Leg pain is distressing, especially if you haven’t determined the cause and a plan for relief. The leg comprises an intricate web of bone, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, and the potential for leg pain can be significant.

Leg pain can come in many forms, from sharp to dull or tingling, to burning, radiating, or aching. It can come on suddenly as may occur with ligament or tendon injuries or a fracture; it can slowly build up over time and can be chronic and persistent.

Many types of leg pain resulting from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries, but different causes can have similar symptoms, so it’s important to be evaluated by a specialist if your pain is interfering with everyday life.

Common sources of pain include cramps – sometimes called a Charley Horse – shin splints, hamstring strains, and stress fractures, and can impact anyone – not just athletes.

Cramps, for example, can be caused by physical exertion or dehydration or related to pregnancy or other medical circumstances. Stress fractures and shin splints can both be caused by overuse and repetitive force, such as that which occurs with running, jumping, or any activity that puts weight on the legs. People who have osteoporosis or poor diet may also experience stress fractures due to bone weakness.

Many types of leg pain can be managed at home without medical intervention using a simple remedy known as RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence’s orthopedic specialists may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen, depending on the severity and nature of a patient’s leg pain.

If you have severe symptoms, such as swelling, signs of infection (fever, redness), or prolonged pain that won’t go away, it’s time to see a doctor. Difficulty walking, being unable to put weight on the leg, or experiencing numbness or tingling, could also indicate something more severe like poor circulation, blood clots, nerve damage, or tumors.

That’s when you should see the knowledgeable, experienced doctors at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence who specialize in treating leg pain and are highly adept at ruling out what is truly serious. Getting the proper care for any leg pain is essential to get you moving again and can also prevent serious complications later.

With thorough examinations and the use of advanced imaging that can include x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, the doctors at CCOE can pinpoint the problem and make diagnoses in even the most complex and rare conditions. Experiencing any leg pain doesn’t mean surgery is needed, and conservative, non-invasive therapy is almost always the first course of action.

At the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence, our experienced leg doctors are highly sought after for their innovative therapies and evidence-based treatments. Patients benefit not only from the latest technological advancements and procedures but from a multidisciplinary approach to delivering world-class, compassionate care from diagnosis through rehabilitation. At CCOE, our goal is simple: to be your first and foremost choice for treating leg pain. Our offices are conveniently located across the Colorado Springs corridor, and it’s easy to make an appointment. Find the provider that fits your needs, and contact us today.