Numerous conditions can cause left leg pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, leg pain, including left leg pain, is a common health complaint. Musculoskeletal-related leg injuries that cause pain or discomfort are especially common among athletes, although anybody can experience a strained muscle or a charley horse. Nervous system disorders, blood vessel diseases, ligament damage, tendon problems and bone disorders can all cause left leg pain. Some causes of left leg pain are serious and require immediate medical attention.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common knee-related problem that can cause left leg pain. According to the Family Doctor website, patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition in which a person experiences pain under or around the affected-side patella or kneecap. Patellofemoral pain syndrome can develop in one or both knees. Pain associated with this condition often gets worse during activity or following prolonged periods of sitting. Although the exact cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is unknown, it may be associated with the way the kneecap moves or tracks within the groove of the femur or thigh bone. The Family Doctor website states that patellofemoral pain syndrome usually responds well to conservative care methods, such as rest, activity modification, footwear changes and icing of the knees after activity. Footwear that is wide in the toe box, has little heel elevation and possesses a flexible sole may be particularly helpful in treating and preventing patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Hamstring Strain
A hamstring pull or strain is a common and potentially debilitating cause of left leg pain. The Sports Injury Clinic website states that a hamstring strain is an over-stretching or tearing of the fibers of one or more of the three hamstring muscles: semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. The hamstring muscles are located on the posterior aspect or back of the thigh. These muscles help extend the thigh at the hip and flex the lower leg at the knee. Hamstring injuries are particularly common among athletes such as sprinters and hurdlers. According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, common signs and symptoms associated with a hamstring strain include a sudden and sharp pain at the back of the leg during physical activity or exertion, pain when the hamstring muscles are stretched, swelling and bruising in the affected area and, in severe cases, a palpable gap in the involved muscle.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a nerve-related condition that can cause left leg pain. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, causing pain to be felt along its path from the back to the leg. The sciatic nerve is the body's thickest and longest nerve, and it runs down the back of the leg. MayoClinic.com states that sciatica is a symptom, not a disorder. Sciatica-related pain is always caused by a problem that affects the sciatic nerve, such as a herniated spinal disc, spinal degeneration, tight muscles in the gluteal region or infection. Common signs and symptoms associated with sciatica include one-sided back, buttock and leg pain, numbness and tingling in the involved extremity and leg muscle weakness. In most cases, the sciatic-related pain self-resolves or goes away on its own within a couple months. Conservative care methods, such as chiropractic manipulation, may reduce pain or discomfort associated with sciatica.
