Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Physician Dr. John-Paul Rue Discusses When You Should Seek Help for Leg Pain

When is leg pain serious enough to consult a doctor?

Some of the most common causes of leg pain are pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back, which causes radiating pain down the leg, knee injuries, arthritis and blood clots in the lower leg which can be serious.

According to John-Paul Rue, M.D., a fellowship-trained Board Certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with Orthopedics & Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center, if you have leg pain with some swelling, it is important to have that evaluated, especially if it happens after traveling. A simple ultrasound test can determine if you have a blood clot.

"If you have an acute injury, say in a sports activity and there's a muscle sprain/strain, typically we recommend resting it, icing, some compression and elevation. If you don't improve within a week to two weeks, typically we recommend that you have that evaluated," Dr. Rue said.

Leg cramps, spasms or cramps in the leg muscles that don't relax for at least several seconds may be caused by overuse or dehydration. Another cause of ongoing pain and cramping in the legs could be peripheral artery disease, a clogging of the arteries, much like heart disease, that can reduce circulation to the limbs.

The classic symptom of peripheral artery disease is pain in the calf with walking. If it doesn't feel right, contact your doctor.

To view Mercy orthopedics and sports medicine expert Dr. John-Paul Rue’s interview about leg pain, click here.