Ouch! My Leg Hurts!
Pain in the lower extremities is a very common complaint that affects people both young and old. Leg pain can be very brief or constant, depending on what may be causing it. It could be an overall pain covering the entire leg or could be very localized. Leg pain is very varied, and could just cause mild discomfort in some cases, and in others, could be so debilitating as to affect quality of life.
No matter what the cause, leg pain should be taken seriously, since it could signal a more serious underlying vascular condition called deep vein thrombosis which could be life threatening.
If you are an athlete, you would know how scary a leg injury can be. It can keep you away from performing or enjoying the activities you love the most. Leg injuries are even common in teens and can occur while playing or from accidental falls. If you are above 35 years of age, then you are likely to develop leg fractures or injuries due to the loss of muscle mass and bone strength.
What is a Leg Injury
Your legs have several components like muscles, bones, tissues and blood vessels. Any injury to these components causes sprain, joint dislocations and even fractured of the bones. An injury to the leg causes debilitating pain when you walk or stand. A lower leg injury is a condition, where the tissues and joints of your knees or ankles are being damaged or hurt.
Types Of Leg Injuries
Sprain: Tearing of the ligaments (group of connective issues) is a common type of leg injury found in around 60% of American teens and adults. The key signs of a leg sprain include swelling and severe pain.
Strain: Stretching or tearing of your leg muscles is yet another prevalent disorder. Intolerable pain and swelling are the common signs of a pulled or strain muscle.
Fracture: If you have a fractured bone or a broken bone, there is a thin crack in your tibia (largest bone in the lower leg). In some rare cases, the tibia is completely broken and causes severe pain.
Dislocation: In this condition, a bone in your lower leg is being pulled out of its joints. A dislocated kneecap (patella) is the common dislocation disorder.
Leg Injury Treatment
An important physical therapy (PT) treatment to recover quickly from leg injuries is to gain back your lost muscle strength. Exercises will also help you alleviate the pain and regain your functional physical mobility.
Symptoms Of Leg Pain
- Leg bruising
- Leg swelling
- Leg tenderness
- Intermittent claudication (pain on walking, subsiding with rest)
- Pins and needles sensation
- Pain shooting down the leg
How We Treat Leg Pain
Your physical therapist will recommend treatment modalities based on initial examination, any underlying conditions, and in certain cases, any recommendations your physician might make. Direct Access makes it possible for you to see a physical therapist without the need for a prescription.
A physical therapist plays a key role in providing relief from the sufferings of a leg injury and ensures speedy recovery. For broken leg treatment in Richmond VA, feel free to visit RVA Physical Therapy.
Direct Access
More information on direct access can be found here: https://www.rvaphysicaltherapy.com/direct-access/