What is Leg Pain?

Leg pain refers to various conditions causing discomfort in the lower extremities. It may present as pain, numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensations. Often, leg pain originates from issues in the lower back but may also stem from nerve, joint, bone, or muscle complications in the legs. At Greater Austin Pain Center in San Marcos, we use patient history, physical exams, and imaging studies to accurately diagnose the source of leg pain.

How does Leg Pain affect the body?

Leg pain can be physically and mentally taxing. Depending on the duration and the severity of pain, it can limit mobility, independence, and impact sleep quality. Pain may occur during movement or at rest and often presents as numbness, tingling, warmth or cold sensations, “shooting pains” from the back or buttocks, and weakness in the legs. Common causes include past surgeries, arthritis, nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or chemotherapy, and other medical issues.

Common Causes of Leg Pain

  • Arthritis in the lower back and leg joints
  • Previous lower back or leg surgeries
  • Injuries to the lower extremities or back
  • Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or chemotherapy
  • Joint issues in the hip, knee, or ankle
  • Medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, arthritis, or infections

Common Symptoms of Leg Pain

  • Burning sensations
  • Shooting pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • A “Pins and needles” sensation
  • Warmth or coldness in the legs
  • Weakness or instability in the lower extremities
  • Swelling
  • Changes in the skin, nails, or hair in the affected areas

Treatments for Leg Pain

  • Conservative therapies – Physical therapy, heat/ice therapy, chiropractic care
  • Medication management – Prescribed to manage pain and inflammation
  • Injections – Including steroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and knee viscosupplementation
  • Radiofrequency ablation – Targeted treatment for knee and back nerve pain
  • Nerve stimulation – Peripheral nerve, dorsal root ganglion, and spinal cord stimulation
  • Surgical referral – For spine, orthopedic, or podiatric evaluation when necessary

Treatment for Leg Pain in San Marcos, TX

According to your imaging results, various treatment options may be considered to alleviate your leg pain. Some cases of leg pain can be managed with conservative treatments, like physical therapy and hot/cold therapy. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to need a regimen of medication management and injections for acute or chronic leg pain. Interventional procedures may also be the best solution to address the root cause of your leg pain. Should surgical intervention be necessary, referrals to qualified surgeons are available. For complex cases involving prior injuries or surgeries, advanced nerve stimulation techniques can help manage pain effectively.

Am I at Risk of Developing Leg Pain?

Leg pain can affect anyone due to its numerous potential causes. People with diabetes, previous chemotherapy treatments, or neurological conditions are particularly prone to nerve-related leg pain. Arthritis in the lower extremity joints is another frequent cause, especially for those with previous joint or lower back surgeries. Individuals with past injuries or surgeries to the legs, such as crush injuries or partial amputations, may be at risk for complex regional pain syndrome, a condition often managed with spinal cord stimulation. Leg pain may also stem from trauma, infections, blood clots, or other medical conditions, underscoring the need for comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What non-surgical treatments are available for chronic leg pain?

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Yes, several non-surgical options can effectively manage chronic leg pain. Treatments such as physical therapy, nerve blocks, peripheral nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulators offer patients significant pain relief without the need for surgery.

Is it possible that my leg pain originates from hip or knee issues?

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Yes, hip and knee problems, including arthritis or joint inflammation, can cause referred pain in other areas of the leg. Comprehensive imaging and thorough assessment can help pinpoint joint-related leg pain and guide targeted treatment options to address the underlying issue.

Are there options to manage leg pain from conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?

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Yes, CRPS can be managed with advanced options such as spinal cord stimulation, which is designed to reduce pain symptoms and improve function. Early intervention can help improve outcomes for those with this condition.

Questions? Give us a call at: (512) 298-1645
Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain refers to soreness, aching, or stiffness felt within or around the knee joint. This discomfort may be mild to severe and can manifest as an acute, short-term issue or a chronic condition.

How Does Knee Pain Affect the Body?

Knee pain can impact more than just mobility; it affects your overall physical capabilities and emotional well-being. Ignoring knee pain may lead to further complications, making it essential to identify the cause and work with a healthcare provider to manage symptoms effectively.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

  • Arthritis
  • Cartilage Injuries
  • Bursitis
  • Fractures
  • Sports Injuries
  • Overuse
  • Gout

Common Symptoms of Knee Pain

  • Pain with walking or standing
  • Stiffness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Swelling

Treatments for Knee Pain

  • See your healthcare provider for an evaluation and history
  • X-rays and/or MRI may be used to diagnose the underlying issue
  • Consider over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and NSAIDs
  • RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Treatment for Knee Pain in San Marcos, TX

Treatments for knee pain can vary from conservative to more advanced options. Your healthcare provider may recommend starting with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation, or prescribe medications like NSAIDs, topical treatments, or pain relief medications. Other treatment options may include injections, such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or nerve blocks around the knee. At Greater Austin Pain Center, our specialists may offer advanced solutions like peripheral nerve stimulation or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation for knee pain.

If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, you might be referred to an orthopedic specialist to explore surgical options. Alongside these treatments, your doctor may recommend weight management, an active lifestyle, and physical therapy or chiropractic care. Some patients may also find benefits from complementary therapies, including massage or acupuncture, for managing knee pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lifestyle changes can help reduce knee pain?

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Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active with low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, can help relieve knee pain by reducing stress on the joint. Strengthening exercises for surrounding muscles, such as quadriceps and hamstrings, can also support knee stability.

What non-surgical treatments are available for knee pain?

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Non-surgical options include physical therapy, cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections, and nerve stimulation treatments. Your provider can help determine the best approach based on the severity of your knee pain and any underlying conditions.

When should I consider seeing a specialist for knee pain?

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If knee pain interferes with daily activities or causes frequent discomfort, consider seeing a specialist. A pain management specialist or orthopedic doctor can perform imaging tests and recommend personalized treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Questions? Give us a call at: (512) 298-1645

Testimonials

"I am so relieved I could cry! Finally a pain specialist who listens, cares, and wants to help! Dr. Alan Silberberg has given me so much hope! As someone who has seen pain specialists for decades in different states, this is where you want to come. You NEED him in your life! My only regret is not coming in sooner."

Sarah Jean C.

"The staff is very friendly and I was seen on time. The intake process was seamless and efficient. Dr. Jarzombeck is always very kind and thorough in her explanations. These folks are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Greater Austin Pain Center and Dr. Jarzombeck!"

Kim D.

"Everyone is always very nice and courteous. Dr. Julia is amazing! He is friendly, kind and caring and so easy to talk with.  All the office staff I have had contact with has always been courteous and kind as well. Would highly recommend coming here!"

Lesley C.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

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Treat Your Leg & Knee Pain at Greater Austin Pain Center

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our approach to pain management is both comprehensive and personalized. We go beyond diagnosing symptoms to consider your overall health, medical history, and unique needs, allowing us to craft a treatment plan that targets the root cause of your knee pain effectively.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our locations in San Marcos, Austin, Kyle, or Dripping Springs. We’re here to help you find relief and get back to living pain-free!

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