The Most Common Causes of Leg Pain You Shouldn’t Ignore

We all feel some leg pain from time to time. Maybe you went too hard at the gym yesterday, walked for too long, or simply slept in a strange position. In most cases, a little rest, ice, and maybe an over-the-counter pain reliever are all you need to get back on your feet. However, some symptoms are signs of a deeper problem with the legs. It’s helpful to know the signs of leg pain and when to visit Cardiac Associates of North Jersey in Oakland and Fairfield, NJ for relief. Let’s take a look at the most common leg pain causes and why you shouldn’t ignore them.

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

One of the most serious leg pain causes is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This cardiovascular condition occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside your body, typically in the thigh or lower leg. While DVT itself can cause discomfort, the real danger lies in the possibility of the clot breaking loose and traveling through your bloodstream to your lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening blockage.

DVT doesn’t always present with obvious symptoms, but when it does, they’re specific. You might experience a throbbing or cramping pain in one leg (rarely both), often starting in the calf. Other symptoms to watch for include:

• Swelling, where one leg looks significantly larger than the other
• Red or discolored skin over the vein
• Hardening of vein under the skin
• The skin around the painful area feels warm to the touch compared to the surrounding skin

2. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

If your legs cramp up when you walk but feel better when you rest, you might be experiencing claudication (pain, cramping, or fatigue in the leg muscles), a classic symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. It is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in your arteries. These circulation issues lead to leg pain and, oftentimes, more widespread arterial issues. Beyond the cramping, look out for these changes in your legs and feet:

• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared to the other side
• Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
• A change in the color of your legs (often pale or bluish)
• Shiny skin on your legs, hair loss on legs, or slower growth of toenails

3. Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. It’s most commonly caused by a herniated disk, a bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine compressing part of the nerve. Sciatic pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation. In addition to this radiating pain, patients typically have one or more of these symptoms:

• Numbness in the affected leg
• A tingling sensation in the foot or toes
• Muscle weakness and difficulty moving the leg or foot

4. Shin Splints

Shin splints cause pain along the shinbone (tibia), the large bone in the front of your lower leg. This condition is common among runners, dancers, and other people who engage in prolonged physical activity. In most cases, this type of leg pain resolves with rest, ice, and proper footwear. However, persistent pain should never be ignored. Continuous stress on the shinbone can lead to a stress fracture and even more time off your feet.

5. Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. In the legs, the knees and hips are most commonly affected, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. While not directly related to cardiovascular health, it’s helpful to know the two main types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis—Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis—This is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including joints.

When to See a Cardiologist

Not all leg pain causes require immediate medical attention from a vascular specialist. However, some cases of vascular leg pain (like DVT or PAD) often require a visit to the cardiologist. If you feel a heavy, aching sensation in your legs that intensifies during physical activity, it may be a symptom of narrowed arteries that can no longer supply enough oxygen-rich blood to your muscles.

Our board-certified, expert interventional cardiologist and vascular specialists in Oakland or Fairfield can schedule diagnostic tests, such as an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) or ultrasound, to evaluate your circulation. Be sure to address vascular leg pain as soon as possible. Conditions like peripheral artery disease are strong indicators of broader cardiovascular risks that call for specialized treatment and management.  

Stop Leg Pain in Its Tracks

Leg pain is your body’s way of communicating that something isn’t right. While not every condition is associated with cardiovascular risks, many are. If you have any reason to believe your leg pain stems from a vascular issue, get in touch with the team at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey. We serve patients in Oakland, NJ, Fairfield, NJ, and the surrounding areas with top-tier treatments and interventions. Our team is dedicated to helping improve your health outcomes whenever possible. Same-day or next-day appointments are available.