When to See a Doctor for Leg Pain - Healthgrades

Jan 29, 2021
Services

Overview

If you are experiencing leg pain, it is important to understand when it may be necessary to see a doctor. Leg pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and its causes can vary significantly. While some leg pain may resolve on its own with rest and self-care, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

Common Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions and injuries. Some common causes of leg pain include:

  • Muscle strains and sprains
  • Overuse injuries
  • Tendonitis
  • Shin splints
  • Stress fractures
  • Varicose veins
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Arthritis
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Nerve compression or damage

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of leg pain can be managed with conservative measures such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), there are certain signs and symptoms that should not be ignored and require prompt medical evaluation. If you experience any of the following, it is advisable to consult with a doctor:

1. Severe Pain

If you are experiencing severe, unrelenting pain in your leg, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Do not ignore severe pain; seek medical attention as soon as possible.

2. Rapid Swelling

If your leg is rapidly swelling along with the pain, it may indicate an underlying issue such as DVT or an injury that requires medical evaluation. Swelling can be a sign of inflammation or an obstruction in blood flow.

3. Inability to Bear Weight

If you are unable to put weight on your leg or experience severe pain when trying to walk or stand, it is important to see a doctor. This may indicate a fracture, ligament tear, or other serious injury that needs medical attention.

4. Redness and Warmth

Redness and warmth in the affected leg can be signs of infection or inflammation. If you notice these symptoms along with pain, it is recommended to consult with a physician to determine the underlying cause.

5. Numbness or Tingling

If you experience numbness or tingling in your leg, it could be a result of nerve compression or damage. This warrants medical evaluation to identify the cause and prevent further complications.

6. History of Trauma

If you have recently experienced a significant trauma or injury to your leg, it is crucial to see a doctor, even if the pain is mild. Trauma can cause fractures, sprains, or other internal injuries that may require medical intervention.

7. Persistent Symptoms

If your leg pain persists or worsens over time, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Chronic leg pain may be indicative of an underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

Expert Care for Leg Pain - Benjamin Shettell, MD

When it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of leg pain, it is vital to consult with an experienced specialist. Benjamin Shettell, MD, is a renowned physician specializing in the care of bones, joints, and muscles. With years of expertise, Dr. Shettell provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for various leg pain conditions.

If you are experiencing leg pain and are uncertain about the severity or underlying cause, schedule an appointment with Dr. Shettell today. Early intervention and proper medical care can help alleviate pain, prevent further complications, and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion

Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While some instances can be managed with self-care, certain symptoms require medical attention. Do not hesitate to consult with Benjamin Shettell, MD, for expert care and customized treatment options. Prioritize your health and seek appropriate care to effectively manage and address your leg pain concerns.

