Each year, millions of people in the United States are affected by chronic pain caused by arthritis. If you have leg pain but have ruled out arthritis, you could be dealing with a different condition.
Sharp shooting pain in the leg can be serious. Read on to learn the different causes of leg pain that come and goes.
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Causes of Sharp Shooting Pain in the Leg
There are different reasons one could experience sharp shooting pain in the leg. Some potential causes may come and go known as intermittent claudication.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the more common causes of shooting pain in the leg that comes and goes. This condition happens because of atherosclerosis which narrows the arteries. This condition may affect any part of the body but happens a lot in the legs.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Sharp shooting pain in the leg and foot may occur because of diabetic neuropathy. This happens because of chronic damage from diabetes. If you don’t have diabetes, this is not the condition you are dealing with.
Diabetic neuropathy may affect a person’s ability to know when they have an injury. Because of this, it is important to check the feet and legs regularly.
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
Athletes often experience chronic exertional compartment syndrome. This condition occurs in those who engage in repetitive activities. For example, running, swimming, and biking can develop this condition and cause pain in the front of the leg.
Popliteal Artery Entrapment
Popliteal artery entrapment is similar to chronic exertional compartment syndrome. It is difficult to tell the difference between the two conditions without the help of a medical professional. Unlike chronic exertional compartment syndrome, this condition causes the most pain in the back of the leg.
Cystic Adventitial Disease
Sharp shocking pain in the leg could be from cystic adventitial disease. This disorder is rare and affects the arteries along with the legs.
Sciatica
Sharp shooting pain in the back of the leg may be because of sciatica. This condition has to do with the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower spine to the feet. This nerve is the longest in the body that works to detect sensations in the back of the calf, thigh, and the bottom of the feet.
If the nerve becomes compressed, irritated, or inflamed, you’ll feel a sharp shooting pain in the leg. The two common forms of sciatica are chronic and acute.
Knowing when to see a chiropractor about this issue depends on your level of pain. A specialist can help you figure out if you are dealing with sciatica or another underlying medical condition.
Get Diagnosed by a Medical Specialist
Sharp shooting pain in the leg can limit the level of activity of a person. If treating your leg pain at home is not helping, visiting a medical specialist may be necessary. Because there are different causes of shooting pain in the legs, getting diagnosed by your doctor can help you with treatment options.
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