What Are the Potential Causes of Leg Pain When Walking?

Some people may feel particularly painful in their legs after walking for a long time, but most of them do not take it seriously. In fact, this may be caused by diseases, especially when the blood circulation of the lower limbs is obstructed or affected, which will cause such pain reactions. In addition, diseases such as lumbar disc herniation and sciatica can also cause leg pain. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the cause of the disease before receiving relevant treatment.

1. Spinal diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar tuberculosis, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lumbar spondylolisthesis.

2. Nerve compression syndromes such as femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome and sciatica.

3. Lower limb circulatory disorders such as varicose veins, deep venous thrombosis, femoral head necrosis, peripheral aneurysms, acute arterial embolism, thromboangiitis obliterans, lower limb atherosclerotic occlusion, and Raynaud's syndrome.

4. Tumors such as bone cancer and soft tissue tumors.

5. Fractures such as femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, femoral shaft fractures, and tibiofibular fractures.

6. Infections such as chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, femoral osteomyelitis, and femoral tuberculosis.

7. Others such as compartment syndrome, strain or sprain.

Diagnosis of leg pain:

1. Key points of medical history and physical examination

(1) Medical history: If the patient's condition permits, inquire about when the pain started and describe its intensity, nature, and pattern. Whether the pain occurs in the morning, at night, or during exercise, whether it impairs walking, and whether the patient must rely on a crutch or other assistive devices. Also inquire about other symptoms and signs at that time. Identify any history of leg injury or surgery and whether the patient or their family members have joint, vascular, or back problems. Also ask about any medications they are taking and whether they can reduce leg pain.

(2) Physical examination: Observe the patient walking, if their condition permits. Observe how they maintain their leg position while standing and sitting. Palpate the legs, hips, and waist to determine the degree of pain and tenderness. If fractures have been excluded, test the range of motion of the hip and knee joints. Additionally, check the reflexes of leg extension and elevation, noting any actions that cause pain. Then compare the symmetry, motion, and range of motion of both legs. Furthermore, assess sensation and strength. If the patient has prosthetics, splints, or restrictive clothing, carefully examine distal circulation, sensation, and activity, and extend their toes to elicit any related pain.

2. Laboratory and auxiliary examinations such as CT and MRI scans, X-rays, blood tests, and EMG can help with diagnosis.