Nerve Pain in the Leg Can Be Caused by a Variety of Conditions
A variety of conditions can cause nerve pain in the leg. While the symptoms of one condition may overlap with another, identifying the underlying cause is essential. Once you know what's causing your pain, you can take proactive steps to relieve it. If you suspect one of these conditions, be sure to get a diagnosis.
Sciatic nerve pain
If you suffer from sciatica, it's essential to consult your doctor. Treatment for sciatic nerve pain varies significantly from person to person, depending on the cause and intensity. Some people find relief through conservative self-care therapies, while others may require aggressive treatments.
Compression of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
A medical condition known as compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of the leg can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the leg. The condition can result from obesity, tight clothing, or local trauma. Treatment may include medication or surgery.
Diabetes mellitus
The pain associated with diabetes mellitus can be managed with medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful in mild cases, but more severe cases may require prescription pain relievers. These medications include duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Lyrica), and tramadol. Other treatments include physical therapy. In some cases, home remedies can help manage the pain.
Vascular insufficiency
If you're suffering from nerve pain in your leg, you may have vascular insufficiency, a condition affecting your leg veins. This disorder usually affects adults older than 50. It slows down blood flow in your legs and can result in capillary bursts. As a result, your legs may be red, swollen, and painful. It can also cause ulcers and open sores on the surface of your skin.
Malignant growths and tumours
A variety of malignant growths and tumours can cause nerve pain in the leg. Bone tumours commonly cause such pain and can occur anywhere on the bone, including the hip, thighbone, shoulder, and pelvis. Patients usually discover these tumours after experiencing pain in the leg or thigh. If they develop a mass in the area, doctors will perform imaging and biopsy to determine if the mass is cancerous.
Dry needling
Dry needling is a treatment that targets trigger points to reduce pain. Several different types of trigger points can be treated with dry needling. Several different conditions can cause these trigger points. Athletico provides a free assessment to determine if dry needling will benefit your specific condition.
MRIs
Some conditions can cause nerve pain in the leg. These conditions can result in weakness of the thigh muscle and decreased knee reflex. The pain in the leg may occur suddenly or gradually and often goes away after a few weeks. However, for a small percentage of people, the pain may not disappear, and they may need surgery to alleviate pressure on the nerve root.
X-rays
An X-ray can be an essential tool in diagnosing sciatica. It can show the structure of the spine and outline joints. It can also reveal fractures and infections in the spine and connective tissues. The imaging tests are also helpful in confirming symptoms and determining the source of pain. An MRI is an even better imaging test to determine whether a nerve problem causes the pain.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for nerve pain in the leg is a treatment that aims to alleviate the symptoms caused by nerve pain in the legs. It involves using various techniques to manipulate soft tissues and applying pressure to reduce pressure and irritation. It also involves strengthening and stretching the muscles to increase flexibility and mobility. A physiotherapist can create an exercise program tailored to the patient's pain.
