What Causes Leg Pain?
The first time you experience leg pain, it could mean nothing. It could be caused by a busy day at work, or general fatigue. At least those are the thoughts that pop up in our minds. However, it can be worrying if the pain continues after a few days and doesn’t improve with rest or with at-home remedies. That’s the point when you should seek medical care, and St. Louis leg pain specialist Dr. Akinwande performs a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain. Here is what to note about leg pain.
What causes leg pain?
Leg pain is the discomfort felt at any part of your leg. The pain may vary depending on the underlying cause.
Leg pain may result from various things. At first, it may not be a threat, especially when it’s not severe or interfering with your daily life. However, please seek medical care when the pain persists.
Different health issues may lead to leg pain, including poor blood circulation. The primary cause of leg pain includes vascular health issues, including problems with your veins and arteries.
The following vascular conditions may cause leg pain.
Venous insufficiency
It is a condition that occurs when your valves malfunction. Usually, the veins in your legs have valves that help push blood to the heart. When the valves develop some weakness or get damaged, they fail in their function, causing blood to flow backward.
The blood pools in your veins, causing varicose veins, which may also cause leg pain and leg cramping.
Deep vein thrombosis
It is a condition that occurs when you have a blood clot in your leg vein. Deep vein thrombosis causes leg pain and may lead to severe effects when not treated. Hence it’s advisable to get immediate medical care.
Peripheral artery disease
The disease results from high cholesterol build up on the artery walls. Without medical intervention, the fat deposits may become hard, blocking your blood flow. Restricted blood flow prevents your muscles and other tissues from getting enough tissues to function, causing symptoms such as leg pain.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is another cause of leg pain. It occurs due to nerve damage that may result from injuries or diabetes.
All these conditions, when not treated, may lead to severe effects such as leg ulcers. Plan to see your medical provider when you have leg pain.
What symptoms are you likely to develop with leg pain?
Besides leg pain, you may experience the following;
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
- Itching
- Skin rashes
- Skin discoloration
- Leg ulcers
- Hair loss
- Leg heaviness
Leg ulcers occur when the fluids accumulated in your leg veins break down on your skin, causing open sores. In addition, leg ulcers also develop when there is restricted blood flow in your legs, leading to tissue breakdown that causes wound formation.
During your consultation, your provider examines your leg pain and performs the necessary diagnosis to find the best treatment. They create your treatment plan according to the cause of your leg pain.
Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if leg pain persists. Contact Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy today to book your consultation.
