Shooting pain from knee to foot: Sharp Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Causes of sharp, shooting pain in the leg that comes and goes
Sharp, shooting pain in the leg may result from a cramp, an injury, a pinched or damaged nerve, and other issues. Home remedies include exercise and applying an ice pack, but medical treatment may be necessary.
While intermittent leg pain is rarely a medical emergency, contact a healthcare professional immediately if the pain is severe or if blood circulation in the leg seems to be limited or cut off.
In this article, we explore several possible causes of sharp, shooting leg pain. We also look at treatments and when to see a doctor.
Share on PinterestIntermittent leg pain may worsen with pressure and may accompany a numb, tingling sensation.
Sharp, shooting pain can occur anywhere in one or both legs, and it may move up or down the leg. A doctor may refer to this as intermittent leg pain.
The pain may worsen with pressure, which can make it difficult to walk or climb the stairs.
In some cases, intermittent leg pain accompanies a numb, tingling sensation. Other symptoms might include:
- muscle weakness
- dull aching
- cramping
- twitching in the leg
The following are potential causes of sharp, shooting leg pain that comes and goes:
Cramping
Cramps are sudden, shooting muscle pains, often in the calves, hamstrings, or quadriceps. The exact causes are unclear, but muscle fatigue is one factor that may contribute.
The pain of leg cramps can be mild to severe. It may last for a few seconds or minutes, but it usually goes away without intervention.
Injury
Muscle, tendon, or ligament damage can cause leg pain. This might worsen when putting pressure on the leg, such as by walking.
An injury may also cause:
- swelling
- redness
- bruising
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy refers to a pinched nerve in the spine causing a range of symptoms throughout the body. It may be a result of arthritis or a ruptured disk in the spine.
Lumbar radiculopathy, also known as sciatica, happens when the pinched nerve is in the lower back. It can cause sharp, shooting pain that moves down the legs. Other symptoms include:
- back pain
- muscle weakness
- tingling and numbness in the legs or back
Atherosclerosis
Certain health issues that affect the heart can cause leg pain. Atherosclerosis, for example, occurs when fatty substances called plaques harden in the arteries, causing them to narrow.
Atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which involves the narrowing of arteries that serve the lower body.
PAD can cause sharp leg pains that come and go with leg activity. The pain may occur with cramping, which may spread to the hips.
Other symptoms of PAD include:
- decreased hair growth on the legs
- cold legs or feet
- slowed growth of toenails
- slowing of wound healing in the legs or feet
- loss of hair on the limbs, hands, or feet
- erectile dysfunction
- gangrene
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a long-term complication of diabetes, and it involves nerve damage. It can result when high blood sugar levels go unchecked for long periods.
The damage sometimes affects the nerves that run down the legs, causing pain in the area.
Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include:
- a burning sensation
- tingling and numbness
- muscle weakness
A doctor diagnoses the cause of intermittent leg pain by asking about symptoms. They may also ask how the pain feels, how frequently it occurs, and whether there are any triggers, such as walking.
In addition, the doctor checks the person’s records and asks about their personal and family medical histories, to find out, for example, whether there is a family history of PAD.
The doctor then performs a physical examination, which may include checking the pulse and testing the person’s musculoskeletal and neurological functioning.
There may be a need for further testing, which might include medical imaging, such as an MRI. The doctor may also check for any other changes, by taking the person’s blood pressure, for example.
The treatment for leg pain depends on its cause.
In some cases, the pain goes away without professional treatment. For example, the best way to treat a leg cramp is to stretch the muscle and hold the stretch until the symptoms ease.
In other cases, a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and treat the pain. Physical therapy is another option for improving flexibility and strength in the leg.
A doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as:
- quitting smoking, if applicable
- limiting the intake of alcohol, if applicable
- making dietary changes
- getting more exercise
If inflammation is a factor, it can help to apply an ice pack to the area. Keeping the leg elevated and resting it may keep the issue from worsening, and compression bandages can also help with inflammation.
In most other cases, remaining physically active and stretching the leg can be helpful.
Some causes of leg pain, such as cramps and minor muscle injuries, do not require medical care. The symptoms usually go away on their own as the area heals.
