Leg pain can sometimes seem like just a small problem, like a cramp that will go away soon. But other times, it can mean something serious is happening in your body. Below, we will talk about three types of leg pain that you should never ignore. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Sharp, Sudden Pain That Feels Like a Pinch or Tear

If you suddenly feel a sharp, strong pain in your leg that seems to come out of nowhere, it could be something serious, like a muscle tear or ligament injury. This kind of pain often feels like a sudden pinch or tearing feeling. You might also see swelling, bruising, or trouble moving your leg.

Muscle tears usually happen when you’re doing physical activities, like running or jumping. If you don’t treat a torn muscle, it can lead to long-term problems, like weakness or not being able to move as well. It’s important to rest your leg and see a doctor for proper care and treatment.

Dull, Aching Pain That Won’t Go Away and Gets Worse at Night

A dull, aching pain in your leg that doesn’t go away for weeks or even months might be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT happens when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of your leg, stopping the blood from flowing properly. This pain often gets worse at night or after sitting for a long time, like at a desk or on a long flight.

If you have this type of lasting pain, along with symptoms like redness or swelling, you should get medical help right away. DVT can cause serious problems, like a blood clot moving to your lungs, which can be very dangerous. Getting treatment early can help prevent these serious issues.

Burning Pain That Goes from Your Lower Back to Your Legs

If you feel a burning pain that starts in your lower back and moves down your legs, it could be sciatica. Sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body, gets irritated. This kind of pain can also come with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg, making it hard to do things like walking or standing.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sciatica can be caused by things like a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis, which presses on the nerve. If you don’t get proper treatment, sciatica can get worse over time and might even lead to permanent nerve damage. Seeing a doctor and following a treatment plan, which could include physical therapy or medications, is important to manage sciatica.

Why You Should Not Ignore Leg Pain

Leg pain isn’t always something you should ignore. While minor aches are often because of overuse or a pulled muscle, serious or long-lasting leg pain can mean there’s an underlying condition that needs attention. Ignoring these signs can potentially lead to serious health problems that could be prevented if treated early.

If you feel any of these types of pain—sharp, sudden pain, dull, aching pain that gets worse at night, or burning pain from your back to your legs—you should see your doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis can lead to better results and prevent problems that could affect your life in a big way.

When You Should Get Help Right Away

Besides the types of pain mentioned earlier, there are other signs that mean you need medical help right away. These include:

Swelling in one leg that does not get better with rest
Leg pain with a fever, redness, or warmth
Sudden inability to put weight on the leg

These signs could mean you have a serious condition like an infection, a blood clot, or a broken bone. Seeing your doctor early can help you get the right care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leg Pain

What should I do if I have sharp, sudden leg pain?

If you have sharp, sudden pain that feels like a pinch or tearing, you should rest your leg and see a doctor. It could be a muscle tear or ligament injury that needs treatment to prevent long-term problems.

How can I tell if my leg pain is from deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

If your leg pain is dull and aching, gets worse at night, and comes with redness or swelling, it could be DVT. The NIH recommends getting medical attention right away, as DVT can cause serious issues like a blood clot in your lungs.

When should I see a doctor for burning leg pain?

If you have burning pain starting in your lower back that moves down your legs, it could be sciatica. You should see a doctor, especially if it also causes numbness, tingling, or weakness, as it could lead to nerve damage if not treated.