The University of Maryland Medical Center recognizes leg pain as a common symptom and complaint. Leg pain can result from sudden or long-term damage to muscles or bones and may also be due to other medical conditions. Certain medical conditions cause blood clots or painful varicose veins. Reduced blood flow due to narrowed arteries is also a possible medical cause of leg pain.
Muscle Cramps
According to the Mayo Clinic, a muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. Muscle cramps are often painful and prevent movement of the affected area. Dehydration proves a possible cause of muscle cramping. Dehydrated occurs when too little fluid in the body leads to decreased electrolytes in the blood such as potassium, sodium, and calcium. Dehydration occurs because of the diuretic nature of certain medications such as those used to treat heart conditions and blood pressure. Muscle cramps also occur when the muscles become fatigued or held in the same position for too long.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins of the legs. The Mayo Clinic indicates though minimal symptoms from DVT exist, leg pain presents one possibility. The clot blocks blood flow in the larger veins of the lower leg and thigh. DVT may lead to additional clots in other areas of the body when untreated. Sitting for a long period of time or other medical conditions may cause this condition. DVT pain results from swelling in the leg and cramping of the muscles.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Achilles tendon rupture and tendonitis affect the back portion of the lower leg. Achilles injuries occur commonly in people playing sports or when the tendon loses elasticity. Rupture may occur to the tendon when it becomes stretched beyond normal capacity. The University of Maryland Medical Center further defines tendinitis as a painful inflammation of the tendon. Sharp pain preventing normal walking is a potential sign of tendon rupture. In severe cases this condition requires surgery to heal the rupture and prevent pain.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome or RLS causes pain due to unpleasant sensations shooting in the leg. Stress precipitates the pain sensation as well as inducing an urge to move the legs. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains there is no known cause for this to occur, however there is a link between people with RLS also having an iron deficiency and as a side effect certain medications.
