What is Causing My Leg Pain?

Leg pain can be a result of many different underlying conditions. These conditions can include vascular issues such as poor circulation or blood clots, muscle strains, ligament or tendon strains, fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy to name a few. Leg pain can also be a result of problems in the back such as herniated disc or other spinal problems that can pinch a nerve that runs down the leg. Some people may experience difficulty walking longer distances causing their legs to feel achy and tired which is relieved with leaning forward or sitting down. This can be due to narrowing of the spinal canal. Pain in the legs that comes from the back can present as burning pain, numbness/tingling, muscle spasms or aching discomfort. It is does not always present as the stereotypical sharp “sciatic” pain radiating down the leg that most people are familiar with. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in the legs it is important to have it evaluated to help determine the underlying cause of the pain.

How do you know if your leg pain is coming from your back or somewhere else? The first step is to describe your symptoms to your doctor and then they will perform a physical exam that can determine the most likely cause of your pain. There are tests that can help to rule out other causes of leg pain that may be recommended. An ultrasound looks at the blood vessels in your legs and is able to determine if you have a vascular issue causing your pain. Blood tests can be performed to rule out less common causes of leg pain. Your doctor may recommend a nerve conduction study that can sometimes help to confirm whether you are experiencing nerve pain from your back or somewhere else. Imaging of the back such as X-ray and MRI are an important tool in helping to confirm spine diagnosis as the cause of your leg pain.

While surgery is sometimes necessary to treat this leg pain, there are many other alternative treatments that should be tried prior to considering surgery. Treatments may include anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and injections in the spine. Click here to learn more about recommended treatment for back and leg pain.