However, a doctor needs to treat severe injuries, such as fractures. They can also determine whether severe or persistent pain results from an underlying condition, such as PAD.
Several issues can cause sharp, shooting leg pain that comes and goes, ranging from cramping and minor injuries to more serious health issues, such as neuropathy and PAD.
The pain may accompany other symptoms, such as muscle weakness or numbness.
While cramps and minor injuries tend to heal on their own, it is a good idea to see a doctor about severe or persistent pain.
Causes of sharp, shooting pain in the leg that comes and goes
Sharp, shooting pain in the leg may result from a cramp, an injury, a pinched or damaged nerve, and other issues. Home remedies include exercise and applying an ice pack, but medical treatment may be necessary.
While intermittent leg pain is rarely a medical emergency, contact a healthcare professional immediately if the pain is severe or if blood circulation in the leg seems to be limited or cut off.
In this article, we explore several possible causes of sharp, shooting leg pain. We also look at treatments and when to see a doctor.
Share on PinterestIntermittent leg pain may worsen with pressure and may accompany a numb, tingling sensation.
Sharp, shooting pain can occur anywhere in one or both legs, and it may move up or down the leg. A doctor may refer to this as intermittent leg pain.
The pain may worsen with pressure, which can make it difficult to walk or climb the stairs.
In some cases, intermittent leg pain accompanies a numb, tingling sensation. Other symptoms might include:
- muscle weakness
- dull aching
- cramping
- twitching in the leg
The following are potential causes of sharp, shooting leg pain that comes and goes:
Cramping
Cramps are sudden, shooting muscle pains, often in the calves, hamstrings, or quadriceps. The exact causes are unclear, but muscle fatigue is one factor that may contribute.
The pain of leg cramps can be mild to severe. It may last for a few seconds or minutes, but it usually goes away without intervention.
Injury
Muscle, tendon, or ligament damage can cause leg pain. This might worsen when putting pressure on the leg, such as by walking.
An injury may also cause:
- swelling
- redness
- bruising
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy refers to a pinched nerve in the spine causing a range of symptoms throughout the body. It may be a result of arthritis or a ruptured disk in the spine.
Lumbar radiculopathy, also known as sciatica, happens when the pinched nerve is in the lower back. It can cause sharp, shooting pain that moves down the legs. Other symptoms include:
- back pain
- muscle weakness
- tingling and numbness in the legs or back
Atherosclerosis
Certain health issues that affect the heart can cause leg pain. Atherosclerosis, for example, occurs when fatty substances called plaques harden in the arteries, causing them to narrow.
Atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which involves the narrowing of arteries that serve the lower body.
PAD can cause sharp leg pains that come and go with leg activity. The pain may occur with cramping, which may spread to the hips.
Other symptoms of PAD include:
- decreased hair growth on the legs
- cold legs or feet
- slowed growth of toenails
- slowing of wound healing in the legs or feet
- loss of hair on the limbs, hands, or feet
- erectile dysfunction
- gangrene
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a long-term complication of diabetes, and it involves nerve damage. It can result when high blood sugar levels go unchecked for long periods.
The damage sometimes affects the nerves that run down the legs, causing pain in the area.
Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include:
- a burning sensation
- tingling and numbness
- muscle weakness
A doctor diagnoses the cause of intermittent leg pain by asking about symptoms. They may also ask how the pain feels, how frequently it occurs, and whether there are any triggers, such as walking.
In addition, the doctor checks the person’s records and asks about their personal and family medical histories, to find out, for example, whether there is a family history of PAD.
The doctor then performs a physical examination, which may include checking the pulse and testing the person’s musculoskeletal and neurological functioning.
There may be a need for further testing, which might include medical imaging, such as an MRI. The doctor may also check for any other changes, by taking the person’s blood pressure, for example.
The treatment for leg pain depends on its cause.
In some cases, the pain goes away without professional treatment. For example, the best way to treat a leg cramp is to stretch the muscle and hold the stretch until the symptoms ease.
In other cases, a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and treat the pain. Physical therapy is another option for improving flexibility and strength in the leg.
A doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as:
- quitting smoking, if applicable
- limiting the intake of alcohol, if applicable
- making dietary changes
- getting more exercise
If inflammation is a factor, it can help to apply an ice pack to the area. Keeping the leg elevated and resting it may keep the issue from worsening, and compression bandages can also help with inflammation.
In most other cases, remaining physically active and stretching the leg can be helpful.
Some causes of leg pain, such as cramps and minor muscle injuries, do not require medical care. The symptoms usually go away on their own as the area heals.
However, a doctor needs to treat severe injuries, such as fractures. They can also determine whether severe or persistent pain results from an underlying condition, such as PAD.
Several issues can cause sharp, shooting leg pain that comes and goes, ranging from cramping and minor injuries to more serious health issues, such as neuropathy and PAD.
The pain may accompany other symptoms, such as muscle weakness or numbness.
While cramps and minor injuries tend to heal on their own, it is a good idea to see a doctor about severe or persistent pain.
Knee pain: causes, treatment, why knees hurt, what to do, which doctor to contact
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Pain in the joints of the legs – a consequence of injury or damage to the joints. Most often, people go to the doctor with a complaint of pain in the knees. The next most common complaint is pain in the hip joint, pain in the joints of the foot and fingers is less common.
The joints of the legs are the strongest joints in the body, because they are designed for the pressure of the entire body weight, fast walking and running. But even they can not withstand a sedentary lifestyle and excessive stress.
Causes
Joint pain is divided into primary and secondary.
Primary pain associated with injury or disease of the joint itself.
Secondary appear against the background of other diseases: disorders of the immune and hormonal systems, metabolism, chronic diseases of internal organs and infectious diseases.
Primary joint pain:
Arthritis
The most common joint disease. Arthritis develops against the background of neglected trauma, infectious and autoimmune diseases. There are two subgroups of arthritis: acute and chronic. In acute arthritis, joint pain is sharp, accompanied by severe swelling, redness and fever of the joint. In chronic cases, the joint constantly aches, but there is no severe swelling and redness. The patient quickly gets used to and ceases to pay attention to pain until the joint is completely destroyed. With arthritis, the joints often hurt constantly, over time there are problems with flexion and extension.
Arthrosis
Wear and tear of the cartilage tissue of the joint. With arthrosis, the cartilage loses its elasticity, becomes thinner, and metabolism in the cartilaginous tissue is disturbed. Most often it affects the knee joints. Arthrosis is characterized by aching pain, weaker after sleep and aggravated during the day. The intensity of pain increases with leg tension and pressure on the joint. With advanced arthrosis, the pain does not subside even after rest. Other symptoms of osteoarthritis are clicking and crunching in the joint.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the mucous bags of the joints, most often occurs as a complication of injuries. Bursitis is characterized by painful swelling due to abnormal enlargement of the joint sac. The pains vary depending on the stage of development of the disease, they are aching, strong, shooting and throbbing, they can be given outside the joint. Often worse at night.
Secondary joint pain:
Tendinitis
Inflammation of the ligaments and tendons of the legs. The joints of the legs are fixed by a large number of ligaments and tendons, therefore, with tendinitis, both the ligaments and the joints themselves hurt. Typically, pain occurs when moving and pressing on the tendon, accompanied by redness and an increase in skin temperature. With tendonitis, the strength of the tendons is reduced, due to which the mobility of the legs is impaired, painful tendon ruptures and joint dislocations may appear.
Diseases of the lumbosacral spine
The sciatic nerve, which is responsible for the sensitivity of the legs, is attached to the sacral spine, so diseases of the sacrum and lower back radiate pain to the legs. The appearance and mobility of the joints remain normal, and pain occurs simultaneously in all joints, more intense in the hip and weaker in the joints of the feet. Pain in diseases of the spine is constant, does not subside during rest and intensifies with prolonged sitting. In this case, there are sensations of numbness and “goosebumps” on the skin, coldness of the limb, a feeling of weakness and heaviness in the legs.
