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.

Common Causes of Leg Pain

  • Arthritis in the low back and lower extremity joints
  • Prior low back or lower extremity surgery
  • Injuries/surgeries to the lower extremity or low back
  • Nerve damage (diabetes, chemotherapy)
  • Hip, knee, and ankle joint pathology
  • Medical conditions (auto-immune disease, arthritis, infections)

Common Symptoms of Leg Pain

  • Burning
  • Shooting Pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • "Pins & Needles"
  • Warmth/ Coldness
  • Instability and weakness of the lower extremities
  • Swelling
  • Changes to the skin, nails, and hair of the legs

Treatments for Leg Pain: 

  • Conservative therapies (Physical therapy, heat/ice, chiropractor)
  • Medication management
  • Injections (steroids, platelet rich plasma, knee viscosupplementation)
  • Radiofrequency ablation of nerves (knees, low back)
  • Peripheral nerve stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation
  • Surgical referral (spine, orthopedics, podiatry)

Treatment for Leg Pain in the Greater Austin Area

Oftentimes leg pain can be managed with conservative therapies like physical therapy and the use of heat and ice. The next steps often involve managing pain with medications while alleviating pain symptoms with simple injections and interventional therapies once imaging can be obtained to elucidate the cause of the pain. If a surgical indication is found, an appropriate referral to a surgeon can be placed if indicated. For patients who have had serious injuries or prior surgeries, more advanced procedures, like a variety of nerve stimulators, can be used to control a variety of pain symptoms.

Am I at Risk of Developing Leg Pain?

Anyone can develop leg pain, as it can be caused by a wide variety of etiologies. Patients with diabetes, prior chemotherapy, and other neurologic conditions are at risk for nerve related pain in the legs. The joints of the lower extremities commonly develop arthritis which is another common cause of leg pain. Patients who have had prior lower extremity joint surgeries or low back surgery are also at risk of leg pain. Patients who have had prior injuries (crush injuries, partial amputations) or leg surgeries are at risk for a condition known as “complex regional pain syndrome” that can be treated with spinal cord stimulation. Leg pain can also be caused by trauma to the lower extremities, infections, blood clots, and a wide variety of medical conditions.

Testimonials

"I am so relieved I could cry! Finally a pain specialist who listens, cares, and wants to help! Dr. Alan Silberberg has given me so much hope! As someone who has seen pain specialists for decades in different states, this is where you want to come. You NEED him in your life! My only regret is not coming in sooner."

Sarah Jean C.

"The staff is very friendly and I was seen on time. The intake process was seamless and efficient. Dr. Jarzombeck is always very kind and thorough in her explanations. These folks are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Greater Austin Pain Center and Dr. Jarzombeck!"

Kim D.

"Everyone is always very nice and courteous. Dr. Julia is amazing! He is friendly, kind and caring and so easy to talk with.  All the office staff I have had contact with has always been courteous and kind as well. Would highly recommend coming here!"

Lesley C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there treatment options if I have been told I am not a good surgical candidate?

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Yes, many patients who are not good surgical candidates respond well to a variety of therapies, including spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation.

I have tried and failed to find relief from medications to treat neuropathy, are there other options to treat neuropathy pain?

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Yes, neuropathy from diabetes, cancer treatment, and other medical conditions can often be alleviated with nerve blocks and nerve stimulators (spinal cord stimulators, dorsal root ganglia stimulators, and peripheral nerve stimulators.

Can my leg pain actually be coming from my low back?

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Yes, one of the most common causes of pain symptoms in the legs is pathology of the lumbar spine. Pinched nerves in the back can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms in the legs, and can be treated with a variety of minimally invasive procedures that can prevent patients from needing back surgery.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventive pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

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Treat Your Leg Pain at Greater Austin Pain Center:

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we take a comprehensive approach to pain management. That’s why we diagnose your symptoms while considering your overall health, medical history, and individual factors, and recommend custom treatment plans to address the source of your pain.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your Leg pain treatment in Kyle, San Marcos, Dripping Springs or our pain center in Austin! We can’t wait to help treat your pain and ensure your full recovery!

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