ABSTRACT
Pain in the legs is a much more common complaint than pain in the arms. With the exception of traumatic injuries, most disease processes that cause extremity pain have a greater tendency to occur in the lower extremities. The muscular, neurologic, and vascular organization of the lower extremities makes them more susceptible to pathology. The greater muscle mass in the legs makes them more susceptible to muscle spasms and heat cramps. The legs’ major function of ambulation can be problematic when a patient becomes bedridden or nonambulatory for an extended length of time (development of deep venous thrombosis). Nerves that innervate and control the lower extremities are found mainly in the lumbar area of the spine and in the lower abdomen and pelvis. This anatomic placement makes them prone to compressive effects from herniated disk, spinal stenosis, and spinal metastases. Furthermore, masses such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or ovarian torsion may also cause leg pain from compressive effects.
