|
Any kind of pain for a prolonged period of time needs to be investigated thoroughly by a medical practitioner. There are a number of underlying causes that cause pain in the legs and it is imperative that one detects any abnormality that may be causing it. More often than not, pain in the legs is usually caused by a condition in the lower back. When diagnosing pain in the legs and other parts of the body, there should be a thorough examination of the lower back and not just focus on the legs and hips. Pressure and compression on certain nerve roots such as the sciatic nerve can cause pain and numbness along with weakness in the entire foot, travelling from hip through the leg and into the feet. Most patients who experience leg pain can reveal a problem in the lower back. They are usually advised to seek prompt medical attention to determine a course of treatment. Other symptoms in addition to leg pain can also be a sign of a potentially dangerous condition and hence needs the attention of medical experts. Keep a look out for other symptoms such as gradual weakness in the legs that can be a sign of damaged nerves, dysfunction of the bowel or the bladder, unexplained fever or chills, etc. Some forms of degenerated disc disorders which are specific to the lower back, or hernia can also cause severe leg and foot pain.
Prolonged standing or sitting can cause buildup of fluid in the leg veins thus causing pain and ache in the legs. The buildup of fluid in the leg veins takes place when the valves in the legs are not functioning properly which may be due to phlebitis or inflammation of the veins. As a result of phlebitis, veins do not efficiently move the blood from the legs to the heart thus causing the bladder to leak and pool outside the veins. Varicose veins can also cause leg ache and pain. Another possibility can be a form of internal injury such as a torn or overstretched muscle, stress fracture, inflamed tendons or shin splints that result in severe leg pain. Among patients who are elderly, atherosclerosis is one of the major factors for leg ache. Other causes that need to be looked into include blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, arthritis or gout, and secondary nerve damage. It is advisable to seek a doctor's advice if the pain is unbearable and if the patient is not able to move even to perform simple tasks.
|
