Leg pain is caused by dozens of different causes.
Physical exercise, weight gain, genetic conditions, heart issues, growth pains, even a fracture or overstretched tendon can make your leg hurt.
Sometimes the causes are really obvious – a broken leg. But some legs pains can be signs of serious, life threatening conditions. You won’t believe the deadly diseases that start with a little twinge.
1. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Got a kid who complains of pain anywhere from hip to knee and has limited hip motion? It might be Legg-Calve-Perthes disease . This disease occurs when blood supply to the femoral head (ball joint) is lost and the bone starts to die. The bone eventually breaks apart and loses the ball shape. After the blood supply is restored, the bone rebuilds itself, but no longer smooth and round.
There are treatments that will preserve the femoral joint’s shape, so talk with your pediatrician.
2. Septic Arthritis
Infants and older adults are susceptible to septic arthritis . If you have sudden onset of knee, hip, or shoulder pain and a fever after an infection or if you get a penetrating injury to the joint, see your doctor. The germs from the infection may have traveled to a joint and set up shop. The infection occurs quickly and damages cartilage and bone.
Risk factors include existing joint problems, certain medications, fragile skin, a weakened immune system and joint trauma.
3. Bone Cancer
Bone cancer is very rare but does occur in people of all ages. If you note bone pain with swelling and tenderness, fatigue, and unintended weight loss, talk to your doctor. The pain will often be intermittent, be worse at night, and isn’t helped by OTC pain relievers. Bone cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
There are several type of bone cancers and all seem to have a tenuous connection to radiation and genetic syndromes.
4. Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be a silent killer. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the veins deep within your body, most commonly the legs. Sometimes you’ll have symptoms. People who are sedentary (long flights or drives, on bed rest, etc.). The clot can break loose, travel to the lungs, and block blood flow.
Look for calf cramping or soreness, red/discolored skin, and warmth. If you have shortness of breath, pain on breathing, rapid pulse, coughing up blood, and light-headedness, get help immediately.
5. Claudication
Claudication is leg or arm pain that occurs during exercise. It’s caused by too little blood flow. It is often a symptom of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or peripheral artery disease. Symptoms start with pain during exercise, followed by pain at rest. Toes and fingers may turn blue or be cold to the touch.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. Risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol or blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. There may also be a familial connection.
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis is a catch-all term for joint pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disease. Your immune system attacks body tissues and can affect joints, skin, eyes, and cardio-vascular system.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include painful, tender joints, joint stiffness as rest, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. The deformed joints seen in older people may be a result of rheumatoid arthritis. It is extremely painful and can lead to heart and lung disease. It also increases risk for lymphoma, a blood/lymph node cancer.
Conclusion
Chances are that your leg pain is just over use. If you have any of the other symptoms like fever, blueish toes, shortness of breath and pain that isn’t stopped by OTC pain relievers, it may be time to see a doctor!
Leg pain in different ages can mean different diseases, from growing pains to gout to heart disease. Treating them can improve quality of life. Leg pain can be exhausting and make just living life difficult. If you are overweight, Exercise to lose weight. Your legs, knees and hips with be better able to carry you on your life journey.
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