Pain - leg; Aches - leg; Cramps - leg
Leg pain is a common problem. It can be due to a cramp, injury, or other cause.
Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse). Common causes of cramps include:
An injury can also cause leg pain from:
Other common causes of leg pain include:
Less common causes include:
If you have leg pain from cramps or overuse, take these steps first:
Other homecare will depend on the cause of your leg pain.
Contact your health care provider if:
Your provider will perform a physical exam and look at your legs, feet, thighs, hips, back, knees, and ankles.
Your provider may ask questions such as:
Your provider may recommend tests or physical therapy for some causes of leg pain.
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Hogrefe C, Terry M. Leg pain and exertional compartment syndromes. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 113.
Silverstein JA, Moeller JL, Hutchinson MR. Common issues in orthopedics. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 30.
Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 388.
Weitz JI, Eikelboom JW. Venous thrombosis and embolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 68.
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BACK TO TOPReview Date: 7/8/2023
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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