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Foot & Lower Leg Pain

People with pain in the foot or lower leg may have difficulty going about the normal daily activities of life, such as climbing the stairs or driving a car. When foot or lower leg pain persists or becomes worse, an evaluation by a doctor is necessary to determine the cause of the pain and a course of action to reduce the symptoms. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine about foot and lower leg pain.

  1. Symptoms

    • People with foot and lower leg pain may experience discomfort ranging from annoying to severe, anywhere from the toes to the knees, and without treatment, the pain can spread into the hips or lower back. Foot and lower leg pain may result in an inability to stand or walk on the affected leg. People may develop other symptoms including muscle spasms, swelling and difficulty sleeping at night.

    Causes

    • Pain in the foot and lower leg can develop from a variety of causes, including personal habits and medical conditions. Poor posture, unsupportive footwear, falls and overuse during exercise can lead to injuries that cause foot and lower leg pain. Medical disorders including nerve damage, arthritis, fractured bones, bone disorders, heart disease and infections may also cause people to have pain in the lower legs and feet.

    Complications

    • People who ignore foot or lower leg pain and allow symptoms to continue without being evaluated by a doctor may experience significant health complications. Injuries to nerves, muscles and ligaments that are left untreated can lead to loss of mobility and sensation in the foot and leg. People whose lower leg and foot pain is caused by untreated heart disease may ultimately suffer a stroke or heart attack.

    Medical Treatments

    • Depending on the cause of foot or leg pain, medications or surgical treatments may be required to reduce the severity of symptoms. Over the counter and prescription pain relievers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications can treat foot and leg pain but may not be appropriate for everyone. People with torn ligaments, nerve damage or broken bones may require surgery possibly followed by physical therapy to reduce pain and improve foot and leg function and mobility.

    Alternative Treatments

    • People with leg and foot pains caused by injuries may find relief from alternating the application of hot and cold packs to the affected area. Those familiar with Eastern medicine may be interested in seeking acupuncture treatments for reducing foot and leg pain. Other alternative treatments include massage, hypnosis and chiropractic care.

    Prevention/Solution

    • People who regularly exercise are less likely to experience pain in their legs or feet than people who are inactive or rarely exercise. Practicing good posture while sitting, driving, lifting and exercising can reduce wear and tear and injuries to the muscles, joints and bones of the legs and feet. Wearing appropriate footwear while working out and being aware of surroundings to avoid falls and other injuries are also ways to prevent foot and leg pain.

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