Of course, there can be many reasons for pain in the right leg. Let's consider them in accordance with its nature, symptoms and location. These data are given after the list and description of diseases of the lower extremities. They briefly but succinctly describe the nuances of sensations, variants of accompanying symptoms, when at the same time it radiates to the right side or back in the lower back, numbness of the thumb or little finger, swelling of the thigh or lower leg, aching below the knee or heel, pain in the foot or buttocks, especially bad with calf muscles at night or when walking, etc.
Feet are one of the most used parts of the human body. They work all day long, whether we stand, play, run or walk, and in the process of life they become the most suffering part of our anatomy. So what happened and why?
Achilles tendonitis is a condition where the tendon becomes inflamed or begins to degenerate. In this case, the patient experiences discomfort caused by burning, shooting or stabbing pain in the back of the leg above the heel under the calf.
Ankle pain - a torn or sprained ligament
Ankle sprains are common ankle injuries. They occur when the feet are placed in an unnatural position, which may be related to the genetic makeup of the person's feet.
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints of the body. Some of its causes are arthrosis (wear and tear of joints), old age, obesity, wearing ill-fitting shoes, foot injury, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The disease causes pain and other problems such as tenderness, inflammation and swelling of the joints, and changes in the shape of the legs (this can create pressure that causes calluses and hard patches of skin to develop).
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that usually appears between the toes but can affect any part of the foot or nail. You can become infected with it if, for example, you walk on a damp surface where the patient had previously stood.
They usually appear on the surface layer of the skin due to friction with clothing, shoes or sports equipment. In most cases, blisters rub on the heels, soles of the feet and palms of the hands.
A bunion is a bony lump on the inside of the foot next to the big toe. It appears when he finds himself in a position different from normal.
Legs are burning - vascular disease
There are a number of possible causes for burning feet, so treatment varies depending on the cause. An accurate diagnosis can be made by a foot care professional. Therefore, it is very important to consult a specialist promptly to prevent further irritation.
It is thought to be caused by an abnormal skin reaction to cold. The feet often become swollen, red bumps appear, and if left untreated, they become dry and cracked. This creates conditions under which a person becomes susceptible to infection.
It develops when the normal activity of the skin is overstimulated, causing the skin layer to thicken. Such stimulation is caused by congenital, hormonal, occupational and infectious factors. A crust is a diffuse area of thickened skin, similar to a callus, with a grain forming in its center.
Dry, cracked heels are mostly a cosmetic problem, but they can become more serious. This sometimes results in deep bleeding fissures that are very painful.
If you have diabetes, it is especially important to take care of your feet and ensure risk-free daily life. Diabetes doesn't have to stop you. You just need to know the facts and help yourself.
This is a clot that forms inside an artery or vein and can be dangerous to our health. This is a rare case, but it is important to be aware of the disease, its symptoms and know how to prevent it.
Swelling during pregnancy
Edema is a term used when referring to swollen feet that happens to a woman during pregnancy. This happens because the body produces hormones that allow the ligaments in the legs to relax, thereby causing the leg to lengthen and expand.
Pain occurs whenever something goes wrong with the fascia or the way any of the structures in the leg interact with it. This is the most common cause of foot pain. Other reasons are also listed below.
A blister is a bubble of fluid under the outer layer of skin. There are many possible reasons for its formation, including burns, illness, allergic reactions or simple rubbing.
Neuropathy - loss of sensation
It can occur as a result of complications in diabetics and causes an inability to feel heat, cold or even pain. People with diabetes should regularly check their feet for abnormalities.
Flat feet or pronation
This biomechanical problem is experienced by a fairly high percentage of the population. Flat feet are a condition where the arch of the foot is flat. You can do the test at home. This is a simple test, but it is not a substitute for consultation with a professional foot specialist.
Diabetics may experience what is called neuropathy, where sensation is lost in the legs. Firstly, this means that any abrasions or cuts may go undetected for many days.
Fungal infections are not uncommon. The fungus causes deformation and discoloration of the nails. This infectious disease is inherited.
