ARM & LEG PAIN

What is Leg Pain?

Seek immediate emergency medical care if you have leg pain that originates in the lumbar area and travels down the buttocks, accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control. This serious condition should be evaluated as soon as possible in an emergency medical setting. Leg pain is any type of pain or discomfort in the leg, from the hip joint to the heels. Leg pain is a fairly common complaint. Your legs are made up of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels all of which are subject to injury, infection or other conditions that can cause leg pain. Leg pain may last briefly or be constant, and affect your entire leg or only a particular area. Your pain may feel achy, piercing or tingling. Pain-like sensations often described as pins-and-needles, prickling, or burning sensations are called paresthesias. Leg pain may be simply irritating and uncomfortable, or so debilitating that you cannot put weight on your leg or walk. Leg pain can arise from a variety of conditions ranging from accidental trauma to nerve conditions. In the absence of trauma or other symptoms, leg pain is commonly caused by a muscle cramp, also called a “charley horse.” In some cases, leg pain can originate in another part of the body such as the low back. This type of leg pain is called referred leg pain.

It is always a good idea to rule out the low back as the cause of leg pain. The nerves that exit the low back come together and go down the leg. You can treat the leg all you want, but if the cause is coming from the low back then you will not experience permanent relief. The Doctors at Inlet Physical Medicine will do a thorough biomechanical and neurological exam to determine if your low back may be the cause of your leg pain. Call today to schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation.