#MyMeds

Leg pain can be due to a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse). Common causes of cramps include:

Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium in the bloodMedicines (such as diuretics and statins)Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time

An injury can also cause leg pain from:

A torn or overstretched muscle (strain)Hairline crack in the bone (stress fracture)Inflamed tendon (tendinitis)Shin splints (pain in the front of the leg from overuse)

Other common causes of leg pain include:

Atherosclerosis that blocks blood flow in the arteries (this type of pain, called claudication, is generally felt when exercising or walking and is relieved by rest)Blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) from long-term bed restInfection of the bone (osteomyelitis) or skin and soft tissue (cellulitis)Inflammation of the leg joints caused byarthritis or goutNerve damage common in people with diabetes, smokers, and alcoholicsVaricose veins