This includes any discomfort in the area between the kneecap and the thigh bone. The pain is usually dull or very sharp, stabbing, which is easily aggravated by physical activity.
Hyperuricemia—high levels of uric acid in the blood—is a condition that affects the big toe joint. Gout is caused by an increase in this level, which leads to crystallization and deposits in various joints of the body, usually the big toe.
Haglund's deformity refers to a condition in which pain is felt in the heel. It is treated by applying cold and wearing comfortable shoes. Massage and orthopedic insoles also ease the condition.
Stiff first toe
Osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a common form of arthritis at the base of the big toe, making it stiff. And the ability to bend together with other joints is important for the proper functioning of the foot; the toe must do this when the leg is in motion.
Hammer finger - exostoses
In this case, the muscles of the finger structure are partially or completely dislocated and they become curved. Causes: hereditary or due to wearing inappropriate, ill-fitting shoes.
Heel pain, bursitis and plantar fasciitis
Bursitis and plantar fasciitis occur with increasing levels of physical activity and when the fatty tissue in the heel becomes thinner, providing less protection to the heel.
This is a condition in which one or both sides of the nail cut into the flesh of the finger. An ingrown toenail causes swelling, redness, infection and can be very painful.
Pain in the lumbosacral joint (lower back)
It refers to conditions of the lower back caused by impaired pronation of the foot, when its arch is destroyed.
Metatarsal bone area (in the ball of the foot). A burning sensation in the ankle joint, which can be mild or severe and sometimes becomes a persistent problem.
It is a common foot condition for many people where the second toe is longer than the big toe, resulting in extra stress.
Overlapping and numbness of toes
Sometimes fingers may overlap, hanging over others and this is the cause of constant irritation. Sufferers should wear shoes with wide, high toes that allow for flexibility in size.
These are growths that develop on the lower part of the legs. Most people have warts that are temporary, and they are more common in school-age children and teenagers.
Associated with narrowing of blood vessels. Physical effects include changes in flesh color and sensations of numbness, throbbing, burning and coldness.
Sesamoiditis - inflammation of the sesamoid bone
Irritation of the sesamoid bones (tiny bones that extend towards the big toe), which may also become cracked with every step.
- the result of an excessively large load on the tibia (shin bone) and a sharp increase in activity. Therefore, it should be increased gradually.
Excessive foot sweating
Sweaty, smelly feet are a common problem that many people face at some point in their lives. However, for some of them this may be a permanent condition.
Pain in the legs behind the knee is a serious reason to pay attention to your own health. The human body is a complex mechanical and biochemical system. Everything in it flows, changes, but at the same time is in dynamic balance. But sometimes it happens that the body’s systems fail. One of the most common pathologies is disease of the knee joint and adjacent structures. According to statistics, approximately 15% of the entire world population suffers from knee damage. Among older people (60 and older), this problem occurs even more often: about 30% of older people are affected.
This does not mean that only elderly patients suffer from problems with leg joints. Young people also need to be on alert. What should you know about possible knee problems and how to deal with it?
There are certain categories of people predisposed to diseases of connective and bone tissue. Among them:
The causes of pain behind the knee are varied, because the pain syndrome is nonspecific and is characteristic of many pathologies. There are a great variety of possible factors for pain behind the knee. These causes correspond to various diseases that can be divided into three groups:
The answer to the question: “why do my legs hurt behind my knees?” lies on the surface. The original reason, no matter how trivial it may sound, may be hidden in the pathologies of the joint itself. The following diseases affecting the cartilage itself are distinguished:
In this category, inflammatory processes of periarticular structures prevail: tendons, joint capsule, muscles. It is believed that such pathologies are less dangerous and less likely to cause disability.
Diseases not related to the musculoskeletal structures of the knee. This includes:
As you can tell from the list, there are many possible causes of back knee pain. Only a doctor can understand the situation.
Symptoms depend on the original cause that caused it.
