Leg pain can have causes that include heavy physical activity, lack of activity, extended standing, injuries, sprains, or strain.

Different types of leg pain include:

Muscle Strain, also known as “a pulled muscle”:

leg painA muscle strain, or “pulled muscle”, occurs when the muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of the muscle. Injuries can happen to the leg muscle or the tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon). Strains often occur in the front of leg and in the muscle in the back of the thigh, known as the hamstring. Symptoms are pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and limited ability to move the muscle.

Peripheral artery disease:

watch videoPoor circulation causes narrowed blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the limbs. Peripheral vascular disease is a sign of fatty deposits and calcium build up in the artery walls (atherosclerosis). Risks include: aging, diabetes, and smoking. Symptoms may include: leg pain, especially while walking. Regenerative treatments, exercise, and a healthy diet are highly successful in reducing or eliminating leg pain.

Deep vein thrombosis, also known as: “DVT, deep vein thrombophlebitis”

When blood moves too slow throughout the body, blood clots can form in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This condition is serious because blood clots can loosen and lodge themselves in the lungs. A blood clot in a leg vein may cause pain, warmth and tenderness in the affected area. Pain or swelling may occur, but there may be zero symptoms. Compression garments can help. Deep vein blood clots usually form in your thigh or lower leg, but they can also develop in other areas of your body.

Shin splints

Shin pain is caused by overuse of the shinbone, the large front bone in the lower leg. Shin splints result when muscles, tendons, and bone tissue become overworked. Shin splints often occur in athletes who run a lot, have improper foot wear or who have intensified their training routine. The main symptom is pain in the leg.