Having achy legs with red bumps under the skin can have one single cause or several separate causes. It may indicate a serious condition that should be diagnosed and treated by your physician. Most of the conditions that cause both of these symptoms are treatable. If there is more than one cause, each must be addressed.
Considerations
Consider which appeared first. If you have had achy legs for a while, the red bumps may not be related. If the aching began after the bumps appeared under your skin, the bumps may be related to the aching. Information about the sequence will be helpful to your doctor in deciding what tests may be needed. Also important is whether or not you have had this combination of symptoms before or if others in your family have had this condition.
Achy Legs
Mayo Clinic mentions several conditions with achy legs as a symptom. Severe varicose veins can cause aching, and veins are rope-like and purple or bluish in color. Osteomalacia can cause the legs to ache, but is not accompanied by red bumps under the skin. Any condition that reduces bloodflow to your lower legs can cause aching or cramping. Overuse of muscles can also cause aching.
Red Bumps
The medical text "Clinical Dermatology" describes some conditions that can cause red bumps under the skin of the lower legs. Deep infections and cysts will cause bumps under the skin that can be reddish on the surface and are often tender. Many infectious diseases can cause a rash, and muscle aching may accompany the rash. The two are related only indirectly. Drug reactions can produce red bumps, but they often itch. The condition that is being treated may cause achy legs.
Combination
Several conditions have both symptoms of aching and red bumps. Sweet's syndrome produces tender bumps and joint pain. This condition is usually sudden in onset, and you may have a fever and feel ill. It is treated with steroids. Erythema nodosum causes large red swellings and joint pain. This can affect other parts of your body, but the lower legs are a common site. This condition usually improves with anti-inflammatory drugs and rest.
Cautions
If simple remedies don't help or the symptoms return, see your doctor. Erythema nodosum and some other conditions that cause both red bumps and achy legs may be signs of an internal problem. Only your doctor can order the tests to rule out a serious condition. Provide all the information you can and be prepared for possible blood tests, X-rays and a skin biopsy.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Osteomalacia
- "Clinical Dermatology," 3rd ed.; Thomas P. Habif, M.D.; 1996
- "The Merck Manual," 7th ed.; Editors Beers, M.D, and Berkow, M.D.; 1999
