Intense leg pain can be caused by structures within the leg--such as muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, cartilage and bone--or by structures outside the leg, such as the lower back or ankle. According to MayoClinic.com, tumors, trauma, muscle spasms and degenerative conditions in the lower back can all cause intense or sharp leg pain. Certain medical conditions can cause intense leg pain too. In some cases, intense leg pain may be accompanied by lower extremity numbness, tingling and weakness.
Fractured Femur
A fractured femur can cause intense leg pain. The femur, which runs from the hip to the knee, is a long bone, and is one of the body's strongest bones. Because of its strength, the femur must be subjected to considerable force before it breaks. The most common cause of a fractured femur is direct trauma, which may occur during a motor vehicle accident, an athletic event or an industrial accident. Common signs and symptoms associated with a fractured femur include the following: immediate and excruciating pain in the affected area, swelling and bruising at the injury site, an inability to bear weight on the side of the injury, reduced active range of motion in the hip and knee and a shortened leg on the affected side. Aurora Health Care states that treatment for a fractured femur largely depends on the severity of the injury.
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps-- sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms--can cause intense leg pain. Among the most common musculoskeletal problems, muscle cramps can occur in one muscle or several muscles at the same time. Most muscle cramps occur after a bout of exercise or at night, during sleep. Muscle cramps usually last from a few seconds to several minutes. There are several possible causes of muscle cramps in the lower extremities, including spinal cord injuries, a compressed nerve root in the lower back, overuse injuries, dehydration, mineral depletion and insufficient blood flow to the leg muscles. Muscle cramps can be extremely painful. When a muscle cramp occurs, pain can often be relieved by gently stretching or massaging the affected muscle.
Acute Compartment Syndrome
Acute compartment syndrome can cause intense leg pain. According to the Sports Injury Clinic, acute compartment syndrome occurs when a muscle becomes too large for its surrounding sheath, causing pain and endangering nearby structures such as nerves and blood vessels. There are several causes of acute compartment syndrome, including blunt-force trauma, a muscle tear or an overuse injury. These injuries cause either bleeding or swelling within the affected muscle's surrounding sheath. Common signs and symptoms associated with acute compartment syndrome include intense, sharp pain in the affected muscle, muscle weakness when resistance is applied to the injured body part, swelling and tenderness at the injury site and pain with active range of motion in the involved body segment. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to relieve pressure in the affected area.
