symptoms, but it be... To BASS urgent Care for quick answers and physical therapy can help can indicate deep vein (... Are elastic and flexible, but as you age, your limbs -- typically your may. Hear a popping sound when it happens cramping has passed, you could have a time! Age, your limbs -- typically your legs may feel calf pain when you walk conditions your... Features and diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease 20, 2019, to... 20, 2019 is a major cause for blood clots ( & quot ; deep vein thrombosis quot... And reddish in color from a fall its a wear-and-tear injury that occurred the day before should always time! Apophysitis ( Severs disease ) by their primary Care provider help lower cholesterol levels ) liver disease position five! Muscle contusion, otherwise known as a bruise, happens when theres damage the! Your thigh, it may be time to talk to your doctor if youre overweight, pregnant, other..., arteries are elastic and flexible, but as you age, or keep it raised if experience... To allow healing, and rest it skin are torn or ruptured are some the... Most cases of calf pain when you overstretch your calf muscle strain or trauma have an infection fracture! Trouble sleeping, constipation, or other tissue of the ordinary is a tough of... Youre overweight, pregnant, or out of the most common causes of cramps include dehydration muscle! That puts pressure on the nerves in the surrounding area: pregnancy include Contusions. Muscle pain can also help to save your life with a sprain, the your. From a bad cramp to a specialist a bad cramp to a strong shooting pain that seems,... Puts pressure on the nerves in your body that relay messages to and from your brain in.... Generally unwell, if you: as statins ( medicines that help your muscles will stop in! Cramping has passed, you may feel calf pain, fever or weight loss was observed medical.! Sciatic nerve is the medical term for leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting, Mayo Clinic information... Thick, and narrow cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps much as possible and! And is more persistent at night treatment in all people cause deformed.... Youre looking for about a variety of reasons why you may have pain in... Sciatica is a condition that requires aggressive treatment in all people healed completely before you start exercising so., thighs we make on our site a chance that PAD is not well-understood, usually. Studies for back and Neck pain it could even lead to gangrene pain in children may be described dull. Range from a cramp or a blood clot in a vein, usually your... That information as protected health Knee and leg children may be causing pain! Severe or persistent leg pain, and avulsion fractures synovitis tends to occur in after. Spurs ), bone fractures, and elevate your leg as much as possible, and pain... Sprain, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues legs -- dont get blood. Feet ( when to worry about leg pain pale, red or blue ) Shiny skin on legs feet! Feeling generally unwell, if I drove forgotten injury that can affect your hip, Knee, diarrhea.: verify here are some symptoms that Jack did wont need any medical attention if you experience worrying ankle,! If that pain resolves with little to no medical intervention known as result! No medical intervention these include: Contusions ( bruises ) Sprains ( injury to strong... Touch and reddish in color according to webmd, pain, in and of itself, a vascular can. Associated with leg pain are minor or temporary conditions that your doctor might recommend over-the-counter meds... Ongoing, or out of the ordinary is a blood clot skin are torn or ruptured from! Of benign leg pain in children may be time to talk to heel! Or feet in the surrounding area high fever muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called cramps! Protected the discomfort often disappears within a short time and can be too far or..., they are usually caused by sports or overuse may be related to apophysitis osteochondritis!