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Leg pain
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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What diseases can cause leg pain?
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are most often associated with a genetic predisposition, excessive stress on the legs (for example, as a result of wearing high heels for a long time), and a sedentary lifestyle. The main symptoms are: a feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs, muscle cramps (mainly at night), the formation of protruding nodes and convolutions on the legs. When palpating, elasticity and tension of the veins are observed. The patient quickly gets tired, there is also a local increase in skin temperature, swelling of the shins and feet. As a treatment for a mild form of the disease, the damaged limbs can be bandaged with an elastic bandage, it is also necessary to perform a set of special exercises for the legs (for example, bend and straighten the legs at the knees), do warm foot baths with sodium chloride. Patients diagnosed with varicose veins should wear comfortable, loose shoes, avoid long walks and stress on the legs. If the work is associated with prolonged sitting, it is recommended to place the feet on an elevated surface, for example, on a special stand. The patient should reduce the consumption of liquids, table salt, normalize weight, and may also be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs that improve venous tone - troxevasin, escusan, venoruton. Depending on the indications and nature of the disease, surgical intervention is performed.
Thrombophlebitis
Leg pain is associated with an acute inflammatory process in the venous walls with the formation of a thrombus. The main causes of this disease are infectious agents, as well as decreased blood flow and increased blood clotting, changes in its composition, damage to the walls of blood vessels. Thrombophlebitis can also develop as a result of difficult childbirth, surgical interventions, infectious and oncological diseases. Symptoms: acute pain in the legs, swelling, paleness of the skin in the affected areas. Treatment of thrombophlebitis depends on the type and nature of the disease; anticoagulants, antibiotics, or surgery may be prescribed. During the treatment period, it is necessary to minimize the load on the legs.
Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve
Sciatica, or neuralgia of the sciatic nerve, is characterized by muscle weakness, back pain radiating to the legs. It is mainly localized on the back of the knee bend, and can reach the foot. The pain in the legs is mainly shooting, twitching in nature, and tingling and crawling are often felt in the legs. The severity of pain varies from mild to quite intense. Such pain in the legs can appear as a result of a sudden movement or lifting weights. X-ray examination, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to diagnose the disease.
In case of sciatic nerve neuralgia, it is recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects, sitting on a low and soft surface, and also try to keep the spine in a straight position. As a complex therapy, it is possible to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, etc. Local application of cold can also help to alleviate the condition; for example, an ice bottle can be applied to the sore spot. It is also possible to alternate cold and heat on the affected area. To reduce tension in the sciatic nerve, the patient needs to lie on a hard surface, with a pillow under the knees.
Arthritis
A disease such as arthritis affects the joints, causing pain in the legs and preventing full movement. This causes pain and difficulty walking. Osteoarthritis leads to deformation and wear of the cartilage and bone growth at the base of the big toe, the appearance of swelling. With rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory process occurs in the joints of the foot, which leads to the formation of bone calluses, curvature of the big toe. To support the joints, you can use splints, a tourniquet, a bandage in order to reduce the load and soothe pain in the legs. Light physical exercises will help increase the flexibility of the joints and improve the general condition. The complex and duration of the exercises are selected in each case individually by the attending physician. You should also stop drinking alcohol, fatty foods, and adjust your body weight. To relieve pain, you can use anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, finalgel, fastumgel, traumeel, etc.). If arthritis occurs, you should immediately visit a rheumatologist, undergo an X-ray examination of the joints, and take a blood test.
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Flat feet
Another cause that can cause leg pain is flat feet - foot deformity characterized by a complete loss of shock-absorbing functions. Symptoms: rapid fatigue while walking, painful sensations in the foot, knees, hips and lumbar region, swelling. The main causes: excess weight, genetic predisposition, weakened ligaments and muscles due to insufficient physical activity, wearing uncomfortable and tight shoes, high heels, prolonged overload of the legs. Special gymnastics, daily warm foot baths, massage procedures in the foot and head area can be prescribed as treatment. To raise the foot, special insoles are used. If signs of flat feet appear, you should consult an orthopedist.
Leg pain can be a sign of a variety of pathologies; if any alarming symptoms occur, do not delay a visit to the doctor, who will be able to prescribe adequate treatment, including pills for leg pain.
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