What Are the Causes of Unilateral Leg Pain?
Unilateral leg pain is discomfort that occurs in one leg. This pain may be in the bones, joints or muscles of the leg and may be caused by injury or disease.
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Baker's Cyst
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A Baker's cyst causes swelling and pain behind the knee that often gets worse when straightening the knee or during other activity. A Baker's cyst is usually related to an arthritic condition. When the underlying condition is treated, the symptoms may resolve themselves.
Fractures
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A fracture (broken bone) of the leg can result in unilateral leg pain. Symptoms of a fracture are swelling, bruising and pain after an injury or accident. A fracture is diagnosed using an X-ray and may require casting until the bone heals.
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Sprains
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A sprain or strain of the ligaments or tendons in the leg causes unilateral leg pain. The fibers of the ligaments may be torn, resulting in swelling and inflammation that cause pain.
Blood Clot
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A blood clot that is obstructing one of the arteries in a leg may cause acute leg pain. A leg with a blood clot may be pale and cold to the touch. This serious condition that requires emergency treatment.
Peripheral Neuropathy
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Peripheral neuropathy causes pain and numbness in legs, hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy is a sign of damage to the nerves that may have been caused by infections, injuries, exposure to certain toxins or a metabolic syndrome.
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References
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