Your knee may give out on you and become unstable or wobbly. In: Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. Symptoms that get worse with activity. If we combine this information with your protected Cold and pale legs. When we talk about extreme swelling, what we mean is when one knee is significantly larger than the other. Jack was a very active 62-year-old man who loved to fish and play chess. Sore muscles after exercise Feeling your muscles ache or stiffen for a few days after exercise is normal and is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Usually your muscles will stop aching in 2-5 days and you wont need any medical attention. Painful, Swollen, and Warm. With this condition, your limbs -- typically your legs -- dont get enough blood. A detailed history and appropriate imaging are essential to diagnose the condition and counsel patients. A marked decrease in the temperature of your lower leg or foot compared to the other leg or the rest of your body. Knee and leg. Bloody diarrhea. When it happens in your hips, knees, or ankles, it can be hard to walk or do other everyday activities. include protected health information. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. My GP, I told her my leg had been aching past few days, on my left leg, only my upper high, buttocks and slightly above the buttocks, and sometimes my ankle as well. If it gets pinched due to a herniated disk in your spine or something else, that can bring on the symptoms of sciatica, usually in only one of your legs. Problems in the cervical spine can result in symmetrical arm and leg . Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body? The more you use your muscles, he explained, the more blood flow you need, but that flow becomes restricted due to the buildup, resulting in a cramping sensation. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience the following symptoms: Fever and other signs of infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home. If your lower leg or thigh feels this way, it could be due to a blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patellar tendon tear. 9500 Euclid Avenue , Cleveland , Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | TTY 216.444.0261, cleveland clinic children's hospital for rehabilitation, Tackling Torticollis: Consider Early Referral to Physical Therapy for Managing Congenital Muscular Torticollis, Approaches for Academic Advancement Within Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Case Study: The Overlap of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Functional Neurologic Disorder in Pediatrics, Hip-Hop Music as a Tool in Trauma-Based Care for Adolescent Patients. With CLI, the pain attacks in your legs or feet . A Mayo Clinic expert explains. Muscle aches in both legs are common with viral illness, especially influenza. Strains: A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when you overstretch your calf muscles. http://www.uptodate.com/home. (2016, February 29), Mayo Clinic Staff. When to Seek Care for Swelling. Your doctor will treat the condition thats causing it and give you medicine for pain if you need it. This content does not have an English version. Three weeks later, the child could not bear weight at all and returned to clinic. If you or your loved one has diabetes, please do not dismiss leg pain or stiffness as a normal sign of aging. This is called tendinitis, and its a wear-and-tear injury that can affect your hip, knee, or ankle. It prevents them from getting enough blood. 3. OrthoInfo: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries, Femur Shaft Fractures (Broken Thighbone), Achilles Tendon Rupture (Tear), Sciatica, Tibia (Shinbone) Shaft Fractures, Hamstring Muscle Injuries., UpToDate: Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) (The Basics), Patient education: Achilles tendinopathy (The Basics), Patient education: Peripheral artery disease and claudication (The Basics), Patient education: Anterior cruciate ligament tear (The Basics),, Mayo Clinic: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Achilles tendon rupture, Sciatica, ACL Injury., National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Peripheral Artery Disease., Society for Vascular Surgery: Peripheral Arterial Disease., American Lung Association: Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnosis., MedlinePlus: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)., Cleveland Clinic: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Is Your Leg Pain Sciatica or Something Else?, Emory Healthcare: Tibia (lower leg) Fractures., Yale Medicine: Are ACL Tears Really More Common in Women?, Johns Hopkins Medicine: ACL Injury Prevention and Awareness, ACL Tears in Female Athletes: Q&A with a Sports Medicine Expert., University of Rochester Medical Center: Sciatica.. Spinal Stenosis. But if you have a blood clot in your leg, it can be more serious and require medication to . Muscle strain. It branches from your lower back down into your legs. Learn about all potential causes. