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Last Updated: Aug 29, 2019
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There are many causes of leg pain. However, only some of these are medically serious. Minor discomfort will often disappear within a short time and can be eased or relieved with at-home treatments.
Common Causes of Leg Pain
Cramps
A principle cause of leg pain is a cramp or muscle spasm, often known as a charley horse. Muscle fatigue, dehydration, and some medications—such as diuretics and statins—can all lead to leg cramps.
Injury
Leg pain is also frequently a sign of injury, such as:
muscle strainstendonitis (an inflamed tendon)shin splints (pain in the lower front of your leg after overuse)stress fractures
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions commonly lead to leg pain. These include:
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot caused by long periods of bed rest)
arthritis
gout
varicose (spider) veins
the presence of infection in the bone or tissues of the leg
nerve damage (often as a result of conditions such as diabetes)
Common Causes of Leg Pain
Cramps
A principle cause of leg pain is a cramp or muscle spasm, often known as a charley horse. Muscle fatigue, dehydration, and some medications—such as diuretics and statins—can all lead to leg cramps.
Injury
Leg pain is also frequently a sign of injury, such as:
muscle strainstendonitis (an inflamed tendon)shin splints (pain in the lower front of your leg after overuse)stress fractures
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions commonly lead to leg pain. These include:
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot caused by long periods of bed rest)
arthritis
gout
varicose (spider) veins
the presence of infection in the bone or tissues of the leg
nerve damage (often as a result of conditions such as diabetes)