What Are the Causes of Sore Joints in the Knees & Legs?
Sore knees and legs are uncomfortable, but not uncommon. There are many causes of joint pain and lower leg issues. Paying attention to how, and when, the soreness began may provide clues about the cause. For soreness that does not clear up on its own in a few weeks, seek medical attention, according to a National Institutes of Health website.
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Improper Footwear
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If your knees and legs begin to ache, the first thing to check is your shoes. Perhaps you are wearing footwear that is ill-fitting, has lost cushioning and support, or is not designed for the activities you are doing.
Physical Activities
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Almost every runner has experienced knee pain at one point. Activities such as martial arts, softball, football and volleyball can also cause knee and lower leg soreness. If the activity is new or if leg strength is not developed, soreness can be a side effect. Excessive hiking or walking downhill may also be the cause.
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Nutritional Deficiencies
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Calcium is important for bone health and muscle contraction. Vitamin D is also critical to bone density and joint stability. Deficiencies can cause soreness. In fact, low vitamin D levels can lead specifically to lower leg weakness, according to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.
Injuries
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A sprain or strain of the knee, ligament injury, tendinitis, knee dislocation, and bursitis, can flare up and cause knee and leg pain. You can also damage the knee joint in a fall, car accident, or with knee structure injuries.
Chronic Conditions
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Sore knees and legs can be caused by chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. Being overweight puts extra pressure on knee joints. Untreated plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis leads to sore calf muscles.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Lily M.A. Parminter