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a short, diagonal band of tissue that helps hold your knee joint together and helps it remain stable. Youre more likely to have them as you age, or if youre overweight, pregnant, or stand or sit for long stretches. The condition only occurs in children, particularly those who are overweight. Clinical features and diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Surprisingly, following the MRI, a bone biopsy revealed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The initial treatment of these injuries includes rest, elevation, and compression. Leg pain in children may also be tied to trauma, sickle cell disease, cancer, rickets, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or infection. It can happen when you get some medical treatments, like chemotherapy, too. information submitted for this request. Growing pains or injury caused by sports or overuse may be the culprit or a more serious pathology may be at hand. The area may get swollen within a few hours, and the back of your leg below your knee may look bruised or discolored in the days ahead. Skin in the area may also be sensitive to touch and . Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Pain is mainly in the legs and ribs. If we combine this information with your protected Cold and pale legs. Heating pads can help relax muscle spasms. In those with mild to moderate symptoms, Dr. Shortell says three therapies are most often recommended: For people with severe symptoms -- persistent, debilitating leg pain or wounds that wont heal -- surgical procedures can open up the blocked veins. If you experience any numbness, weakness, or tingling . Many people tear their Achilles while playing a sport that involves jumping or abrupt starts and stops. These can be symptoms of dangerous conditions like deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg . Firestein GS, et al. You use it when you walk, run, and jump. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could One leg: Both Legs: A blood clot blocking blood flow in a large leg vein also called a DVT, or deep vein thrombosis. Most assume that all leg pain is musculoskeletal or nerve-related, but people need to know that some forms of leg pain can be the first sign of heart disease.. A detailed history and appropriate imaging are essential to diagnose the condition and counsel patients. The best way to treat it is the R.I.C.E. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. http://www.acsm.org/search-results?q=leg%20pain. Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain? Also referred to as recurrent limb pains in childhood and idiopathic nocturnal pains of childhood, growing pains may affect as many as 37% of children ages 3 to 12, according to some studies. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C) A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. They can be caused by IVC obstruction or thrombosis at any time. Growing pains. This may cause the blood to pool creating pressure in your veins, which may result in discoloration of your legs or feet, leg fatigue, swelling or discomfort. He first noticed that the muscles in his leg would start hurting when he would walk across the parking lot from his car to the grocery stores entrance. The final stages of spinal stenosis vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment that was done for it, but some of the typical signs and symptoms include: Severe pain in the neck, back, buttock, or leg. Any sort of erosive bone density at that age, in a kid who is otherwise active and healthy, is not a typical finding, she says. Changes in bowel and/or bladder control. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services Policy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Growing pains. When a 7-year-old who had twisted his left ankle presented to Cleveland Clinic, no acute abnormality was detected on the radiograph, although, bone mineralization appeared to be slightly decreased. But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Muscle spasms (cramps) and strained muscles (overuse) account for most leg pain. This is a list of 15 healthy foods that are incredibly filling. 1 Leg cramps commonly affect the calf muscles but may occur in the hamstrings or muscles of the feet, especially at night (ie nocturnal leg cramps). American College of Sports Medicine. All rights reserved. DVT can lead to a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism -- when the clot breaks off and goes to your lungs. You must stretch your cramped or affected muscles and hold them like that for a few seconds. Cutting edge minimally invasive outpatient treatments. Infections: Infections of the bones and tissues of the upper leg can result in swelling, redness, and pain. He would have to stop every 30 feet. Chest pain or pressure. Fatigue or weakness. This is a common condition that affects your joints and causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. When to worry about leg pain in children? The effects are long-lasting, but not permanent -- so in younger patients, or patients who have health problems that may require a bypass surgery later on, physicians often advise delaying extensive surgical treatment for as long as possible. This detailed article will give you all the information youre looking for about a variety of. sores or ulcers. Leg injury with popping and grinding noise. Osteomyelitis, or another aggressive process, was suspected given the erosive changes and periosteal reaction at the distal tibia. Cynthia Shortell, MD, head of vascular surgery at Duke, says that being diagnosed with PAD means one thing for certain: Youve got atherosclerosis -- otherwise known as hardened arteries. It can imitate a septic arthritis of the hip. 9th ed. Some things that can raise your risk for an ACL injury are: Hamstring tear. