Leg pain is an ache or discomfort in your leg and can result from an injury or a medical condition. It happens as a dull or intense stabbing discomfort. In most patients, leg pain is caused by circulatory issues. You can sometimes manage your leg pain through home remedies, especially if it results from a minor injury. If your leg pain does not resolve with home remedies within three to five days or the pain becomes severe, contact your El Paso general surgery doctor. Sometimes untreated leg pain can lead to severe issues like disability. There are many causes of leg pain, and here are some.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease is a condition where your legs do not get enough blood. It often happens when leg arteries narrow. You may have skin discoloration, and your legs might feel cold and weak or numb when you walk. Your doctor can treat PAD through medications. You can also manage the condition through lifestyle changes like quitting smoking. In severe cases, your doctor can recommend surgery.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is where a blood clot forms in a vein, commonly in the thigh or lower leg. Some people may not experience any symptoms. If you have symptoms, you may experience pain, swelling, and redness in the affected region. DVT can be life-threatening if the clot breaks and travels to your lungs. Your doctor can manage the condition through medications that help prevent clots from forming or breaking off.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy happens when nerves that relay messages to and from your brain become damaged. When this condition affects your leg nerves, the legs may feel tingly, numb, or weak. Peripheral neuropathy mostly results from diabetes. Other health conditions, medications, injuries, or infections can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Your doctor can manage peripheral neuropathy through pain medications and treating the underlying cause.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are twisted, bulging veins that appear close to your veins and can be blue or dark purple. They can develop on various body parts but mostly form on your legs. Varicose veins occur when your vein valves become weak or damaged, and blood does not move back to your heart, so it pools in your veins. You have a high chance of developing varicose veins if you are obese, pregnant, or sit or stand in one position for a prolonged period. There are various treatments for varicose veins, including compression stockings, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a condition where you have a strong urge to move your legs. You may experience itching, throbbing, or pulling in your legs. The sensation often happens when lying in bed or sitting for a prolonged time. In most people, it occurs at night, causing sleeping difficulties. Restless legs syndrome can result from genetic factors or other health issues like depression, diabetes, kidney disease, or iron deficiency.
Leg pain is any discomfort and can happen as a dull or intense stabbing ache. There are many causes of leg pain, including peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, varicose veins, and restless legs syndrome. Schedule an appointment at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center for leg pain treatment to prevent future complications.
