21 Causes of Leg Pain

2. RLS

Restless legs syndrome is a nerve condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs. It often brings unusual sensations such as aching, pulling, tingling, or a crawling feeling, usually in both legs. The exact cause is not always clear, but low iron levels in the brain and changes in a brain chemical that helps control movement may play a role.

These sensations usually begin during rest. A person may notice them while sitting for a long time, lying down, or trying to fall asleep. Movement such as walking or stretching often brings short-term relief, but the feeling usually returns once movement stops.

RLS commonly becomes worse in the evening or at night. This pattern can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime tiredness, poor focus, and mood changes. Some people have symptoms only a few times a week, while others experience them almost every day.

3. DOMS

Delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, causes leg pain after hard or unfamiliar exercise. It happens when muscle fibers develop tiny tears during activity, especially during movements that stress the muscle while it lengthens, such as downhill running or lowering weights.

As the body repairs this tissue, soreness develops. The pain usually begins 12 to 24 hours after exercise and can last up to three days. DOMS often affects the thighs, calves, or hips. It usually feels like a deep ache or stiffness, and the muscles may feel tender when touched. Some people also notice mild swelling or tightness.

DOMS differs from a muscle strain. A strain usually causes sharp pain during the activity, while DOMS appears later and improves on its own. Rest and light movement help the muscles recover. Gentle stretching, massage, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also ease discomfort.

4. Shin Splints

Shin splints cause pain along the front or inner edge of the lower leg and are also called medial tibial stress syndrome. It often affects runners, dancers, and people who increase training too quickly. This pain develops from repeated impact that irritates the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shin.

Hard surfaces, worn shoes, and flat feet can increase stress on the lower leg and raise the risk. At first, the pain may appear during exercise and ease with rest. If the strain continues, the pain can last longer or occur even during daily walking.

Most cases improve with reduced activity. People often need two to four weeks away from high-impact exercise. Low-impact options such as swimming or cycling place less stress on the shin. Ice can help lower swelling during the first few days. Stretching the calf and shin muscles may also help. Some people use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for short-term pain relief.

5. Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is a common cause of leg pain, especially in people who run or jump often, and it usually develops from overuse. Repeated bending of the knee can irritate the tissues around the kneecap. Weak thigh muscles, tight hamstrings, or flat feet can also affect how the kneecap moves and add stress to the joint.

This leads to pain at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap, which often begins as mild discomfort and slowly worsens with activity. Pain usually increases during running, jumping, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods with the knee bent. Swelling may be mild or absent, and the pain often improves with rest. Both young athletes and active adults can develop this problem.

Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the knee. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain and swelling. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the thigh and hip muscles also support better knee movement.

6. RSI

Repetitive strain injury, or RSI, happens when a person performs the same movement many times over a period of time. It often affects the arms, but it can also cause leg pain. In the legs, RSI usually affects the muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues around the knees, hips, or ankles. Ongoing strain can irritate these tissues before they have time to recover.

Runners, cyclists, factory workers, and people who stand for long hours may develop this problem. Poor posture, worn-out shoes, or sudden increases in activity can raise the risk. For example, a person who quickly increases running distance may strain the tissues before they adjust. The pain often begins as mild soreness.

Over time, it can develop into aching, throbbing, or stiffness that becomes worse with activity. Doctors often diagnose RSI based on symptoms and activity history. Imaging tests may help rule out other causes such as fractures or joint damage.

7. Muscle Imbalance

Muscle imbalance happens when one muscle group is stronger or tighter than the opposite group. This uneven pull changes how force passes through the hips, thighs, knees, or calves. For example, tight hip flexors and weak glute muscles can shift stress to the front of the thigh.

Weak inner thigh muscles can place more strain on the outer knee. These patterns can affect walking, running, and standing. When muscles do not share the workload evenly, certain areas must work harder. This extra strain can lead to soreness, cramping, or overuse injuries. In some cases, it may also increase the risk of tendon irritation or joint pain.

People often notice dull aches after activity, and the discomfort may feel worse on one side of the body. Pain may improve with rest but return with movement. Addressing muscle imbalance often involves stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak ones. A balanced exercise plan helps restore even movement and reduce stress on the legs.

8. Muscle Tear

A muscle tear happens when muscle fibers stretch beyond their limit and rip, often called a pulled muscle. It can affect any part of the leg, including the calf, thigh, or hamstring. This injury often occurs during sports, heavy lifting, or sudden movements. Poor warm-up, weak muscles, and low flexibility can raise the risk.

Falls and direct blows to the leg can also cause a tear, and the pain usually starts right away. Some people hear or feel a pop at the time of injury, and the area may become tender to touch. A mild tear affects only a small number of fibers and causes limited pain.

