Treating Leg Pain after Short Walks

The potential causes of leg pain are various, and the treatments are equally complex. With so many potential factors at play it can be difficult to make the right decision about your care. In this article, we are going to discuss how leg pain can be caused by an issue in the spine and offer some treatment options for patients who experience leg pain after short walks.

Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Acute injuries (car accidents, slip & falls, etc.)
• Tendon or ligament tears
• Bone fractures
• Sprains, strains, and bruises
• Nerve issues

Each of these causes requires its own unique treatment approach. For our purposes, we are going to talk specifically about leg pain that stems from nerve issues. When your leg pain flares up after physical activity, a nerve issue is commonly the culprit.

Leg Pain Caused by a Spine Issue

It may seem counter-intuitive but leg pain can sometimes be caused by an injury or condition located in the spine. The central nervous system contains nerves that run from the brain down the spinal column. These nerves transmit sensory signals to and from the brain and other body parts. For example, when you lift your leg, a signal is sent instantaneously from the nerves in your leg, up through the spinal nerves and to your brain. The brain receives this signal, and sends a message back to the leg that allows it to lift. This all happens in a fraction of a second without us realizing it. This is a remarkable system, but it can break down when the nerves in the spine are impacted (by a bulging disc or spinal injury). When this occurs, a patient can lose control of their legs and experience great pain.

Surgery is often the recommended treatment approach for patients with spinal nerve issues. That’s where Inspired Spine can help. Our revolutionary spinal procedures are minimally invasive keyhole and offer short operating times, and small incisions. That means quick recoveries and less pain for patients. Learn more about our procedures by contacting us or finding a provider in your area.