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Leg Pain

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Most people use the term "leg" to mean the entire area between the top of the thigh and the ankle. Pain can occur in this part of the body for many reasons.

What is going on in the body?

Pain may occur in one or both legs. There are many different causes, ranging from unimportant to life-threatening.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many possible causes of leg pain, including:

trauma or injury, ranging from a bruise to a broken bone. Sometimes, old injuries can cause pain for years after the injury.

arthritis, which is inflammation of the joints. The hip and knee joints are commonly affected.

blood clots, such as a deep venous thrombosis, which is a clot deep inside the leg

varicose veins, which are abnormally widened veins

nerve damage, also called neuropathy. Nerve damage has many possible causes, such as diabetes and vitamin deficiencies. Sciatica, which is an irritation of the sciatic nerve, may cause pain radiating down the back of the leg.

poor blood flow or circulation, such as that caused by atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries with cholesterol

cancer or a tumor, usually involving the bone, muscles, or skin

infection, usually involving the bone, muscles, or skin. For example, osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection, and cellulitis, a skin infection, commonly occur in the skin of the lower leg.

There are other causes of leg pain. Sometimes, a cause cannot be found.

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