A severe tear can involve a large portion of the muscle and may make it hard or impossible to move the leg. Early care includes rest, ice, gentle compression, and keeping the leg raised. Severe tears may need medical care and physical therapy to restore strength and movement.

9. Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that often develops from overuse rather than a single injury. Repeated impact places pressure on the bone until it weakens enough to form a tiny break. This problem often affects weight-bearing bones in the leg and foot.

Common sites include the shin bone and the metatarsal bones in the foot. Runners, athletes, and people who suddenly increase activity face a higher risk. At first, the pain may seem mild and is often mistaken for a muscle strain.

As the crack becomes more stressed, the pain grows more constant and may occur even during normal walking. Treatment focuses on stopping the activity that caused the injury. A walking boot or crutches can reduce pressure on the bone. Most stress fractures need about six weeks to heal, though some take longer.

10. Growth Spurt

A growth spurt can lead to leg pain in children and teens. It often occurs between ages 3 and 12, and again during early puberty. During these periods, bones grow quickly while muscles and tendons may remain tight, which can contribute to discomfort.

Many people call this pain “growing pains.” Doctors do not know the exact cause, and the discomfort is not linked to a bone problem. Active children experience it more often, especially after days filled with running or jumping. The pain usually affects both legs and feels like an ache or throbbing in the muscles rather than the joints. It often starts in the evening or at night and improves by morning.

Simple home care can help. Gentle leg massage and a warm compress may ease discomfort. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or acetaminophen can reduce pain when needed. Leg pain during a growth spurt should not cause limping, joint swelling, fever, or pain in just one leg.

11. Broken Bone

A broken bone, also called a fracture, can cause sudden and severe leg pain. It happens when more force hits the bone than it can handle. Falls, car crashes, sports injuries, or a direct blow often lead to this injury. Some breaks also develop from overuse.

In these cases, repeated stress weakens the bone over time until a small crack forms. This type is called a stress fracture and often affects runners or people who repeat the same movement for weeks. Doctors use a physical exam and imaging tests, such as an X-ray, to confirm the injury.

Treatment depends on how severe the break is. Some people need a cast or brace to keep the bone still while it heals. Others may need surgery to line up the bone and hold it in place with metal pins or plates. Pain control may include over-the-counter pain relievers or a short course of prescription pain medicine from the analgesic class.

12. Sprain

A sprain happens when a ligament stretches or tears. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. In the leg, sprains often affect the ankle or knee. Sprains usually occur when a joint twists or moves in an unnatural way, such as rolling the ankle while walking on uneven ground or landing awkwardly during sports.

This can injure the ligaments that support the joint. Risk increases in people who play sports, run on uneven surfaces, or have had a previous sprain. Weak muscles and poor balance also raise the chance of injury. The pain can range from mild to severe. Some people hear or feel a pop at the time of injury.

Severe sprains may limit movement and make walking difficult. Early care often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These steps help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen may also help.

13. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the swelling or irritation of a tendon, which is the thick band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. In the leg, it often affects the Achilles tendon near the heel or the tendons around the knee. Repeated movement, overuse, or sudden increases in activity can irritate the tendon before it has time to recover. Athletes and people who stand or walk for long hours face a higher risk.

Aging also plays a role because tendons lose flexibility over time. Health conditions such as diabetes or certain types of arthritis can increase the chance of tendon swelling. Pain is the main symptom and often feels worse when the person moves the leg or presses on the area.

Doctors diagnose tendonitis with a physical exam. They may order imaging tests if they suspect a tear or another injury. Treatment focuses on rest and reducing swelling, while limiting movement for a short time helps the tendon heal.

14. Arthritis

Arthritis is a common cause of leg pain and often affects the knees, hips, and ankles because these joints carry body weight each day. There are many types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common form. It develops when the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones wears away, which leads to pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another type. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks the joints by mistake. Risk factors include older age, past joint injuries, excess body weight, and repetitive stress from work or sports. Some people also have a family history of arthritis. Pain may feel dull and aching, or sharp during activity.

Some people notice reduced range of motion. Over time, joint damage can make walking or climbing stairs harder. Treatment depends on the type and severity. Options may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, physical therapy, weight management, and in severe cases, surgery.

15. Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sudden leg pain. It often affects one joint at a time, most commonly the big toe, but it can also involve the ankle or knee. Gout develops when uric acid builds up in the blood. The body forms sharp crystals from this acid, and these crystals collect in a joint. This triggers redness, warmth, swelling, and intense pain. Certain factors increase risk. These include a diet high in red meat or seafood, alcohol use, obesity, kidney disease, and some medicines such as diuretics.