Weak, pulling and aching pain under the knee at the back. Usually both legs are affected at once, so both the left and right legs hurt under the knee. Externally, it is not difficult to identify a cyst even for the patient himself. It rises above the popliteal fossa and has the appearance of a round, soft formation. Hence, another symptom is the formation of a soft knot in the popliteal fossa.
Important! It is impossible to independently distinguish pathologies. It's a waste of time. It is recommended to entrust the solution to this issue to a good specialist.
Diagnostics begins with finding a specialized specialist. A doctor who deals with problems of the musculoskeletal system is called an orthopedist. But first, it is recommended to contact your local physician or, better yet, a surgeon; they will help you decide on diagnostic tactics and write out the necessary directions. If a child has pain in the leg behind the knee, you should contact a pediatrician or pediatric orthopedist.
At the initial appointment, the orthopedist will ask the patient about the nature and duration of the complaints. This is an anamnesis collection that helps the doctor determine the primary diagnosis. For the same purposes, a physical examination of the joint is performed: palpation.
In diagnosing knee pathologies, an x-ray is prescribed (it allows one to determine the presence of destructive processes in the bone structures), an ultrasound of the joint, and in exceptional cases, arthroscopy (for a visual assessment of the condition of the joint). Among instrumental studies, MRI/CT remains the most informative, but due to their high cost, these studies are rarely used. Of the laboratory tests, the most informative is a general blood test. It shows a picture of inflammation.
After reading everything written, the patient has a question, how to treat if the legs hurt under the knees at the back?
Treatment is predominantly conservative. Medicines prescribed:
In exceptional cases, operations cannot be avoided:
In addition to drug treatment, diet and traditional medicine recipes can be used.
It is known for sure that in addition to drug treatment, specialized dietary nutrition can be effective. Without knowing the exact diagnosis, it is difficult to give dietary recommendations. However, there are universal tips (everything else should be determined in a personal conversation with your doctor). What foods should you avoid:
What you can and should use:
Taken together, such nutrition will contribute to normal regenerative processes in the body.
Most folk remedies are either useless or, more often, dangerous, since the individual characteristics of the body are not taken into account. Therefore, you should be skeptical about traditional methods of treatment and it is recommended to discuss all your endeavors with your doctor. Three recipes are suitable for pain relief:
Traditional treatment can be a good help in treating knee problems.
To reduce the risk of pathologies in the popliteal region to a minimum, it is recommended to follow simple recommendations:
Pain in the popliteal region often indicates severe disabling processes. Only a doctor can understand the variety of conditions. At the first symptoms, an immediate visit to the hospital is recommended.
1. Diseases of the venous vessels:
2. Pathology of arterial vessels:
3. Damage to the nerve trunks innervating the lower extremities.
4. Diseases of the calf muscles:
5. Diseases of surrounding tissues:
6. Spine pathology:
7. Diabetes.
1. Deep vein thrombosis of the leg, postthrombotic disease.
2. Varicose veins of superficial veins.
In some cases, anamnesis data can help in diagnosis - often deep vein thrombosis of the leg occurs after prolonged forced immobilization resulting from injuries, serious illnesses or surgical interventions. The occurrence of pathology is facilitated by oncological diseases (especially cancer of the lungs, stomach and pancreas), long-term use of oral contraceptives. Often, deep vein thrombosis of the leg occurs in the postpartum period.
The triggers for the development of thrombosis of the internal veins of the leg are most often a bacterial infection, leg injury, physical or nervous strain.
1. Damage to the arterial wall due to a chronic disease (atherosclerosis, obliterating endarteritis) or trauma to the vessel (mechanical, electrical trauma, frostbite, damage to the vessel during medical procedures).
2. Changes in blood composition in leukemia, severe chronic diseases, due to the administration of medications.
3. Circulatory disorders due to vascular spasm, shock reactions, after operations on the arterial trunks.
More often, pain in the calves occurs with combined damage to several nerves - polyneuritis. In addition to pain, polyneuritis is characterized by decreased sensitivity, paresthesia, as well as motor and trophic disorders in the innervated area. In severe cases, polyneuritis can lead to increasing weakness and degeneration of the innervated muscles, flaccid paralysis, and the appearance of gross degenerative changes caused by impaired tissue trophism (dermatitis, non-healing ulcers, etc.)
