A number of deficiencies, such as a vitamin shortage, can cause joint pain and muscle cramps. The pain and discomfort of muscles and joints associated with a deficiency can affect any part of your body, including your legs. You can also experience leg pain for a variety of other reasons. To determine the cause of your leg pain, seek medical attention from a qualified health-care professional.
Vitamin Deficiency
A vitamin D deficiency can cause leg pain due to the loss of bones and weakening of existing bones. Vitamin D is used to treat or prevent certain conditions, such as rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. You can obtain vitamin D two ways -- food and sunlight. Your body can make the vitamin D that it needs after you've been out in the sunlight. If your diet consistently lacks foods rich in vitamin D or you live in a climate that does not allow you to get enough sunlight, take a vitamin D supplement. Always seek approval from your health-care provider prior to taking any supplements, and ask him how much of the supplement you should take.
Mineral Deficiency
Minerals are not the same as vitamins. Vitamins are organic, whereas minerals are not organic. Certain mineral deficiencies, such as sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium and beta-carotene, can cause muscle spasms, joint pain and muscle weakness. Potassium, especially, causes muscle pain and weakness of the lower limbs, such as your legs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A magnesium deficiency can cause restless leg syndrome, which is also referred to as RLS. RLS is characterized by tingling, crawling, stretching, itching and aching legs at night, or when you go to bed.
Other Causes
You may have leg pain due to other reasons that are not diet related. Leg pain can also arise from muscle cramps, varicose veins, bursitis, deep vein thrombosis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, stress fracture or shin splints. Some of these conditions can be confirmed by either x-ray, physical examination or other testing.
Considerations
Do not self-diagnose and try to take over-the-counter vitamins or supplements in attempt to cure an unknown condition. Some vitamins and supplements can interfere with other medications, or if you accidentally take too much, they could cause side effects. Get a proper medical diagnosis. Conditions such as embolisms, or blood clots, can travel through your body and cause death.
References
- Medline Plus; Vitamin D; February 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; June 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Restless Leg Syndrome; February 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gout Medications -- Urocosuric Agents; April 2010
- HelpGuide.org; Restless Leg Syndrome; Melinda Smith, M.A., and Sarah Kovatch; September 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Leg Pain: Causes; Mayo Clinic Staff; September 2010
