When the leg muscles are being used, they require increased oxygen. This is due to narrowing of the arteries in the leg, known as peripheral vascular disease or PVD, and occurs during exercise, such as walking. One of the more serious causes of leg pain is intermittent claudication. Symptoms of varicose veins are a heavy feeling and dull ache in your legs possibly there may be cramping. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted and swollen veins, often found in the legs. Symptoms include swelling, redness and pain, with the leg feeling warm to the touch. DVT is a serious cause of leg pain that needs immediate medical attention. It can result in a blood clot travelling to your lung and causing a pulmonary embolism. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)ĭeep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body – often in the calf.
The pain of stress fractures usually gets worse during exercise and goes away or decreases on rest. Stress fractures are small fractures (cracks) in the bone, often caused by overuse. The pain of compartment syndrome can increase on activity, to the point the person may have to stop exercising. Compartment syndrome causes lower leg pain or calf pain, accompanied by burning or tingling sensations. Tendonitis is another common cause of leg pain and can affect the Achilles tendon ( Achilles tendonitis or the medial tibial tendon (causing shin pain or ‘ shin splints’). Sports injuries are a common cause of muscle injuries. The muscles in the leg commonly affected are quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. Injuries to the muscles, such as muscle strains when muscle fibres tear, are a common cause of leg pain. Muscle strains, tendonitis, and shin splints Leg cramps commonly occur at night, often after exercise. They may be associated with overuse or dehydration, and can usually be relieved by stretching out the affected muscle. The affected muscle will feel like it has balled up, and you may feel a lump. The calf muscles are a common group of muscles to be affected.
Muscle cramps are uncontrollable, painful contractions of muscles. There are many causes of leg pain, including: Muscle cramps If the pain is persistent or getting worse.
Although many of the causes of this problem are not serious, it is important to seek medical advice if your legs frequently give you pain or if you have some of the symptoms below. Many people are bothered by painful aching legs.