Leg Pain

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, with careful attention to your legs, feet, thighs, hips, back, knees, and ankles.

To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:

• Where exactly is your pain?
• Do you have pain in one or both legs?
• How would you describe the pain? Dull and aching? Sharp and stabbing? Do you consider it to be severe?
• Is the pain worse at any particular time of day, like in the morning or at night?
• What makes the pain feel worse? For example, does exercise or long periods of standing worsen your pain?
• Does anything make your pain feel better like elevating your legs?

• Do you have any other symptoms like numbness or tingling? Back pain? A fever? Weakness?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

• Duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam to look for a blood clot
• X-ray of your back or legs
• MRI if a malignant tumor is suspected
• Bone biopsy if tumor is seen on MRI which may be malignant
• Bone scan
• Blood tests for specific diseases
• Arteriogram to check blood flow

Treatment depends on the cause. Medications may include pain medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Coumadin if there is a blood clot, and others. Cellulitis and osteomyelitis are each treated with antibiotics; osteomyelitis will require extended use of antibiotics.

For some causes of leg pain, physical therapy may be recommended by your doctor. If you have a blocked artery, inserting a balloon catheter into the artery to improve blood flow may be advised.