1. Diabetes.
3. Infectious diseases:
Diagnosis of pathologies of surrounding tissues that cause pain in the calves of the legs, as a rule, does not cause difficulties, since there is a pain syndrome and corresponding visible pathological changes in the affected tissues.
In addition, pain with radicular syndrome has the following features:
The most common cause of radicular syndrome is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Particularly severe pain occurs when a prolapsed intervertebral disc occurs. This complication of osteochondrosis often occurs with sudden excessive physical effort, especially when lifting weights. Statistically, doctors most often make such a diagnosis during the summer vacation period, when city residents begin to engage in physical labor that is unusual for them (it is very typical that the same statistical data is recorded abroad, so that some Western researchers have dubbed radicular syndrome due to a prolapsed disc a disease of vacation time) .
1. Damage to arterial vessels of medium and small caliber, and resulting chronic arterial insufficiency.
3. Development of infectious and inflammatory processes against the background of impaired trophism (chronic ulcers, etc.).
First, the doctor examines the legs to identify characteristic changes in the calves, measures blood pressure, determines the pulsation of the arteries in the lower extremities, listens to heart sounds, after which, first of all, prescribes vascular ultrasound, Dopplerography, arteriography and rheovasography, since these studies allow in most cases to diagnose. If doubts remain after the initial studies, then if atherosclerosis is suspected, angiography is prescribed, if Raynaud's syndrome is suspected, laser Doppler flowmetry and cold testing are prescribed, if obliterating endarteritis is suspected, functional tests (except cold testing), thermography and capillaroscopy are prescribed.
Most often, the doctor prescribes only a general blood test and palpates the diseased area in order to identify lumps, since this is what makes it possible to make a diagnosis in combination with characteristic clinical symptoms and the history of the development of the disease. A blood test for rheumatoid factor is prescribed only if the rheumatic nature of the disease is suspected, when myositis does not go away with treatment.
The doctor always prescribes a general blood and urine test, as well as microscopy of meat remains (if, of course, this is possible). In addition, if the disease lasts less than two weeks, then a biopsy of the calf and deltoid muscles is prescribed and examined under a microscope, during which they try to detect Trichinella larvae between the muscle fibers. If any are detected, then other tests are not prescribed, since this is not necessary, since the diagnosis of trichinosis is fully confirmed. If the disease lasts more than two weeks, then instead of a biopsy, a blood test is prescribed for the presence of antibodies to Trichinella and an allergy skin test. If these tests are positive, then the diagnosis is also considered confirmed.
To determine which nerve is inflamed, functional neurological tests are performed, which consist of the doctor asking you to make various simple movements with your leg, toes, etc. Depending on what movements a person can and cannot make, the affected nerve is determined. Next, to determine the degree of damage to the nerve transmission, any of the following methods are prescribed - electroneurography, electromyography, the method of evoked potentials. Moreover, the doctor can use any one method, or a combination of two, or all three.
Usually, a complete blood count, blood tests for rheumatic factor, C-reactive protein, uric acid, as well as an ultrasound and x-ray of the affected joint are first prescribed (make an appointment) . If technically possible, x-rays are replaced with computed tomography. The data from these examinations makes it possible to find out whether we are talking about arthritis or arthrosis and, depending on this, prescribe additional tests. So, if arthrosis is detected, then magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed to assess the condition of the non-osseous structures (ligaments, tendons, cartilage) of the joint. And if arthritis is detected, then synovial fluid analysis, arthrography and arthroscopy are performed. If technically possible, thermography and magnetic resonance imaging are prescribed as additional examination methods for arthritis, allowing to assess the condition and degree of functional activity of tissues.
It is mandatory to examine and palpate the inflammatory focus, prescribe a general blood and urine test, as well as bacteriological culture of the discharge to determine the pathogen provoking the infectious process and its sensitivity to antibiotics. A blood test for ASL-O titer is prescribed only for erysipelas, and it replaces culture of the discharge. That is, in case of erysipelas, they do not do a bacteriological culture of the discharge, but perform a blood test for the ASL-O titer. An immunogram is prescribed only in the case of a long, protracted process that does not end with recovery, despite the treatment.
