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Chronic Leg Pain

Everyday tasks can be a struggle,  but treatment options can help you manage your chronic pain and regain your quality of life.

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Understanding Chronic Leg Pain

Chronic leg pain is a persistent discomfort or aching in one or both legs that lasts for several months or longer. Unlike short-term pain that goes away after rest or treatment, chronic leg pain can be constant or recurring, often making simple tasks—like walking, standing, or even sitting—difficult. Managing chronic leg pain is essential to improving quality of life and regaining independence in your daily routine.

Common symptoms of chronic leg pain

Aching Pain
A dull, deep, persistent discomfort, often felt in the joints or throughout the entire leg.

Sharp, Stabbing Pain
A sudden, intense pain that may feel like being stabbed or shocked.

Cramps
Sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles, often caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.

Burning or Tingling Pain
A sensation often described as "pins and needles," burning or electrical-like pain often associated with nerve problems such as sciatica or peripheral neuropathy.

Throbbing or Pulsing Pain
A rhythmic sensation of pain that feels like pulsing or pressure, often caused by varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or muscle inflammation.

Causes of chronic leg pain

The most common cause of chronic leg pain, especially among older adults, is Osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear in the joints, causing pain and stiffness.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is common in people with diabetes, high blood pressure or smokers, causing cramping during physical activity.

Varicose Veins can cause aching and heaviness in the legs, particularly among older adults.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It can cause swelling, pain, and a feeling of heaviness. Those who are immobile for long periods are particularly at risk.

  • Muscle Strains from overuse or physical activity are frequent causes of pain.
  • Muscle Cramps caused by dehydration or prolonged sitting/standing may also cause pain.

  • Sciatica is characterized by radiating pain in the leg.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy, often due to diabetes, can lead to numbness, tingling or burning pain.

  • Injuries like sprains, strains and tendinitis are also common, resulting from exercise, sports, or accidents.
  • Stress Fractures are common in athletes and people who experience repetitive impact to bones.
  • Fractures due to Osteoporosis can cause chronic pain, particularly in the elderly.

  • Obesity puts excess stress on joints and is a frequent contributor to chronic leg pain.
  • Physical Inactivity can lead to weakened muscles and pain.
  • A deficiency in nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D or magnesium can be a reason for leg pain, especially cramps.

  • Cellulitis, a skin infection, can cause leg pain along with swelling and redness, especially if untreated.
  • Abscesses that develop within the tissue or muscle can lead to chronic localized pain.

Treatment options for chronic leg pain

Resting and elevating the affected leg helps reduce swelling and discomfort, especially when pain is related to injury or poor circulation.

Applying ice packs helps numb sharp pain and reduce inflammation, while warm compresses relieve muscle stiffness and general aching.

Gentle stretching and regular low-impact exercises, like walking or swimming, improve flexibility, strengthen muscles and alleviate pain caused by joint or nerve issues.

Maintaining proper hydration and ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients, particularly calcium and magnesium, helps prevent cramps and maintain muscle health.

Physical therapy, massages and manual therapy may help improve leg mobility, circulation and relax muscles, which can reduce chronic pain. 
Orthotic inserts or braces provide support and help correct gait problems, reducing strain on affected joints.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen, help reduce pain and inflammation, while acetaminophen is commonly used for general pain relief. Stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants may be prescribed for more intense pain. 

Injecting corticosteroids into the affected joint can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation, especially for arthritis or bursitis.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to deactivate nerve fibers transmitting pain signals, offering long-term relief for nerve-related pain.

Learn more about RFA for the treatment of chronic leg pain

Nerve Blocks target specific nerves to interrupt pain signals, providing relief from localized or chronic pain conditions.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) involves implanting a small device that sends mild electrical impulses to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. It is effective for treating chronic nerve pain and has also shown promise in improving blood flow and alleviating symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Learn more about SCS for the treatment of chronic leg pain

Similar to SCS, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) involves using a small implanted device to stimulate specific peripheral nerves, reducing pain in a non-invasive way.

In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, joint replacement surgery (such as hip or knee replacement) may be necessary to restore mobility and alleviate chronic pain.

For nerve compression conditions like sciatica, decompression surgery removes bone spurs or portions of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the nerve. 

For individuals with blood flow issues like peripheral artery disease or deep vein thrombosis, surgical procedures may be needed to restore circulation and alleviate leg pain.

See how Adam found his way to a life with less pain thanks to Spinal Cord Stimulation

Adam suffered from chronic leg pain until he found relief with spinal cord stimulation. Learn more about Adam’s story.

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This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

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