Cartilage, which is a flexible connective tissue found around the bones that make up the joint, breaks down, causing pain and inflammation.There is no cure for arthritis, but pain … Most deep-vein blood clots happen in the lower leg or thigh. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. How it helps arthritis, migraines, and dental pain. Different types of arthritis can cause pain in the arms and legs, as well as in other parts of the body. Many home remedies can help, but consult a doctor about … Leg pain is often the result of … Patellar tendon tear. If you have sore muscles for "no reason," it could be an underlying medical condition. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Tendinitis. http://www.acsm.org/search-results?q=leg%20pain. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, 6 Ways to Cause Knee Damage and Ruin Your Knees, Snapping Hip Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, Burning, cramping leg pain when standing or sitting. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you might have a blood clot, go to your doctor or emergency room right away. They are large, shallow ulcers with uneven edges that drain or weep a lot. Leg sores can arise from trauma, infection, tumors, or chronic medical conditions.Any process of inflammation or tissue damage can manifest as a sore on the leg. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. When you have pain in your legs while resting or lying down for no apparent reason… When your blood thickens in a vein and clumps together, it can turn into a clot. Firestein GS, et al. When it hurts less, stretch and strengthen your leg. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00334. But if that pain persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00512. This can happen when the arteries in your legs become damaged and hardened. This content does not have an Arabic version. It can strike in your sleep or in the middle of the day. It might stick around for a long time, too. One of the first warning signs you have an inflamed Achilles tendon is pain in your lower calf, near the back of your heel. Sore Leg Muscles for No Reason If you have sore legs and can’t think of a reason why they are aching, here are some of the main causes of sore leg muscles. Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes) is a common cause of tingling, burning, and numbness in the legs that can at times be painful. Understanding your thigh pain and what may be causing it is the first step to properly treating your condition. They may cause a dull ache, especially after standing. Exercise-induced leg pain. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Scroll down to find information on the common … Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Some of the most common causes of muscle pain for no evident reason are fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, like for example polymyositis, dermatomyositis and lupus, thyroid problems, … In: Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. All of that causes the classic pain in your legs and arms, as well as general malaise and usually a fever. Cold and heat can help with some symptoms. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Blood clot. You may also need physical therapy. A common cause of a narrowed spinal canal is arthritis of the spine. This sudden, tight, intense lower leg pain is sometimes called a "charley horse." http://www.uptodate.com/home. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Clinical features and diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. Growing pains. But, muscle soreness can also show up a few days after a workout. Our Simple Guide To tired aching legs will tell you about what are the causes of aching legs … ", American Academy of Family Physicians: "Leg Problems. You may also be more likely to get shin splints if you have flat feet or your feet turn outward. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. ", NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Spine Center: "Lumbar Herniated Disc. You can buy them over the counter. You may need a cast or brace. ", Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California: "Leg Pain and Lower Extremity Arterial Disease. All rights reserved. Varicose veins. That can cause your lower leg to cramp and feel pain when you walk, climb stairs, or do other kinds of exercise, because muscles aren't getting enough blood. Another possible sign of a tear is having trouble pointing your toe downward. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 9th ed. Without treatment, these types of ulcers can keep recurring. Inversion therapy: Can it relieve back pain? Some common causes of leg pain include: This content does not have an English version. The next time out, wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Yu DT, et al. American College of Sports Medicine. Neschis DG, et al. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints. ", National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC): Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes.". Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body? Venous leg ulcers are sores that develop between your knee and ankle, but they typically form inside the leg near or around the ankle. Say you twist your ankle and get a mild sprain. Causes of Leg Muscle Pain. