Leg pain is often a difficult condition to treat, due to different causes. In general, the most common causes of this type of pain include bone disorders, conditions of the circulatory system, or disorders of the muscular system. In some cases, excessive exercise or inactivity can also lead to shooting pains in the legs.
One of the most common causes of leg pain is associated with bone disorders. Bone disorders can range in scope from conditions as simple as broken or fractured bones, to those as serious as bone cancer or herniated discs. Unfortunately, determining the point of origin of a bone disorder can be difficult because these conditions often cause radiating pain from the toes to the hips. People experiencing such symptoms may be better off working with an orthopedist to successfully diagnose and treat the condition.
Circulatory problems are another common cause of stabbing leg pain. Atherosclerosis, which is a condition characterized by blockages in the arteries and veins, can lead to a painful condition known as claudication. This causes sharp, stabbing pain during long periods of walking and can lead to impaired strength and fitness levels. In addition, other similar disorders of the circulatory system, such as varicose veins and blood clots, can also cause such pain. These conditions often require surgery or other forms of complicated treatment to relieve symptoms.
Certain muscle disorders have also been linked to the development of leg pain. Some of these conditions include inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis), strained or torn muscles, and other similar disorders. These conditions often cause selective pain that occurs primarily around one joint, such as the ankle, knee, or hip. Unfortunately, the only way to treat these disorders is long periods of rest and stabilization.
Both intense exercise and significant lack of physical activity are commonly linked to leg pain as well. Exercising for an excessive period of time can often lead to shin splits, for example. This is a painful condition that causes sharp, stabbing pain in the front of the lower leg. Shin splints are most often caused by intense or long periods of running on an extremely hard surface, such as concrete or cement. Similarly, inactivity can often lead to plaque buildup on blood vessels and artery walls, which can lead to painful conditions like muscle cramps and stabbing pains, as well as more serious conditions like strokes and heart attacks.