Leg pain is something most people will experience at one time or another during their lifetime. Leg pain can be either mild or severe, constant or intermittent, develop out of the blue or over time, and affect a localized area or the entire leg. For some people, leg pain is sharp and stabbing, whereas others report aching or tingling sensations. The majority of people who complain of leg pain are over the age of 50 and often overweight. However, leg pain can affect anyone. This type of pain can be caused by injury, irritation, or inflammation of the skin, muscles, bones, and joints within the leg.
The legs are complex, very important structures that start with the skeleton. The main bones of the leg are the femur (thigh bone) and tibia and fibula (shin bones). The femur and tibia are connected by the patella (kneecap). In addition to these larger bones, there are numerous small bones found in the feet, ankles, and toes. The most important joints of the leg are the hip, knee, and ankle. However, it is important not to forget about the small joints in the feet and ankles. All of these bones and joints are stabilized and strengthened by ligaments, muscles, and tendons. There are also two sets of blood vessels in the leg that work to deliver blood from the heart. Finally, nerves stretch from the spinal cord and supply important information to the leg from the brain. All of these components and body parts are important when looking at the causes of leg pain. Leg pain can stem from any number of the above, making it difficult to diagnose the exact cause of pain. Here at Texas Partners Healthcare Group, our team of multi-specialists will work together to provide you with answers and the correct treatment for your particular needs.
Leg pain can happen while you are sleeping, after a sports game, or while sitting at a desk for a prolonged period of time. Understanding when the pain is at its worst will help us determine what the potential cause is. For example, if you experience leg pain at night, it could be a sign of dehydration or overuse. If your legs hurt after you workout or play sports, it could be a sign of injury or overuse. If you have leg pain while sitting with your knees bent, it could be due to poor circulation.
Some common illnesses related to leg pain include:
To learn more about what could lead to leg pain and what types of treatments we offer at Texas Partners Healthcare Group, please contact one of our locations in Allen, Anna, Dallas, Frisco, or McKinney. We have a team of specialists on staff who are here to help you get back on your feet and live pain-free.