Brittany Theroux
Thanks for the info!
Nov 9, 2023
Stephen Klimacek
Understanding when to seek medical attention for leg pain is a crucial aspect of self-care. This article does a great job of outlining that.
Nov 9, 2023
Robert Molinari
Leg pain is no joke. It's important to know when to seek professional help. This article provides valuable insights on that topic.
Oct 24, 2023
Jeff Whittle
Leg pain can be concerning. It's crucial to know when to seek medical help.
Oct 18, 2023
Debby Malen
This article provides valuable information on when to seek medical attention for leg pain. It's always important to seek professional advice if the pain is persistent or severe.
Oct 14, 2023
Steve Harper
Leg pain can be so distressing, but understanding when to see a doctor can provide much-needed relief. Thank you for sharing this important information!
Sep 28, 2023
Stephen Coan
Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain can be a game-changer. This article offers important insights for anyone dealing with this issue.
Sep 25, 2023
Paul Serff
Leg pain can be quite concerning. Having clear advice on when to seek medical attention is so important. Thanks for the insights!
Sep 6, 2023
Sarah Dudas
Recognizing when to see a doctor for leg pain is a critical step in taking care of our health. This article does a great job of highlighting that.
Aug 15, 2023
Herbert Vongpusanachai
It's great to have a resource that outlines when to seek medical advice for leg pain. This article offers important guidance for anyone dealing with such issues.
Jul 31, 2023
Jennifer Fox
Having clear guidance on when to seek medical advice for leg pain is invaluable. This article provides important information for anyone experiencing such issues.
Jul 1, 2023
Beth Talabisco
Leg pain can be so distressing, but understanding when to see a doctor can provide much-needed relief. Thank you for sharing this important information!
Jun 26, 2023
Kristina Long
It's great to have a resource that outlines when to seek medical advice for leg pain. This article offers important guidance for anyone dealing with such issues.
Jun 24, 2023
Anna Bautro
Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain can be a game-changer. This article offers important insights for anyone dealing with this issue.
Jun 14, 2023
Christian Godske
Leg pain can be quite worrying. Having clear advice on when to see a doctor is so important. Thanks for providing such valuable information!
Jun 9, 2023
Sheela Kalawar
Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain can be a game-changer. This article offers important insights for anyone dealing with this issue.
Jun 7, 2023
Beryl Stokes
Recognizing when to see a doctor for leg pain is a critical step in taking care of our health. This article does a great job of emphasizing that.
Jun 5, 2023
Chittaranjan Bhat
Recognizing when to see a doctor for leg pain is a critical step in taking care of our health. This article does a great job of emphasizing that.
May 24, 2023
Geoff Kozma
I've struggled with leg pain in the past, and I appreciate this article's emphasis on when to see a doctor. It's an important aspect of managing such symptoms.
May 12, 2023
Jim Peters
Leg pain can be quite worrying. Having clear advice on when to see a doctor is so important. Thanks for providing such valuable information!
Apr 8, 2023
Ashley Sanders
Leg pain can be quite concerning. Having clear advice on when to seek medical attention is so important. Thanks for the insights!
Apr 7, 2023
Shane Wilson
It's great to have a resource that outlines when to seek medical advice for leg pain. This article offers important guidance for anyone dealing with such issues.
Mar 24, 2023
Ladonna Settles
Understanding when to seek medical attention for leg pain is a crucial aspect of self-care. This article does a great job of outlining that.
Mar 16, 2023
Altruro Riveria
I've experienced leg pain and knowing when to see a doctor can definitely help in avoiding unnecessary suffering. Thanks for the insights!
Mar 14, 2023
Ankit Yadav
Understanding when to seek medical attention for leg pain is a crucial aspect of self-care. This article does a great job of outlining that.
Mar 12, 2023
Kari Baker
I've found this article to be very helpful. It provides clear guidance on when to seek medical attention for leg pain, which is crucial for proper care.
Mar 8, 2023
Vikram Reddy
Leg pain is no joke. It's important to know when to seek professional help. This article provides valuable insights on that topic.
Feb 25, 2023
Mitch Davis
Leg pain can be quite worrying. Having clear advice on when to see a doctor is so important. Thanks for providing such valuable information!
Feb 23, 2023
Joshua Williamson
Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain can be a game-changer. This article offers important insights for anyone dealing with this issue.
Feb 11, 2023
Dave McKee
Thanks for the helpful article. Leg pain can be distressing, but knowing when to see a doctor can make a big difference in finding relief.
Feb 9, 2023
Paul Flower
As someone who has dealt with leg pain, I find this article valuable. Knowing when to see a doctor is key to finding relief.
Feb 5, 2023
Janik Zabirov
I've struggled with leg pain in the past, and I appreciate this article's emphasis on when to see a doctor. It's an important aspect of managing such symptoms.
Jan 4, 2023
Don Lovasz
