Walking is something we all have to do every day. Walking can also be a great form of exercise and bring a lot of joy and possibility to life. However, if you suffer from leg pain while walking you probably find yourself avoiding walking more and more often. Leg pain while walking is also known as claudication. It can be caused by various medical conditions and factors, so it is important for you to be seen by your provider.
Leg Pain and Vascular Issues
In this post, we will review some of the most common causes of leg pain while walking. First, we will review those that are associated with the vascular system. A vascular surgeon can help with treatment and diagnosis of the following:
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): PAD is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis). Reduced blood flow can cause pain, cramping, or aching in the legs, especially during physical activity like walking. This is referred to as Claudication.
Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. These clots can cause pain and swelling in the affected leg and may become more painful when walking.
Venous Disease: Other vascular issues like venous insufficiency or varicose veins can lead to leg discomfort and pain, particularly after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
Other Causes of Leg Pain
Leg pain is obviously a comprehensive term and the pain could be caused by an endless number of root causes or issues. Here are more common causes that are not directly associated with the vascular system.
Inflammatory Conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, or autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) can lead to leg pain when walking.
Overuse or Strain: Overuse of the leg muscles or excessive physical activity without proper conditioning can lead to leg pain, especially if the muscles and tissues are not adequately prepared for the activity.
Infections: Infections such as cellulitis or osteomyelitis can cause localized pain and discomfort in the legs. These conditions may require medical attention.
Musculoskeletal Issues: Leg pain can also be due to musculoskeletal problems such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. These conditions can lead to pain that worsens with activity.
Nerve Compression: Conditions like sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, can cause leg pain, especially when walking. Nerve compression can result from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other spinal problems. Your primary care physician may call the Radiculopathy.
Trauma: A history of leg trauma or fractures can result in chronic pain, which may worsen with physical activity.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at risk of developing neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves in the legs are damaged. This can lead to pain, tingling, or numbness while walking.
Seeking Leg Pain Treatment
The first step in adequately treating leg pain will be an accurate diagnosis of the root cause of that pain. It will likely be one of the above-mentioned factors. Once that has been decided by your doctor, a course of action or treatment plan can be established to relieve pain by treating the underlying issue.
An easy test with an ultrasound can distinguish many of the above. If you feel you may have risk factors for any of these causes, a vascular screening is available at Snake River Vascular Surgery. Also, a formal consultation with specific testing can be done. Contact Dr. Albrecht and the Snake River Vascular Surgery staff for referral help.