What Causes Leg Pain (and How to Find Relief)
Leg pain can be caused by overuse, trauma, minor injuries, infection, or severe medical conditions. Although the most common causes are minor, temporary conditions, a prompt diagnosis and treatment of more severe conditions can help prevent pain from worsening and improve your long-term outlook.
Muscle cramps or spasms—commonly known as a Charley horse—often cause leg pain after exercise or during the night while you sleep.
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps in the legs can have a variety of causes, such as:1
- A pinched nerve in the lower back or leg
- Decreased blood flow to your leg muscle
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Muscle overuse (muscle strain)
