Leg pain is a very common problem nowadays. From iron deficiency to arthritis, there are several causes of this health condition. And identifying the specific cause is crucial for taking ideal treatment. Low to mild pain can also be treated at home with calcium, multivitamin or liquid iron supplements; however, severe pain needs special medical attention.
Are you also one who is suffering from leg pain and want to identify the base cause? Here we will discuss key factors that create discomfort in the legs. However, before moving forward, let us dive deeper into leg pain and how it occurs.
Leg pain arises when nerves respond to various stimuli like high BP, extreme temperatures, etc. It could be numbing, aching, intense, or low. Generally, the severity of leg pain is rated on a scale ranging from 1-10. The pain caused due to accidents or sports injuries is easy to identify. However, the other reason behind leg pain, such as peripheral arterial disease, is realized over time. Also, acute pain due to an accident or any other disorder can become severe if not treated on time.
7 Common Causes of Acute & Severe Leg Pain
- Spider Vein
It is commonly known as varicose veins. The veins of the legs get enlarged when their valves do not work effectively. Aging, pregnancy and sun exposure leads to swollen veins. This problem typically happens in calves and causes unbearable pain. It is vital to treat veins filled with excess blood to relieve pain. Sclerotherapy is the best treatment for this problem. During this, physicians insert solutions in veins that allow blood to reroute and eliminate swelling.
- Anemia
You might be surprised to know, but, indeed, anemia can also be the reason for your aching leg pain. The deficiency of iron causes anemia, which in turn leads to weakness in the entire body, including the legs. In such a condition, it would be best to boost your iron consumption. Don’t hesitate to take liquid iron supplements if the doctor will prescribe you as it will help you get well soon.
- Blood Clots
Blood clots formation in veins is another common reason of leg pain. Blood clots are nothing but the formation of blood solids due to surgery, infection, trauma, obesity, low vitamin D. This condition is also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and usually affects the lower legs. It causes severe pain and swelling. The pain gets worse with time and does not get better with rest. Generally, this problem is treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners).
- Arthritis
If you have pain in a certain joint of your legs, such as knee or hip, it could be arthritis also. Although there are several types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common cause of leg pain. With aging, the cartilage of joints gets damaged and introduces stiffness & pain in the joint, which is called osteoarthritis. It is detected via X-ray, while other types of arthritis like RA are diagnosed by a blood test.
- Nerve Damage
Inflammation, stiffness, and buzzing sensation in legs is the early sign of nerve damage. It occurs due to reduced blood supply, and its main cause is diabetes. However, it doesn’t mean that it cannot affect the people who do not have high blood sugar levels. In case you are also experiencing numbness and tingling in your legs, it would be better to visit a renowned health care center near you.
- Atherosclerosis
When plaque forms inside the arteries, the condition is called Atherosclerosis and leads to excess pain in the legs. The buildup of plaque makes arteries harden and can hinder blood flow. Apart from weakness and ache in the legs, Atherosclerosis can also result in several ailments like a heart attack. It can occur at any phase of life and gets worse over time.
- Sciatica
Last but not least….
Sciatica is another key cause of leg pain. This type of pain radiates along with sciatica (a nerve) path and causes extreme discomfort in the buttocks or back of the legs. It is essential to get treated for sciatica on time; otherwise, you would not even be able to walk and sit.
The Bottom Line-:
Minor pain is common and many times resolve on its own. However, if the ache continues or worsens, it is crucial to seek the help of a specialist.
