Some people suffer from various types of leg pain. These include varicose veins, Shin splints, and bursitis. However, not all of them are a sign of any serious medical condition. Listed below are some common causes of leg pain. These can all be treated by your doctor. It is important to get a diagnosis from a medical professional to avoid the pain from affecting your daily life.
Bursitis
A doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest, and support to reduce inflammation. If you do not see improvement after a week, a doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist or order an ultrasound scan. If your symptoms do not improve after a week, a doctor may suggest steroid shots or an ultrasound to check for bursitis. In some cases, an injection may also reduce the inflammation and relieve pain. If you do not experience improvement after a few days, your doctor may suggest that you go to the hospital for a bursitis diagnosis.
Varicose veins
In addition to the unpleasant symptoms that are caused by varicose veins, these conditions also cause swelling, muscle cramps, and dehydration. If left untreated, varicose veins may even lead to a serious medical condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Physical examination and vascular imaging can be used to diagnose varicose veins and give you an accurate explanation of the problem.
Shin splints
Shin splints are inflammation of the shin. The pain can last for three to six months. Using ice packs on the affected leg is effective at reducing inflammation. To treat shin splints, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, ice, and rehabilitation exercises can help. A common exercise to treat shin splints is pigeon-toe. This exercise involves leaning your leg slowly into a wall. This exercise lasts fifteen to 30 seconds.
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are common injuries that can result from unexpected twisting, rolling, or kicking movements of the ankle. Often, they are the result of sports and other activities that involve sudden changes in direction or jumping. The symptoms of an ankle sprain range from slight discomfort to severe swelling and pain when walking or putting weight on the area. Regardless of age, any of these activities can result in an ankle sprain.
X-rays
X-rays of the leg can be very expensive, especially if they are needed to diagnose a more complex condition. Because the image generated by the X-ray is black and white, the dense structures in the body will appear white, and soft tissues that allow the X-ray beam to pass through will appear darker. X-rays are performed by a radiology technician in a hospital or free-standing radiology center. If you have leg pain, you can get an X-ray at the office of your health care provider. The X-ray will include two pictures of your lower leg, one of which will reveal the source of your pain.
MRI scan
A MRI scan for causes of legs pain can help to identify various conditions and help plan treatment. It can be helpful in identifying a herniated disc or abnormal growths in the bones. It can also detect tumors and other serious conditions. It is important to see a physician as soon as the pain is felt, as early treatment may be necessary. However, if symptoms persist even after treatment, an MRI scan may be necessary.
Treatment
Treatment for legs pain varies depending on the cause. Pain in one leg could be caused by anything from a muscle strain to a neurological condition. Symptoms may also include numbness and tingling, or even fever and back pain. A provider may prescribe medications or recommend physical therapy if necessary. Listed below are some common treatments for leg pain. These treatments are not always the best solution for the cause of your leg pain, but they can alleviate your discomfort.
