Most people have experienced leg pain or cramping at some point in their lives. According to PXE International, pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), an inherited disorder that can cause tissue in the body to become mineralized and create pain or cramping in the legs, may affect as many as one in every 25,000 people. Peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) may affect over 12 million people, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Leg pain is also a common symptom of many other diseases.
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
PXE is a vascular disease which causes mineralization of the elastic areas in arteries, according to PXE International. This can lead to a decreased blood flow to arms and legs. This may lead to a type of cramping known as intermittent claudication in the legs. It is most common when walking or doing other exercises. PXE is a serious disease that can lead to heart attack, stroke or intestinal angina.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, P.A.D. may affect up to 12 million people in the United States. It especially affects those over age 50 or of African-American descent. This disease develops from clogged arteries, which may lead to risk of heart attack or stroke.
Cramping in the leg, or claudication. is a common symptom that can occur anywhere in the buttocks, thigh or calf muscles. It is frequently experienced during physical activity and, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, it will go away when the activity has stopped. Many people consider this a natural part of aging, but it should be reported to a health care professional.
Pain in the legs or feet may also appear, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Frequently, this pain disturbs sleep patterns. If an individual experiences these symptoms along with sores or wounds on the feet, color changes in the skin, poor nail growth, decreased hair growth on the toes or legs or a temperature differential in the legs, they may have P.A.D. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, most people with this disease do not express symptoms.
Muscle Cramping
Muscle cramps are sudden and involuntary contractions of the muscle. According to MayoClinic.com, this cramping can cause severe pain and leave the sufferer temporarily unable to use her muscles. One common symptom is sudden, sharp muscle pain known as a spasm or contraction. This is usually felt in the legs.
Muscle cramps may be caused by dehydration during strenuous physical activity in hot weather. Certain medications or medical conditions may also lead to muscle cramps. They will usually go away on their own. However, MayoClinic.com advocates contacting a doctor if the pain is severe and frequent, or if the pain disturbs sleep patterns.