First of all, to diagnose radicular syndrome, the doctor performs a neurological examination, identifies the presence of trigger points in the spine, and also finds out in which areas there is a weakening of sensitivity, paresis, or a decrease in muscle tone. Data from a neurological examination, knowledge of trigger points, areas of decreased sensitivity, low tone and muscle paresis allow us to diagnose radicular syndrome. To definitively confirm the diagnosis, electroneuromyography is performed. Further, to identify the cause of radicular syndrome, either an X-ray or computed tomography of the spine is first prescribed, which makes it possible to diagnose spinal curvature, osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondylolisthesis, and ankylosing spondylitis. If X-ray or computed tomography data do not allow us to determine the cause of the radicular syndrome, then magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed, which also makes it possible to diagnose intervertebral hernia, tumors, spinal cord hematoma, and meningoradiculitis. If technically possible, you can immediately do a magnetic resonance imaging scan (sign up) instead of an x-ray (sign up) or computed tomography.
1. Fighting excess weight (weight loss improves blood flow in the extremities, reduces stress on the spine, alleviates the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system).
2. Quitting smoking and alcohol.
3. Gentle regime for the limbs (prolonged static tension of the lower leg muscles should be avoided).
4. Complete nutrition. You should limit your salt intake, as salt promotes fluid retention in the body and causes swelling in the legs.
5. Correct work and rest schedule. Leisurely walks in the fresh air. Healthy sleep.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are not the only source of pain in the limbs. Often the pathology is caused by disruption of the functioning of nerves and blood vessels, as well as inflammatory changes in soft tissues.
Pain under the knee - a large number of patients turn to doctors with this complaint. It is necessary to understand the main causes of symptoms.
To establish a diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive survey of the patient. The specialist will clarify the following points:
If your leg hurts under the knee, the causes of the pathology are rarely associated with damage to the joints. Pathology of the joints often manifests itself as symptoms in the area of the joint space itself.
Reasons that can cause pain behind the knee:
It is worth separately examining the causes of pain under the knee, since they all have features of diagnosis and treatment.
In the vast majority of cases, pain under the knee along the front surface of the shin is associated with tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons.
This anatomical region contains a large connective tissue structure, the patellar ligament. It is she who is often affected by physical exertion and injury.
Microdamages occur in the ligaments – tendinosis. They may go unnoticed by patients for a long time. With strong impacts or frequent successive microtraumas, inflammation develops in the ligament area - tendonitis, which usually gives clear clinical symptoms.
What symptoms accompany tendon damage? The following symptoms can be listed:
If there is pain under the kneecap for several months, and the use of medications does not bring a significant effect, you need to consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of tendinitis consists of excluding joint diseases. X-rays and MRIs will show no organic lesions of the knee joint. Ultrasound of the affected area also helps make a diagnosis.
Treatment for tendonitis includes drug and non-drug treatment. The first method of treatment includes the use of the following medications:
The basis of treatment is non-drug measures:
Surgical treatment is indicated only for complications or complete rupture of the tendon. Usually the pathology is treated conservatively.
Pain behind the knee is often associated with overstrain of muscle fibers after intense exercise. Pain occurs after training, as well as in athletes when the complexity and intensity of exercise increases.
Everyone has experienced the characteristic muscle pain. It is manifested by aching sensations due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the tissues. This metabolic product is formed when there is a lack of oxygen in the muscle.
Pain under the knee in this case is not accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms; it occurs during flexion and extension, and is localized behind and below the popliteal fossa.
Severe pain is not typical in this case; if it occurs, other diseases must be excluded. If the knee is swollen, this also usually rules out muscular causes for the symptoms.
Diagnosis consists of excluding other pathological conditions.
There is no need to treat muscle pain with medications. It is necessary to dose physical activity, gradually increase its strength, so that the muscles gradually get used to it and train.
