LEG PAIN
It can strike suddenly or it can build gradually over time. It can be centralized in one area or begin in one region and spread. It can be fleeting and inconsequential or it can impair your ability to walk. And it can take many forms, from dull and aching to sharp and stabbing.
Leg pain often is a consequence of something else going on in the body; it results from an injury, wear and tear, overuse or damage in the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles or tendons. Blood clots, varicose veins and poor circulation also can trigger leg pain.
Medical Conditions That May Contribute to Leg Pain Include:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Infections of many varieties
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
Sometimes, leg pain responds to simple, at-home treatments. But when it doesn’t – or when other symptoms develop – it’s time to consult a vascular expert who can put your mind – and leg – at ease.
Swelling May Accompany Leg Pain. Whether Or Not It Does, Try:
- Staying off your feet as much as possible
- Elevating your leg
- Applying ice (or even a bag of frozen peas) for 20 minutes, three times a day
- Taking a gentle over-the-counter pain reliever
- Give a heads-up to warning signs
It’s time to consult an experienced vascular physician if or when your symptoms show no sign of lessening, they intensify or if you:
- Cannot walk or put any weight on your leg
- Register a fever of more than 100 degrees
- Notice signs of infection, including redness or tenderness
- Hear a grinding or popping sound in your leg
- Develop breathing problems
Pain has a way of heightening people’s sensitivity to how their body functions, which is why it’s smart to pay attention to another region of your body, too: Your gut. So if your gut instinct tells you that it’s time to consult a physician, by all means: Follow your better instincts and consult The Vascular Experts.
