Pain in the legs: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, foot pain prevention

Pain – leg; Aches – leg; Cramps – leg

Leg pain is one of the most common health complaints.. This may be due to many factors, including mechanical injuries, arthropathy, nervous problems, infections and even some vascular diseases.

What is leg pain

Leg pain can be unilateral or bilateral, normal or acute, constant or intermittent. It can be expressed as painful when walking or when touched., or like a heaviness or even like a tingle.

Causes of leg pain

In most cases, pain in the legs is due to physical exertion and hypothermia of the body., as well as insufficient amounts of proper nutrition and movement. Also, leg pain can be associated with congenital or acquired conditions., such as varicose veins, arthritis, arthrosis, muscle or joint strain, osteochondrosis or even fractures.

Home care for leg pain

There are a number of home remedies that can be used to relieve leg pain.:

• Wear comfortable shoes with cushions and heel support, also wear thermal underwear and decongestant stockings.
• Get regular exercise, which strengthen the muscles and joints of the legs.
• Apply hot and cold touches, to relieve pain.
• Ask correctly, eat rich in vitamins and minerals, and often take anti-inflammatory drugs.

When to See a Doctor for Leg Pain

If leg pain continues to increase or additional symptoms are present, such as edema, you need to see a doctor for further examination and proper treatment.

What to Expect at the Doctor's Visit for Leg Pain

The doctor will examine the legs and try to identify the causes of the pain.. He may order a number of diagnostic tests, including blood test, x-ray and ultrasound. Besides, the doctor may prescribe treatment in the form of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, physiotherapy and other methods.

Prevention of leg pain

To prevent leg pain, you need to follow some simple rules.:

• Wear comfortable shoes with heel support and pads.
• Rest after physical activity.
• Protect your feet from the negative effects of water, cold, dust and dirt.
• Eat a healthy diet and take anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Exercise your legs regularly.

Leg pain may be a symptom of a more serious condition., so if you can't
continue to take steps to manage pain on your own, be sure to see a doctor.

Used literature and sources

Anthony KK, Schanberg LE. Musculoskeletal pain syndromes. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 193.

Chief C, Terry M. Leg pain and exertional compartment syndromes. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. eds. DeLee, The sink, & Miller’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 113.

Silverstein JA, Moeller JL, Hutchinson MR. Common issues in orthopedics. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 30.

Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 392.

Weitz JI, Ginsberg JS. Venous thrombosis and embolism. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 74.

White CJ. Atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 71.