Many conditions can cause leg pain in men. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, leg pain may be caused by degenerative and inflammatory conditions, overuse injuries or traumatic sports-related injuries, such as injuries incurred in contact sports such as football or hockey. Leg conditions are a common health complaint among men, especially those who regularly participate in recreational or competitive sports.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of leg pain in men. According to the Family Doctor website, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, causes degeneration of articular cartilage--the slippery, bluish cushion layer between two bones--in the joints. Although osteoarthritis can develop in any joint in the body, common locations for this condition include the knees, hips and spine. The exact cause of knee osteoarthritis is not known, although certain factors may play a role in its development, including most conventional footwear, the aging process, joint injury or trauma, heredity, muscle weakness and imbalances and obesity. Common signs and symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis include knee and leg pain, knee tenderness and stiffness, loss of knee flexibility and active range of motion, bone spur formation and a grating sensation when the knee joint is used.
Achilles Tendon Rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture is a debilitating condition that can cause leg pain in men. MayoClinic.com states that the Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that links the calf muscles--the gastrocnemius and the soleus--with the calcaneus, or heel bone. If the Achilles tendon is overstretched, it can suffer a partial or complete tear. Achilles tendon ruptures are most common among men who play recreational sports. Common signs and symptoms associated with an Achilles tendon rupture include severe pain and swelling at or near the back of the heel, an inability to push off the injured leg during gait and an inability to stand on the ball of the foot on the affected side. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of this condition, including being 30 to 40 years old, being male--Achilles tendon ruptures are five times more common in men than women--and being overweight or obese.
Muscle Contusions
Muscle contusions are a common and temporary cause of leg pain in men. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, a muscle contusion--a deep bruise caused by direct impact to a muscle, tendon or ligament--is one of the most common sports-related injuries. Contusions occur when blunt-force trauma crushes tissue underlying the skin. Although the skin itself does not break, blood vessels below the skin can rupture, causing bruising and skin discoloration in the affected area. Along with bruising, common signs and symptoms associated with muscle contusions in men include pain at the site of impact, swelling in the affected area and reduced flexibility or range of motion in the involved muscle. The AAOS states that, in some cases, especially if the injury causing the contusion is severe, a person may have co-existing injuries, such as a fracture, dislocation or sprain.
