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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLeg pain usually refers to pain originating from somewhere between your pelvis and your heels. However, leg pain doesn't have to originate in your leg; spinal problems or injuries can cause leg pain that is felt in your leg but that actually arises in your lower back.
Leg pain can be constant or intermittent, develop suddenly or gradually, and affect your entire leg or a localized area, such as your shin or your knee. It can also take a number of forms — stabbing, sharp, dull, aching or tingling.
Some leg pain is simply annoying, but more severe leg pain can affect your ability to walk, put weight on your leg or feel stable.
- Ropper AH, et al. Pain in the back, neck, and extremities. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams & Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3631244. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Huddleston JI, et al. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/209397008-5/0/1807/290.html. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Mohler ER. Clinical features, diagnosis, and natural history of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Gout. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec04/ch035/ch035b.html. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Bederka B, et al. Leg. In: DeLee JC, et al. Delee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Principles and Practice. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookPage&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00024-5. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Growth plate injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Growth_Plate_Injuries/default.asp. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Bursitis and tendinitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/Bursitis/default.asp. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Compartment syndrome. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics. http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/compartment_syndrome. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Osteoarthritis of the hip. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00213. Accessed July 13, 2010.
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