Age and family history also play a role. Many people notice that a flare starts at night and becomes severe within hours. Flares may last several days to two weeks, while symptoms often improve or fully go away. Without treatment, attacks may happen more often and last longer over time. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, or other medicines that lower uric acid levels.

16. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain. It does not damage the joints or muscles, but it changes how the brain processes pain signals. Because pain signals are handled differently, discomfort often affects both legs and can feel deep, aching, burning, or stabbing.

Many people also report pain in other parts of the body at the same time, especially the arms, back, neck, and hips. Leg pain may shift from one area to another and can range from mild to severe. Pain may worsen with stress, cold weather, or physical activity. Some people also notice stiffness in the morning or increased sensitivity to touch.

Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia based on symptoms that last at least three months. Lab tests and imaging usually appear normal, but they help rule out other causes of leg pain. Treatment focuses on symptom control and may include low-impact exercise, physical therapy, stress reduction, and counseling.

17. Bruise/Impact Trauma

A bruise forms when a blow damages small blood vessels under the skin. The skin does not break, but blood leaks into the tissue. This trapped blood causes discoloration, swelling, and pain. Such injuries often happen during sports, car accidents, or simple falls.

A person may hit a table, slip on stairs, or bump into a hard surface. The force of the hit helps determine how deep the injury goes. Bruises can affect the skin, muscle, or even bone. Muscle bruises may cause stiffness and trouble moving the leg.

Bone bruises are more serious and can take longer to heal. Common signs include tenderness, swelling, and skin that turns red, blue, purple, or yellow as it heals. Most bruises improve within two weeks, while deeper injuries may last longer and feel sore for several weeks.

Some people bruise more easily than others. Older adults have thinner skin and weaker blood vessels. People with bleeding problems or those who take blood-thinning medication may also notice frequent or large bruises.

18. Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease occurs when arteries in the legs become narrow or blocked. Fatty plaque builds up inside the artery walls and reduces blood flow to leg muscles and tissues. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and older age. The condition often occurs along with heart or brain artery disease, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Many people feel no symptoms at first. Others develop cramping or aching pain in the calf, thigh, or buttock when they walk because the muscles need more oxygen during activity. The pain often stops with rest because oxygen demand falls.

As the disease worsens, a person may notice cold feet, weak pulses in the legs, slow-healing wounds, or skin color changes. Severe blockage can cause constant pain, even at rest. In rare cases, poor blood flow can lead to tissue damage.

19. Infection

Infection can cause leg pain when bacteria enter the skin, soft tissue, or bone. The area often feels sore, warm, and tender, and swelling or redness may develop. Infections may start after a cut, scrape, insect bite, or surgery. People with diabetes or poor blood flow in the legs have a higher risk because wounds heal more slowly.

One common cause is cellulitis, a skin infection that spreads into deeper layers of tissue. The leg may become increasingly red and swollen, and the pain can worsen over a short time. Some people also develop a fever. Bone infection, called osteomyelitis, can also lead to leg pain. It often causes deep, steady pain that does not improve with rest.

The area may swell, and the person may feel tired or ill. Children and older adults face a higher risk in some cases. Doctors usually treat bacterial infections with antibiotics, while severe cases may require care in a hospital.

20. Back Problems

Back problems often cause leg pain when nerves in the lower spine become irritated or compressed. The lower back contains large nerves that travel through the hips and down each leg, so pressure in this area can send pain beyond the back.

A herniated or slipped disc is one common cause. Discs cushion the bones of the spine. If a disc bulges or tears, it can press on a nearby nerve and cause sharp or burning pain that travels down one leg. Spinal narrowing, called spinal stenosis, can also lead to leg pain because the space around the spinal cord becomes smaller and squeezes the nerves.

Sciatica is another common cause. When the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, a person may feel pain, tingling, or numbness from the lower back through the buttock and into the thigh or calf. Muscle strain in the lower back may trigger pain that spreads into the hip or upper leg. Poor posture, heavy lifting, or sudden twisting movements often lead to this problem.

21. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that sit just under the skin. They most often appear in the legs and feet. Leg veins carry blood back to the heart, while small one-way valves keep blood moving upward. When these valves weaken or fail, blood flows backward and collects in the vein, causing it to stretch.

Aging, pregnancy, excess body weight, a family history of vein problems, and jobs that require long hours of standing can increase pressure in the leg veins and raise the risk. This change can lead to aching, heaviness, or throbbing pain, especially after long periods of standing. Symptoms may also include burning pain, muscle cramps at night, swelling in the lower legs, and itching around the vein.

In more serious cases, skin near the ankle may darken or thicken. Some people develop sores that heal slowly. Doctors often diagnose varicose veins with a physical exam, and an ultrasound test to check blood flow and look for damaged valves.