Leg pain can range from a mild, nagging discomfort to a sharp, radiating pain that limits mobility and interferes with daily life. Whether it’s due to overuse, injury, nerve compression, or an underlying medical condition, getting to the root of the underlying leg pain is key to finding relief. Here’s what you need to know about how to relieve leg pain, what might be causing it, when to seek help, and what treatment options are available.

Understanding Leg Pain

Leg pain is a common condition that can affect mobility, comfort, and quality of life. It might develop gradually or begin suddenly, depending on the source of the problem. Unfortunately, leg pain is quite common. In a recent study, more than 65% of people reported pain somewhere in their lower limbs, with leg pain specifically affecting nearly 30% of people.

Leg pain can affect people of all ages, but the likelihood increases with age. For example, only 21% of adults aged 18-29 report lower limb pain, compared to more than 50% of adults aged 65 and older. Since leg pain is so common — and often arises due to a wide array of different reasons — it’s important to recognize when it’s more than just a passing discomfort.

Common Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain can result from a range of conditions, from temporary overuse to chronic (long-term) medical issues. Identifying the underlying causes is the first step toward finding effective treatment and relief.

The most common reasons for leg pain are muscle strain, natural wear and tear, and overuse. These can happen as a result of exercise, standing for long periods of time, or repetitive movements. This type of pain often appears gradually and may affect specific muscle groups in the thigh, calf, or foot.

Joint problems, such as arthritis, can also cause leg pain. This is sometimes a result of referred pain — a type of pain that originates in one body part but is felt in another. For example, hip arthritis may produce discomfort in the thigh or knee rather than the joint itself.

Nerve-related pain, such as from sciatica or spinal stenosis, is another common cause. When spinal nerves are compressed or irritated, pain can travel down the leg. This may be accompanied by feelings of numbness or tingling.

Circulatory issues are another common culprit. For example, peripheral artery disease (PAD) or varicose veins may cause aching or heaviness in the legs, particularly during movement. In some cases, systemic (whole-body) conditions can contribute to leg pain. For instance, among women with endometriosis, 51% reported leg pain, and 59% of those cases were bilateral, meaning it affected both legs.

Diagnosing Leg Pain

Since causes of leg aches and pains can arise from a wide variety of sources — including muscles, joints, nerves, and blood vessels — getting a prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Your doctor will likely start by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination to learn more about your pain. This includes where it’s located, how it feels, and whether any other symptoms are present, such as weakness, numbness, swelling, or restricted movement. Your doctor will also ask about the nature of your pain — whether it’s sharp, dull, aching, burning, or radiating – and when it occurs, such as during activity, at rest, or at night.

If necessary, imaging tests may be recommended. For example, X-rays can reveal joint or bone problems, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a more detailed view of soft tissues like nerves, muscles, and spinal discs. These tools may be especially helpful in evaluating potential nerve compression or spinal involvement, which may be involved when leg pain is implicated in other conditions, like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

If blood flow-related issues are suspected, further testing, such as a vascular ultrasound, can help assess possible circulation problems in the legs.

Treatment Options for Leg Pain in Beverly Hills

How to relieve leg pain starts with a personalized treatment plan tailored to the underlying cause for each individual patient. Dr. Hooman Melamed’s approach emphasizes a comprehensive, non-narcotic approach, integrating both conservative therapies and minimally invasive surgical techniques when needed. Conservative treatments might include:

• Physical Therapy: Customized exercises aimed at strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing posture to alleviate pain.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce inflammation and discomfort without the use of opioids.
• Lifestyle modifications: Guidance on ergonomics and activity adjustments to support overall musculoskeletal health.

For many people, treatment through conservative treatment methods may be sufficient to relieve leg pain. However, for those who don’t find relief through conservative measures, Dr. Melamed may opt for minimally invasive treatment, such as:

• Microdecompression treatments: If your leg pain is caused by a nerve-related issue, this treatment can help by alleviating nerve compression.
• Ultra-minimally invasive biportal endoscopic spine surgery: Also known as BESS, this procedure involves small incisions and endoscopic treatment to address spinal issues that may be causing leg pain.

When To See a Doctor

While mild leg pain may resolve on its own, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. If your pain is persistent, getting worse, or interfering with your daily activities, it might be time to see a doctor. Other more urgent signs that should be promptly addressed include numbness, tingling, swelling, discoloration, or weakness in the legs.

If pain occurs after an injury, or if it’s accompanied by back pain or difficulty walking, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Leg pain that doesn’t get better with rest or time could be linked to nerve compression, vascular issues, or underlying spine conditions that require targeted treatment to prevent long-term complications.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Melamed

Dr. Hooman Melamed is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon known for his patient-first approach and advanced, minimally invasive techniques. At The Spine Pro, we focus on identifying the root cause of leg pain and creating personalized treatment plans that prioritize long-term recovery and wellness. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward lasting relief. For emergencies, contact the office directly at 424-41-SPINE.