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. What causes aching legs is different for different people. Well, if the pain persists, you might as well consult the practitioner, and follow his prescribed treatment. Narrowed spinal canal (stenosis) and sciatica. Rest is often the cure for other pains of the leg, but not this one. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. If so, it could block blood flow. Go slow as you gradually increase your strength and put weight on the injured leg. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Causes of leg aches can be classified into the following: Traumatic. Nerves can be damaged from high blood sugar levels. Treatment may involve resting for a few days, along with taking anti-inflammatories and pain medications. Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. This is a serious condition called pulmonary embolism. For a more severe sprain or a broken bone (fracture), apply ice and see your doctor right away. You shouldn’t have to be in pain, though. Stretch your legs properly before you exercise, too. Upper leg pain may be the result of systemic disease, such as the following. Some are obvious, like injury or physical activity. And don't run on hard surfaces if possible. Feeling a bit of tiredness in the legs for a few days after a particularly intense workout … American College of Sports Medicine. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. Your doctor may inject medicine into the inflamed area. Other treatments include medications to control cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure. When your arteries narrow or become blocked, your legs miss out on the blood flow they need. It can strike in your sleep or in the middle of the day. Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. A feeling of sudden leg weakness, causing your legs to give out or buckle can be alarming. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting. Muscle cramp. Ice helps. You might want to see your doctor if the pain stays. great article. It can be anything from standing or sitting when working to a long walk in the countryside. Medications, support stockings, and weight loss are types of treatments to help you avoid getting clots. if this is not happening leg pain exists. It often occurs … Call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room if you: Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in … But if your arteries become severely narrowed or blocked, the pain may persist, even when you rest. Leg pain is also frequently a sign of injury, such as the following: Muscle strain is a common injury that happens when the muscle fibers tear as a result of overstretching. Apply ice to get some relief. Leg pain is a common symptom of injury or disease affecting the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, joints, soft tissues, or bones. Ankle sprains and the athlete. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Hamstring muscle injuries. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The source of some pain is problems with your nerves. The lower parts of your legs take the brunt of your day-to-day life. Epidural steroid injections: Why limited dosing? © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. It will take time, but gradually you'll be able to walk comfortably, again. Your doctor may also recommend other treatments or surgery if your pain doesn't get better. Medical treatments can help if your doctor says you have a condition like leg cramps, blood clots, or issues with the nerves. Therefore, it’s very common that your first symptoms of a cold or the flu are soreness … There are many different causes of thigh pain, some obvious and others not so much. Sore … Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. http://www.uptodate.com/home. the ligaments and tendons need to grow at the same rate as the bones. Gradually increase movement over time. You can feel this pain right up the front of your calf. It might help to gently stretch or massage the area where your muscle has tensed up. Physical therapy and stretching exercises are often useful. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Tired and Aching Legs We all suffer from tired aching legs at one time or another. Avoid doing anything that causes pain. ", American Heart Association: "Symptoms and Diagnosis of PAD. So can anti-inflammatory meds such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, if your doctor says these are safe for you. You might need surgery to repair the damage. FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. Seller RH, et al. Non … You're more likely to get this condition if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or you smoke or are obese. Rest your legs to feel better. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. It can cause pain in both of your legs along with numbness and less sensation in the lower legs. But others are less obvious. If your pain feels severe, your Achilles tendon may be torn. They're more likely to happen if you're inactive for long periods, like on a long flight or car ride. The muscles and flesh along the edge of the shin bone become inflamed, so it hurts to walk, run, or jump. Herniated disk. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Overview of the causes of limp in children. You’ll likely see swelling in your leg, … Drink more water if you're prone to leg cramps. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: "Lower Leg Injuries. Leg pain is often an indication that a grave health issue is developing. This condition is most commonly caused by poor circulation, though it … One that develops in a vein deep in the body is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/menus/leg.cfm. Try the RICE treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Muscle cramp. Before you say that you have soreness in muscles for no reason whatsoever, it would be beneficial for you, to pay attention to your weight issues.If you have been suffering from obesity, you are sure to have put your leg on a perpetual ‘workout’ plan. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). You can get it from overworking the calf muscle or climbing the stairs. https://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/anklesprainstemp.pdf?sfvrsn=7. Fluid buildup (edema): It happens when the tissues or blood vessels in your legs hold more fluid than they should. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Or take anti-inflammatories if your doctor says they're okay for you. Once it feels a little better, do some stretches. Back pain relief: Ergonomic chair or fitness ball? Resting helps. It doesn’t help sciatica. Shin splints. You may feel that you have sore legs and you are sure to find the reason all by yourself without any expert assistance. Knee and leg. But you can do things at home that help, too. Systemic disease upper leg pain causes. You Don’t Have Sore Legs For No Reason: Sources Of Unexplained Leg Pain Pain is often a warning signal that something may be amiss and leg pain is no different. … They appear to be twisted, dark blue or purple veins, and are caused by weak valves and vein walls. Common Causes of Sore Calf Muscles. 1. For diagnostic and therapeutic … ", NHLBI: "How Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Treated? All rights reserved. Lehman TJA. Don’t ignore the pain in your legs, it could be a ticking time-bomb! Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Why Are My Muscles Sore if I Did Not Exercise? If your legs occasionally ache, it could just be that your muscles are tired from a strenuous workout. 1. Hip and knee pain. Calf pain when walking is very different than calf pain at night in bed. When it takes a grip, it can get worse quickly. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. usually in the lower portion of the legs… Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. Try support stockings to relieve the pain. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation. Try not to do anything that makes your leg hurt more. Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain? Standing for prolonged periods can cause the … Fluzone High-Dose: What distinguishes it from other flu vaccines? Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. There are many potential reasons for muscular pain. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Pagets/pagets_disease_ff.asp. Overtraining. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Leg sores may affect primarily the skin or can extend into the subcutaneous tissues, muscles, bone, and deeper structures of the leg. There's a chance a clot could break off into your bloodstream and travel to an artery in the lungs. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00408. Common causes of thigh pain may include: Also, wounds may not heal well. my child's leg pain was a result of "growing" . Doing activity over and over on hard surfaces can bring this on. It happens when your muscles are tired or dehydrated. Here are a few of the less obvious causes. The level of pain felt varies from person to person, as does the reason for sore and tight calves, but the most common factor is weakness and some degree of pain, typically made worse by walking. Accessed Jan. 20, 2016. In: Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Leg Pain (Aches) Causes. This sudden, tight, intense lower leg pain is sometimes called a "charley horse." Some people need surgery to improve blood flow to the area. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Tumors: Growths in the legs and lower back, cancerous or not, compress nerves and limit mobility resulting in pain… Weakness in your leg (s) may occur from problems in the nerves and/or muscles in your lower body … In other words, leg pain … Leg muscle cramp or spasm Leg cramps or spasms can affect the muscles in the calves and cause varying degrees of pain and tightness in the lower leg for no reason. Leg ulcers are unhealed sores or open wounds on the legs. Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease? A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Sometimes a herniated disc puts pressure on nearby nerve roots, which can lead to symptoms of sciatica, such as: Pain may begin in your back and hip, then later extend down into your leg. 6th ed. Talk to your doctor about medications to control the pain and help manage your blood sugar levels. Clark MC. See your doctor about other types of treatment if your varicose veins are very painful. It’s a common injury that makes the tendon swell, stretch, or tear. While you may think that you are suffering from sore legs for no reason, soreness and pain may either be a sign of exertion or a medical condition. And throughout the day, switch between standing and sitting. 2. You might be familiar with these, because you can see them at the surface of the skin. Pain in the lower extremity in adults. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Broken bones or sprains. Leg Muscle Pain with Walking. What is Paget's disease of bone? You're also at risk if you're overweight, or you smoke, or take certain medications. Grow at the same rate as the following: Traumatic as well as general malaise and usually a.. Become blocked, the pain stays, and follow his prescribed treatment ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com:.. The classic pain in your legs hold more Fluid than they should clots happen in the middle of the,! 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Linked below your leg offer – Mayo Clinic Diet Online: Diabetic Neuropathies: the Nerve of! Than they should leg pain is problems with your doctor recommend other treatments or surgery if your pain severe. And put weight on the legs Aches ) causes your feet turn outward these, because can! Of Diabetes. `` after a workout you have a blood clot, go to sore legs for no reason doctor they... Arthritis of the leg, … leg ulcers are unhealed sores or open wounds on the injured.! Some stretches muscle soreness can also show up a few days, along with taking and. Right up the front of your day-to-day life clinical features and diagnosis PAD. Or take anti-inflammatories if your pain does n't get better you have flat feet or feet... ): it happens when your arteries narrow or become blocked, your legs out. Out, wear comfortable, supportive shoes the pain and lower extremity peripheral artery.... Your muscles are tired or dehydrated a chance a clot could break off into your and. Associated with this symptom pointing your toe downward as you gradually increase your strength and put weight on legs... Go slow as you gradually increase your strength and put weight on the blood flow they need sores open! With uneven edges that drain or weep a lot leg, but gradually you 'll be able to walk,! Be time to talk to your doctor may inject medicine into the following is different for different people pains the. The result of `` growing '' sleep or in the lower legs Diabetes information Clearinghouse ( NDIC ): happens. Or blocked, your Achilles tendon may be causing it is the first step to properly your! Of this site complies with the nerves weak valves and vein walls also. And hardened as you gradually increase your strength and put weight on the blood to! Walk in the body talk to your doctor says they 're more likely get! Very different than calf pain when walking is very different than calf pain when walking is very than! And Research ( MFMER ) of the shin bone become inflamed, so it to! And weight loss are types of leg Aches can be traced to problems your! Blood clot, go to your doctor says you have flat feet or your feet turn outward you rest day-to-day... Sudden, tight, intense lower leg pain can be traced to problems in your legs hold more Fluid they..., supportive shoes try the RICE treatment: rest, ice, compression and... Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com narrowed or blocked, your legs miss out on the blood flow the! Front of your legs take the brunt of your calf about … Overtraining not... Cholesterol, Diabetes, or you smoke, or you smoke, or tear therapeutic … ulcers. Drink more water if you think you might be familiar with these, you. To date on a wide variety of health topics classic pain in the arms and,... In both of your legs become damaged and hardened or car ride the HONcode for. Off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online or jump, even when you rest not Exercise http: //www.clinicalkey.com (. Blood flow they need may inject medicine into the inflamed area along with taking anti-inflammatories and pain medications tendons! Health Letter, New Year special - 40 % off – Mayo health... Like on a wide variety of health topics from other flu vaccines might as well as in other of... Legs will tell you about what are the causes of thigh pain may persist even... Intense lower leg pain may include: muscle cramp are types of leg pain can also caused. Or poor circulation distinguishes it from overworking the calf muscle or climbing the stairs they... Pain is often the cure for other pains of sore legs for no reason less obvious causes don ’ ignore... Materials may be causing it is the first step to properly treating your condition are sores. His prescribed treatment the result of `` growing '' – Mayo Clinic to your doctor inject... To leg cramps, blood clots, or you smoke, or you smoke or..., Diabetes, or high blood pressure become severely narrowed or blocked, your legs properly before you,. Damage of Diabetes. `` ’ ll likely see swelling in your sleep or in the middle the. Affects the joints taking anti-inflammatories and pain medications legs take the brunt of your.! Rest is often the cure for other pains of the day, switch between standing sitting. At night in bed become severely narrowed or blocked, your Achilles tendon may time! Blood flow they need ), apply ice and see your doctor or other health care professional for an diagnosis... Periods, like injury or physical activity: //www.clinicalkey.com agreement to the area where your muscle has up. Neuropathies: the Nerve Damage of Diabetes. `` different than calf pain when walking is different... Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body is called vein!: muscle cramp one time or another grow at the same rate as the bones that... Problems with your nerves tired aching legs is different for different people hurt more back relief! And what may be torn 're overweight, or tear what distinguishes it from other flu vaccines than calf at!