Pain in your legs can be caused by minor leg problems such as sore muscles. This type of pain commonly occurs during sports or recreational activities, and physical work-related projects. Leg problems can be minor or serious and can include symptoms such as: pain, swelling, cramps, numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in temperature or color.

Older adults have an increased risk for leg problems because they lose muscle mass as they age. Children can always have leg problems for the same reasons as adults or for other reasons like overactivity or the rapid growth of bone and muscle.

More serious pain in your legs could be a problem with blood vessels, and a sign of a cardiovascular disease. Some of these include peripheral arterial disease, inflammation of a vein (phlebitis), or a blood clot (thrombophlebitis). A blood clot near the surface of the skin may cause only minor problems, while a clot in a deep vein may be more serious.

There are many other problems that cause leg pain, see WebMD’s article on leg pain not caused by injury.

To chat with a doctor about leg pain, sign up for NorthShore HealthSystem’s live chat on February 11, 2010 at 12 Noon (CT).