Left Leg Pain in Strokes

A potentially disabling and life-threatening condition, stroke primarily threatens older individuals yet may affect those of any age. Pain radiating throughout either leg frequently signals the onset of a brain in distress.

Identification

• Pain in either leg may indicate a stroke brought on by insufficient oxygen and blood reaching the body's control center. This attack kills brain cells and affects all human extremities.

Significance

• Although the problem emanates from the brain, it affects the entire body. "Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body" is a warning sign that a stroke may be under way, according to the American Heart Association.

Symptoms

• Sensations of numbness or tingling throughout the face and neck develop as do confusion, difficulty speaking, headaches, vision problems, dizziness, trouble walking and loss of coordination or balance.

Females

• Women seem to frequently experience leg pain as a sign of stroke, with symptoms such as hiccups, nausea, shortness of breath and fatigue also more prevalent in females than men, according to the U.S. National Women's Health Information Center.

Considerations

• Leg pain also indicates peripheral artery disease (PAD), a form of cardiovascular disease where blood and oxygen flow to the legs becomes blocked. Left untreated, PAD may eventually contribute to stroke.