Excruciating Leg Pain
Excruciating or chronic leg pain is characterized by great discomfort that generally lasts longer than three months. Depending on the cause and severity, pain can take the form of burning, throbbing and soreness accompanied by itching or numbness. Understanding the exact causes and ramifications of such pain is the first step to its treatment and prevention.
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Causes
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Leg pain is caused by a multitude of sources. A prior incident, such as a car accident, can leave muscles bruised, torn or separated, causing pain and discomfort. Arthritis typically causes severe pain in the leg joints accompanied by limited motor capabilities. Diabetes often causes leg and foot pain on account of poor nutrition or circulation to the extremities. Complications elsewhere in the body, such as the lower back, can directly affect major nerves and radiate pain or numbness down into the legs (e.g. a side effect of the complication known as sciatica, in which the sciatic nerve is pinched or injured).
Kinds
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Excruciating leg pain is sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or weakness. In this case, the legs often feel stiff and have limited reaction time. Any complications with nerves in the lower back often cause a sensation of burning that radiates or shoots down the length of the legs (often described as a feeling of electric shock). Constant leg pain takes the form of throbbing or aching and does not abate unless affected by physical movement or medication. Positional pain usually occurs on account of a specific anatomical deficiency and matriculates when someone is sitting, standing or walking.
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Considerations
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Depending on the type and cause, excruciating leg pain can often be accompanied by fever, chills, nerve damage, bladder dysfunction or trauma. Speak with a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment
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Some forms of excruciating leg pain can be alleviated through stretching and exercise. In these cases, mild exercises such as yoga or aerobics are advisable. Holistic health procedures, such as massage, and good nutrition provide some relief, especially from pain caused by vitamin deficiency or poor circulation. Conventional medication provides temporary relief through the use of painkillers. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reconstruct torn muscle, fractured bones or broken tissue.
Warning
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The aforementioned causes and treatments of excruciating leg pain only constitute a few of the conditions and solutions available. If you are experiencing leg pain, speak with a doctor to determine the best form of treatment. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drive a vehicle if you have chronic leg complications, as pain can often cause legs to numb or lock up.
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