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, sometimes they may require immediate medical attention. Poor nail growth on the toes or hair growth on the legs. Mayo Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Claudication, Meralgia Paresthetica, Muscle Cramp, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Spinal Stenosis, Varicose Veins: Self-Management., National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet., Journal of Sports Sciences: Recovery from prolonged exercise: restoration of water and electrolyte balance., UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center: Electrolyte Imbalance., American Council on Exercise: Electrolytes: Understanding Replacement Options., Arthritis Foundation: Inflammation and Stiffness: The Hallmarks of Arthritis, What Is Arthritis? A Cleveland Clinic expert shares two case examples and other clinical insights. Common causes include a knock to the calf, a blow, a puncture wound, or a fall. They often respond to extra fluids and salt. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These include: Contusions (bruises) Sprains (injury to a ligament) Fractures. Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain meds or physical therapy. An acute injury describes sudden pain due to an accident or incident. Your chances of having it are higher if youre pregnant, overweight, wear tight clothes, or have surgical scar tissue in your groin area. But see your doctor so they can make sure its nothing more serious. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are important. This also makes the legs quite painful. (2015, September 25). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Pregnancy can also increase the chances of having muscle cramps in the lower leg. Serious Causes. Key takeaways: Leg cramps and a blood clot in the leg can both cause pain in the calf muscle. Elevate and rest the leg to allow healing, and try using a compression bandage. You can ease the symptoms with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. That can be a dangerous move, because people with PAD -- particularly smokers and diabetics -- are at risk for a lethal heart attack or stroke, and some severe cases can lead to limb loss. It can sometimes be difficult to determine when leg pain warrants a trip to the doctor or the emergency room. Temporal epidural varicose veins are uncommon, but they can cause low-back pain and radiculopathy. Make a note if both legs look the same, or if one is different from the other. If you have a more serious case, you might need surgery. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Ease into each stretch, holding each position for five to 10 seconds. It can hurt a lot if they get inflamed, especially when you move that joint. Call your doctor if you have one of these types of leg pain. In: Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. See your doctor to make sure your leg heals properly. You can help prevent medical conditions that may cause nerve damage in the legs by doing the following: Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent the specific cause of your leg pain. A Mayo Clinic expert explains. A bacterial infection of any joint space is a medical emergency. Leg pain can be constant or intermittent, develop suddenly or gradually, and affect your entire leg or a localized area, such as your shin or your knee. It usually occurs in the calf muscles, although it can affect any part of your leg, including your feet and thighs. Ankle sprains and the athlete. Muscle Cramps. Clinical features and diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. Most describe the pain as a cramp, occurring while walking, that is relieved with rest, said Dr. Patel. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) occurs when blood in your legs cannot flow back to your heart properly because the valves that push the blood are in a weakened state. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium that help your muscles work the way they should. If that doesnt work, your doctor might give you medicine to treat the problem or help with pain. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00334. Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball? A timely referral is important. Your Achilles is a tough band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. Take a warm bath, and then gently stretch your muscles. People with metatarsal pain experience aching pain and inflammation in the padding directly below the toes. Leg and arm pain is common in growing . Lower extremity pain in children can be straightforward and benign or more complex with underlying pathology. During a cramp, your muscles suddenly contract (shorten), causing pain in your leg. Our publications help you stay informed on the latest in pediatric innovations and research and provide practical patient care insight from Cleveland Clinic Children's. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Yu DT, et al. Some people can manage PAD with habit changes, like quitting smoking. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. You might feel: Your sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in your body. Swelling of both the legs. Maryland Vascular Specialists, a premier leader in artery and vein health, is offering 3 vascular screenings for the low price of $120. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. A calf muscle contusion, otherwise known as a bruise, happens when blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured. The risk factors for PAD are much the same as those for heart disease: obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and diabetes. Depending on the cause, leg pain can vary from moderate to severe, and the symptoms may be continuous (non-stop) or intermittent (come and go). Foot or leg cramps may also awaken your child from sleep. The reality is leg pain and cramps may be signs of a more serious underlying disease; therefore, you should discuss your leg challenges with a vascular specialist. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Dont ignore leg pain like Jack did! Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. As with a sprain, the best way to treat it is the R.I.C.E. a loss of electrolytes through sweating. Peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage frequently due to diabetes, is one such condition. Claudication is the medical term for leg pain that happens during activity. Tendons are the flexible cords that connect muscles to bones. Other causes of benign leg pain in children may be related to apophysitis, osteochondritis, Os trigonum syndrome, and avulsion fractures. The discomfort often disappears within a short time and can be eased with home remedies. Learn about symptoms and treatment. Cramps tend to happen more as you age, and youre also likely to have them if youre out in hot weather and dont drink enough water. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. 9th ed. Surgery is a major cause for blood clots (" deep vein thrombosis "). Malignant, or cancerous, bone tumors may form in the larger leg bones, such as the thighbone or shinbone. Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball? Make sure its healed completely before you start exercising again so you don't make the bone injury worse. What Causes Growing Pain Sensations in Adults? method. Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease? https://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/anklesprainstemp.pdf?sfvrsn=7. 8 Over the age of 55, about one in twenty cases turns out to be a fracture, and one in a hundred is more ominous. Peak age is young teens. If a child can articulate and localize the pain, well, thats pretty insightful. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. She said it could be IT band syndrome, but when I Googled that it said it starts . Whether to worry depends on your child's age and the severity of the bowing. Always think about a blood clot if there is one swollen leg after a surgical procedure. Leg pain, Mayo Clinic Staff. If you experience any pain in your legs, it is important to consult with a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Sources. It can take a number of forms stabbing, sharp, dull, aching or tingling. (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in, The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. You lose some through sweat when you exercise, and if you lose too much, your legs can cramp or feel weak or numb. Reasons that the free flow of blood might be blocked include: Problems can also arise if you have arteriosclerosis. Unable to put more weight on the leg. These happen when the muscles and tissues around your shinbone get inflamed, making the inner edge of the bone hurt. Children on a milk-free diet are at risk. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve is affected after exiting the spinal cord as it passes through the hip or buttock area. Chronic leg pain is a primary symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common and treatable condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs and can threaten your heart. Flat feet, rigid arches, or the wrong shoes can lead to them, too. And you should definitely seek treatment and evaluation for that, she said, as its a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. They are important for motion and standing. The patient had previously been diagnosed with calcaneal apophysitis (Severs disease) by their primary care provider. Leg cramps are characterized by sudden, severe, and involuntary muscle contractions. Deep Vein Thrombosis Medication Recalled: Heres What to Know Now, What Might Cause a Sharp Leg Pain that Comes and Goes. It often occurs in the . The childs pain persisted after several weeks, and the team suspected another syndrome may be at hand. DVT can be fatal if it develops into a pulmonary . Youre having difficulty breathing and you have swelling in both legs. This injury happens when the tissue that connects a bone to a bone, called a ligament, is stretched or torn. Radiological Society of North America. See Introduction to Diagnostic Studies for Back and Neck Pain. Then leg cramps started to impact Jack as he went out for his daily walk in his neighborhood with his friends. Charge less than a hospital while providing highest level of care. These are similar to the procedures used to open blood vessels in patients with advanced heart disease: opening a blocked vein by placing a balloon or stent into the vessel, or performing a bypass using a vein taken from the patients thigh. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps. Osteomyelitis, What is atherosclerosis? Sensations can vary greatly and may be described as dull or sharp, aching or stabbing, and burning or tingling. Abdominal tenderness when touched. This is commonly associated with leg pain and/or back pain.