Treatment of pain in the joints of the legs
If you have pain in the joints of the legs, in no case do not self-medicate. Due to improper treatment, complications can occur, which are much more difficult to cure than the primary disease. Make an appointment with a neurologist or an orthopedic traumatologist. The doctor will listen to complaints, palpate, prescribe an additional examination: ultrasound, MRI, arthroscopy and laboratory tests.
After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will make a treatment plan. Joint treatment includes taking various medications: anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, chondroprotectors or hormonal ones. Practically all patients are prescribed physical therapy and physiotherapy. In advanced cases, prosthetic surgery is performed.
Prevention tips
- Watch your diet. Eat more wholesome foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that contain a lot of preservatives.
- Stretch your joints frequently. Do gymnastic exercises, sign up for a massage, swimming or aerobics.
- Give up bad habits: strong coffee and tea, alcohol, smoking.
- Avoid excessive stress. If possible, carry heavy loads in multiple sets. If the load cannot be separated, do not lift or carry it alone.
- Do not sit on hard or cold surfaces, this will irritate the sciatic nerve. Place soft cushions on hard chairs.
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Clinic contactsClinic of Phlebology +7 812 649 05 73 St. 04 Directions Appointment We are on TV in the program “Useful consultation” channel “St. Petersburg” Four TV broadcasts on the channel “St. Petersburg”. Themes of the programs of diseases of the veins, their diagnosis and treatment. In the studio Parikov M.A. ENDOVASAL LASER ABLATION (EVLA) Laser treatment of varicose veins using innovative Radial Elves Painless technology EVLT technology How laser treatment is performed Laser treatment for trophic ulcers Reviews of laser treatment Laser instead of a scalpel RADIO FREQUENCY OBLITERATION (RFA) Radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins – an exclusive method? Read more Discussing RFA technology, how unique is this method for the treatment of varicose veins compared to laser treatment, pros and cons. .. Read Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or laser (EVLK)? What to choose? SCLEROTHERAPY How to make injections painless and improve the results of sclerotherapy? The whole truth about spider veins and their treatment So, spider veins or, as they are often called capillaries, and scientifically telangiectases, it is definitely not a disease, but a cosmetic problem! This is the main part of the truth, which is carefully disguised as varicose veins. Read more… For out-of-town patients Laser treatment for trophic ulcerIn the warm season, as a rule, there are more trophic ulcers among patients with varicose veins, and this is probably the most undoubted indication for laser treatment…0056 Trophic disorders are often the reason for visiting a phlebologist. Skin pigmentation, tissue thickening and trophic ulcers cause discomfort and require daily care. By performing laser ablation of dilated veins, we often achieve regression of trophic disorders and symptoms. Often, over the years, hyperpigmentation and inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue decrease after treatment… When do patients complain the most about varicose veins? In summer! When do you want to wear short breeches or shorts? In summer! When do thrombophlebitis most often occur? In summer! When do trophic ulcers open most often? In summer! Then why should varicose veins be treated in the fall? Because it’s a delusion!… 06/14/2017 Interesting topics about varicose veins goatLaser instead of a scalpel – laser treatment of varicose veins At the appointment with a phlebologist New video: “The results of the treatment of varicose veins” Sclerotherapy – a modern look at the method through the eyes of a phlebologist Article: A few words about the treatment of varicose veins Microsclerotherapy: How sclerosed spider veins look at different periods How a consultation is carried out If you plan to come from another city and treat varicose veins with us. .. Useful links 9 0052 Laser under eye vein treatment
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I went through your treatment and consultations with a doctor, I would like to receive certificates for tax purposes. Specify what statements need to be written?… Answer: Yes, of course, write to ivcspb@mail. ru – they will answer all your questions… 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 Total questions: 1575 Clinic contactsPhlebology clinic +7 812 649 05 73 St. Petersburg Directions | Questions to the phlebologistBump on the calves The leg cramped, then a blue lump formed, it hurts. What to do… Possible deepening of the skin due to vessels? A 3.6-year-old child has a stripe, a vertical depression on the forehead, a vessel passes, but why the depressions… Pelvic varices Hello. I have varicose veins of the small pelvis and plus a short pregnancy. Removal of veins under the eyes Hello! Is it possible to remove veins under the eyes with sclerotherapy instead of laser?. |