Leg pain is no joke. It's important to know when to seek professional help. This article provides valuable insights on that topic.
Dec 25, 2022
Celine Guillou
Leg pain can be quite concerning. Having clear advice on when to seek medical attention is so important. Thanks for the insights!
Dec 4, 2022
Phyllis Post
This article provides helpful information on when to seek medical attention for leg pain. It's always important to seek professional advice if the pain is persistent or severe. ?
Dec 1, 2022
Paul Schubert
This article provides valuable information on when to seek medical attention for leg pain. It's always important to seek professional advice if the pain is persistent or severe.
Nov 3, 2022
Mayra Trabulse
Thanks for the helpful article. Leg pain can be distressing, but knowing when to see a doctor can make a big difference in finding relief.
Oct 17, 2022
Brady Dick
I've found this article to be very helpful. It provides clear guidance on when to seek medical attention for leg pain, which is crucial for proper care.
Oct 17, 2022
Ashkan Azadi
Leg pain can be quite worrying. Having clear advice on when to see a doctor is so important. Thanks for providing such valuable information!
Oct 17, 2022
Sambal Digital
Understanding when to seek medical attention for leg pain is a crucial aspect of self-care. This article does a great job of outlining that.
Oct 9, 2022
Lori Caden
I've struggled with leg pain in the past, and I appreciate this article's emphasis on when to see a doctor. It's an important aspect of managing such symptoms.
Oct 6, 2022
Charles C Cahn MD Internist
Thanks for the helpful article. Leg pain can be distressing, but knowing when to see a doctor can make a big difference in finding relief.
Sep 15, 2022
Bryson Alef
Being aware of when to seek medical attention for leg pain is crucial for proper management. This article provides helpful guidance.
Sep 9, 2022
Nik
Leg pain can be frustrating, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Thanks for providing such helpful guidance in this article!
Sep 8, 2022
Emil Kaleshkovski
Recognizing when to see a doctor for leg pain is a critical step in taking care of our health. This article does a great job of emphasizing that.
Sep 7, 2022
Joel Feiger
I've struggled with leg pain in the past, and I appreciate this article's emphasis on when to see a doctor. It's an important aspect of managing such symptoms.
Sep 1, 2022
Heather Ellis
It's great to have a resource that outlines when to seek medical advice for leg pain. This article offers important guidance for anyone dealing with such issues.
Aug 31, 2022
Kathy Braddish
Leg pain can be so debilitating at times. It's helpful to have a resource that outlines when it's necessary to seek professional help.
Aug 18, 2022
Mike Holt
Leg pain can be quite worrying. Having guidelines on when to see a doctor can alleviate some of the concern. Thanks for sharing!
Aug 12, 2022
Alexander Spotnitz
Having clear guidance on when to seek medical advice for leg pain is invaluable. This article provides important information for anyone experiencing such issues.
Jul 30, 2022
Maureen Cupo
This article provides valuable information on when to seek medical attention for leg pain. It's always important to seek professional advice if the pain is persistent or severe.
Jul 29, 2022
Laurie Taylor
Leg pain can be frustrating, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Thanks for providing such helpful guidance in this article!
Jun 18, 2022
19969
It's great to have a resource that outlines when to seek medical advice for leg pain. This article offers important guidance for anyone dealing with such issues.
Jun 8, 2022
Courtney Merchant
Thanks for the helpful article. Leg pain can be distressing, but knowing when to see a doctor can make a big difference in getting the right treatment.
May 29, 2022
Cavanaugh Patrick
I've struggled with leg pain in the past, and I appreciate this article's emphasis on when to see a doctor. It's an important aspect of managing such symptoms.
May 8, 2022
Matt Paull
Having clear guidance on when to seek medical advice for leg pain is invaluable. This article provides important information for anyone experiencing such issues.
May 6, 2022
Keith Pagello
I've found this article to be very helpful. It provides clear guidance on when to seek medical attention for leg pain, which is crucial for proper care.
Apr 23, 2022
Tore Stole
Leg pain is no joke. It's important to know when to seek professional help. This article provides valuable information on that topic.
Apr 18, 2022
Nancy Nye
Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain can be a game-changer. This article offers important insights for anyone dealing with this issue.
Apr 2, 2022
Karen Kuratko
Having clear guidance on when to seek medical advice for leg pain is invaluable. This article provides important information for anyone experiencing such issues.
Mar 14, 2022
Lloyd Dennis
Leg pain can be frustrating, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Thanks for providing such helpful guidance in this article!
Mar 5, 2022
Jeff Craugh
This article provides helpful information on when to seek medical attention for leg pain. It's always important to seek professional advice if the pain is persistent or severe.
Mar 3, 2022
Douglas Thralls
Understanding when to seek medical attention for leg pain is a crucial aspect of self-care. This article does a great job of outlining that.
