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In many cases, leg pain does not come on its own, but can be preceded by a state of swelling.
Leg swelling is a common problem, especially among women who spend a lot of time in a static position, such as standing or sitting. This symptom is so frequent that it often goes unnoticed, as if it were an inevitable consequence of the passing of time. On the other hand, when the swelling is associated with a sense of heaviness and pain, it arouses the first, inevitable, worries, pushing the subject towards a check-up visit.
Since leg pain - possibly associated with swelling and heaviness - can hide various pathologies of clinical interest, it is important to carefully establish the cause. In such situations, a medical consultation will allow to assess the presence of pathological conditions and to intervene early to facilitate their resolution.
), if it was the result of trauma or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as back pain.The specialist must also receive information on the possible use of drugs (contraceptive pills, cortisone drugs, calcium antagonists, etc.) and on the general state of health (with particular attention to liver, kidney and thyroid function).
The evaluation of these parameters will help the doctor to formulate an initial diagnosis, which will then be confirmed by clinical examinations (characteristics of swelling and overlying skin, search for varicose veins, evaluation of blood pressure, mobility of the joints, postural examination, etc.).
its most common symptom (the pain in the legs progressively intensifies until it is impossible to perform the movement, it ceases after a short period of rest and recurs again during the exercise).
When the pain continues despite the rest, a specialist check-up must be performed urgently: it could be an "important arterial occlusion.
Varicose veins
In the case of varicose veins, the legs - in addition to being swollen - are often painful, especially when standing for several hours.
In correspondence of the varicose veins there is an area of increased sensation of heat (hyperthermia), sometimes accompanied by a strong sense of itching. Initial skin changes of an eczematous type (redness and itching) are observed which progressively worsen until reaching a varicose ulcer (bleeding lesion).
Thrombosis
Thrombosis tends to occur in only one limb. The affected leg appears swollen, warm and the edema takes on a soft consistency.
An urgent medical examination is necessary because the thrombus can detach, go to the pulmonary circulation and cause death by embolism (sudden obstruction of an arterial branch of the pulmonary circulation).
Venous thrombosis is a serious and possible complication of pathologies that lead to a stasis of venous blood. Pulmonary embolism should therefore be suspected whenever sudden chest pain appears in carriers of deep venous circulation diseases.
Arthritis
Arthritis usually affects a joint, such as the knee or hip. The pain can occur at any time, for example when the person stands up after sitting for a while. "The stiffness of the affected joint, which tends to" melt "with movement, is also typical.
An x-ray is often required to confirm the diagnosis.
Sciatica
Sciatica is characterized by intense pain that extends from the lower back, along the back and outer part of the thigh, down to the lateral leg and foot (sciatica). It is due to compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, generally following a disc disease, vertebral arthrosis or a herniated disc. Diagnostic confirmation is obtained by undergoing a CT scan.
Muscle cramps
There are various types of muscle cramps that can be the result of heavy work or a leg injury. Recurrent muscle cramps that occur during the night can be very painful, but are rarely an expression of vascular disease. The exact cause of cramps, in fact, is not yet known, just as there is no universal remedy. In the summer months, a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and liquids, possibly supported by saline supplements (for example if you sweat a lot), can be useful. or if you perform an "intense work activity)
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by an unpleasant sensation in the legs and an "uncontrollable urge to move them while resting, especially when the person is trying to fall asleep. To relieve the disorder, it is sometimes necessary to get out of bed. bed and walking around it. It causes difficulties in falling asleep and the possible, frequent movements of the legs can cause nocturnal awakenings. Often the clinical examination does not reveal any basic physical problem. Various medications and acupuncture can help.
, such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or diclofenac) which are able to exert an anti-inflammatory and, at the same time, analgesic action.In the event that the pain in the legs is caused by a thrombosis, however, the doctor may decide to prescribe a prophylactic therapy based on anticoagulants, in order to avoid the formation of new thrombi.
In any case, regardless of the triggering cause, pain in the legs is a disorder that should not be underestimated, as it could represent the alarm signal that indicates the presence of a "possible underlying disease, sometimes even very serious.
