What is Leg Pain?
Leg pain is a general term referring to a variety of conditions that cause unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities. Leg pain can present as pain, numbness, tingling, “pins and needles” sensations, or other uncomfortable feelings. Pain in the legs is commonly caused by problems in the low back, but can also be caused by issues with the nerves, joints, bones, or muscles of the legs. A combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies help our providers determine the cause of a patient’s leg pain.
How does Leg Pain affect the body?
Leg pain can be very debilitating to patients. It can cause physical and mental anguish, as well as limit mobility and independence. Leg pain can occur with movement, at rest, and commonly interferes with sleep. Leg pain includes symptoms of numbness, tingling, warmth/cold, “shooting pains” from the back or buttocks, and instability of the lower extremities. Leg pain can be caused from prior surgeries or injuries to the lower extremities or low back, arthritis, nerve damage (diabetes, chemotherapy), and a variety of medical conditions.