Pain below the joint, as well as swelling under the knee, occurs with varicose veins of the lower extremities. This disease primarily affects the area of the leg below the knee – the lower leg and foot.
Why do varicose veins occur? The pathology is associated with the inability of the vascular wall to maintain its tone. The vein expands, the surrounding tissues swell, and a feeling of pain occurs.
Pain below the knee joint associated with vascular pathology has characteristic features. These include the following signs:
For diagnosis, ultrasound of the affected veins is used with measurement of blood flow speed, vein patency tests, and radiocontrast methods.
If pain below the knee is associated with pathology of the venous bed, medications and a surgical approach can be used for treatment.
For conservative treatment the following is used:
An intermediate option between surgical and conservative treatment is sclerotherapy - the introduction of a substance into the lumen of the vein that causes the lumen to close. In this case, the outflow of venous blood occurs through the deep veins of the leg.
Surgical treatment methods:
Indications for treatment are determined by the doctor of the surgical department after carrying out a set of diagnostic measures.
If pain and swelling occur in the leg below the knee along its back surface, the cause may be a popliteal cyst. The formation is an accumulation of fluid surrounded by an elastic capsule.
Why does a cyst occur? The reasons are as follows:
Quite often it is not possible to identify the cause of the cyst.
What are the symptoms of a Baker's cyst? Typical clinical picture:
If there is a characteristic subcutaneous tumor-like formation below the knee, the diagnosis can be made without additional diagnostics. Otherwise, some research needs to be done:
After carrying out the above procedures, the diagnosis becomes obvious.
After establishing the diagnosis, the doctor will decide whether surgery is necessary. Surgical treatment of cysts is most effective. It involves excision of the formation. Rehabilitation takes several days, after which the patient can engage in usual activities.
Conservative methods are used less often. They are resorted to if the patient has a concomitant pathology, the size of the cyst is small, or the patient is unwilling to undergo surgical treatment.
The following are used as conservative agents:
Conservative treatment is considered ineffective for the following manifestations of the disease:
The most common causes of pain under the knee joint have been described above. But the appearance of such symptoms may be associated with other diseases:
Making a diagnosis is not always easy. Even an experienced doctor must conduct instrumental studies to make the correct diagnosis.
Treatment of pain with folk remedies is very common in our country. It should be said that any intervention without consulting a specialist is likely to lead to complications. It is not recommended to use traditional recipes if the cause of discomfort is unclear.
Pain in the calves is a common phenomenon. It often occurs as a result of prolonged physical exertion on the lower extremities and does not signal pathologies. However, the answer to the question “Why do my calves hurt?” is not always clear, since the reasons may lie in very serious diseases. This applies to cases where sharp pain and cramps recur regularly or nagging pain in the leg in the calf does not go away for a long time.
If you are faced with a similar problem, we recommend contacting the CELT Pain Clinic! This is a department that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes in various locations. The high professional level of our specialists, their extensive work experience, along with modern medical equipment and treatment methods, allows them to return our patients to a full life, eliminating pain from it.
The causes of pain in the calves may lie in muscle fatigue, but often such a clinical manifestation can signal pathologies of arterial vessels, veins, tissues, surrounding muscles and the spine. If you constantly have pain in the calf of your left or right leg, or regularly experience leg cramps, you should seek medical help, as the consequences can be unpredictable.
A pain symptom in venous diseases is a valuable signal, since it is thanks to it that serious pathologies that require immediate medical attention can be identified:
Arterial diseases cause insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, which leads to their destruction. The pain in this case is caused by ischemia (lack of blood supply) and is of a different nature for different diseases:
Muscle tissue lesions of various etiologies can also cause pain in the calves :
One of the symptoms of neuritis and polyneuritis is severe nagging pain, which occurs in attacks and can spread along the affected nerve. This manifestation may be caused by compression of the nerve roots. Often, his companions are:
Pain in the calves may occur due to damage to adjacent tissues:
Referred pain in the calves of the lower extremities is one of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.