Feb 20, 2022
Patrick Eaton
Thanks for the informative article! It's important to know when to seek medical advice for leg pain.
Feb 16, 2022
Bob Kelleher
Leg pain can be so distressing, but understanding when to see a doctor can provide much-needed relief. Thank you for sharing this important information!
Feb 5, 2022
Angelika Lipkin
It's reassuring to have clear information on when to seek medical advice for leg pain. This article is a great resource for those struggling with such issues.
Jan 23, 2022
Kevin Maynard
Leg pain is not something to be ignored. Understanding when to see a doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Jan 16, 2022
Icham
Leg pain can be so distressing, but understanding when to see a doctor can provide much-needed relief. Thank you for sharing this important information!
Jan 11, 2022
Marguerite Kymn
Leg pain can be quite concerning. Having clear guidance on when to seek medical advice is so important. Thanks for the insights!
Jan 10, 2022
Jordan Permain
I've found this article to be very helpful. It provides clear guidance on when to seek medical attention for leg pain, which is crucial for proper care.
Jan 7, 2022
Kate Borges
I appreciate the clear guidelines provided in this article. Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain is crucial for proper care.
Jan 7, 2022
Shilpa Bagmane
Knowing when to see a doctor for leg pain can be a game-changer. This article offers important insights for anyone dealing with this issue.
Nov 30, 2021
Bob Arnoni
I've found this article to be very helpful. It provides clear guidance on when to seek medical attention for leg pain, which is crucial for proper care.
Nov 18, 2021
Matthew Shilts
Leg pain can be quite concerning. Having clear advice on when to seek medical attention is so important. Thanks for the insights!
Nov 7, 2021
Reggie Grant
I've found this article to be very helpful. It provides clear guidance on when to seek medical attention for leg pain, which is crucial for proper care.
Oct 31, 2021
Dmitry Davydov
Leg pain is no joke. It's important to know when to seek professional help. This article provides valuable insights on that topic.
Oct 27, 2021
Nitima Taokaew
Leg pain can be quite worrying. Having clear guidelines on when to see a doctor is so important. Thanks for providing such valuable information!
Oct 27, 2021
Timothy O'Reilly
Recognizing when to see a doctor for leg pain is a critical step in taking care of our health. This article does a great job of emphasizing that.
Oct 15, 2021
Kathleen Gottschalk
It's a relief to have clear advice on when to see a doctor for leg pain. This article is a great resource for anyone dealing with such issues.
Sep 23, 2021
Scott Richards
Leg pain can be quite concerning. Having clear advice on when to seek medical attention is so important. Thanks for the insights!
Aug 13, 2021
Dan Woo
It's reassuring to have clear information on when to seek medical advice for leg pain. This article is a great reference for anyone dealing with such issues.
Jul 24, 2021
Victor Valentin
This article provides valuable information on when to seek medical attention for leg pain. It's always important to seek professional advice if the pain is persistent or severe.
Jul 19, 2021
Darren Fry
Leg pain can be frustrating, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Thanks for providing such helpful guidance in this article!
Jul 13, 2021
Bill Harris
Thanks for the helpful article. Leg pain can be distressing, but knowing when to see a doctor can make a big difference in finding relief.
Jun 22, 2021
Blake Gillum
Having clear guidance on when to seek medical advice for leg pain is invaluable. This article provides important information for anyone experiencing such issues.
Jun 16, 2021
Yves Lacombe
Leg pain can be frustrating, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Thanks for providing such helpful guidance in this article!
Jun 10, 2021
Nancy Nagler
This article has emphasized the importance of listening to our bodies. Knowing when to seek medical attention for leg pain can make a big difference in recovery.
Jun 4, 2021
Brian Davisson
Recognizing when to see a doctor for leg pain is a critical step in taking care of our health. This article does a great job of emphasizing that.
May 21, 2021
Bernard Betts
It's great to have a resource that outlines when to see a doctor for leg pain. This article provides important information for anyone dealing with such issues.
Apr 7, 2021
Eric Bone
Leg pain is no joke. It's important to know when to seek professional help. This article provides valuable insights on that topic.
Mar 26, 2021
Michelle Spohnholz
Thanks for the helpful article. Leg pain can be distressing, but knowing when to see a doctor can make a big difference in finding relief.
Mar 21, 2021
Peggy Purvis
I've struggled with leg pain in the past, and I appreciate this article's emphasis on when to see a doctor. It's an important aspect of managing such symptoms.
Mar 17, 2021
Jerry Criddle
Leg pain can be frustrating, but knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Thanks for providing such helpful guidance in this article!
Mar 7, 2021
Sherry Oikawa-Kennedy
Leg pain can be so distressing, but understanding when to see a doctor can provide much-needed relief. Thank you for sharing this important information!
Feb 15, 2021