Pulling in the leg
introduction
Pulling in the leg is a painful symptom that can occur, for example, with sore muscles or muscle cramps after physical activity, but also in connection with various diseases of the blood vessels of the nervous system or the joints.
In some cases, pulling in the leg can be so painful that it hinders everyday life and massively restricts the person's quality of life.
If the pulling in the leg is particularly painful or lasts for a long period of time, a doctor should be consulted. With the help of various examination methods, he can find out the cause of the pulling in the leg and, if necessary, initiate suitable therapeutic steps. Depending on the cause, various conventional and surgical therapy concepts can be considered.
The possible causes
Pulling in the leg can have many causes. In many cases, the pulling in the leg is caused by sore muscles. Injuries to the leg muscles, such as pulled muscles or torn muscle fibers, are also among the more common causes of pulling pains in the leg. Muscle tension or muscle cramps in the legs, which can be triggered by improper or overloading, can also be the cause of pulling in the leg.
In addition to the causes mentioned, diseases of the blood vessels in the legs can also trigger pulling in the leg. Important examples are especially deep vein thrombosis (TVT) and peripheral arterial disease (PAOD).
Thrombosis of the leg is a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg that clogs the blood vessel and obstructs blood flow. PAD, on the other hand, is a circulatory disorder of the vessels due to calcification.
Nervous system disorders can also cause leg pulling. The herniated discs of the lumbar spine and polyneuropathy should be mentioned here in particular. In the case of a herniated disc, tissue from the gelatinous nucleus of an intervertebral disc emerges into the spinal canal, which exerts pressure on nerve roots. In the case of a herniated disc of the lumbar spine (Lumbar spine) leg nerves can be compressed.
Polyneuropathy describes damage to several nerves in the leg and is usually caused by diabetes mellitus or heavy alcohol consumption.
Another, rarer clinical picture in which pulling in the leg can occur is the so-called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Finally, diseases of the joints, in particular hip arthrosis, which is caused by the wear and tear of the hip joint cartilage, can cause pulling pain in the leg.
Read more on the subject at: Cause of pain in the legs
The herniated disc as the cause
A painful pull in the leg can accompany a herniated disc. If the intervertebral disc hangs, it is very painful for those affected. Depending on the area of the spine in which the incident occurs, severe back pain occurs. This pain can then radiate through the buttocks into the leg. In addition, tingling and numbness can occur in the leg.
In any case, a serious herniated disc should be ruled out by a doctor's visit.
Find out all about the topic here: Symptoms of a herniated disc of the lumbar spine.
Thrombosis as the cause
Thrombosis, i.e. a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg, can cause a painful pulling of the leg. Pulling is often accompanied by other symptoms such as blue-livid discoloration (cyanosis) and overheating of the leg, as well as swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the leg.
Since therapy must always be given in the case of a thrombosis in order to avoid complications such as a pulmonary embolism, if symptoms suddenly appear that indicate a thrombosis, a doctor should be consulted who will rule out a thrombosis by means of an ultrasound examination.
Find out more about the topic here: deep vein thrombosis.
The magnesium deficiency as the cause
A lack of magnesium can cause pulling in the form of cramps in the legs. Magnesium ensures that the muscles cannot be excited too easily. If there is a lack of magnesium, on the other hand, muscle excitability can occur more easily and muscle cramps occur.
A magnesium deficiency can be compensated for simply by taking magnesium tablets, so that the cramps or the pulling, if these were caused by a deficiency in magnesium, should disappear after a short time.
Further information can be found here: Magnesium.
Multiple sclerosis as the cause
MS is a neurological condition that causes chronic inflammation of nerves in the brain. This inflammation leads to physical failure. Sensory disturbances are common initial symptoms of MS. These can be felt as pulling, but mostly as tingling or numbness. The symptoms persist for at least 24 hours and then regress fully, rarely incompletely, within days to weeks.
If MS is suspected, diagnostic work-up should be carried out so that early therapy can be started.
Find out more about the topic here: Multiple sclerosis.
The varicose veins as the cause
Pulling pain in the leg can, in rarer cases, be the result of varicose veins, a so-called varicosis. Varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins and are mostly found on the legs. They are caused by the inadequate function of the venous valves, which causes the blood to build up in the legs.
Typically, varicose veins are visible as bluish or reddish knotty, thickened veins on the legs and are accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and tension, as well as possibly pulling pains in the legs, especially when standing for long periods of time.
The occurrence of varicose veins is favored by numerous factors, such as family history, obesity or weakness. Varicose veins often occur as a result of a leg vein thrombosis. Varicose veins should be treated at an early stage, as the congestion of blood in the leg can lead to a lack of oxygen and complications such as leg ulcers (open leg) or a leg vein thrombosis can occur. Conventional therapy concepts such as lymphatic drainage, compression treatment with stockings and exercise therapy and operative therapy concepts are used to treat varicose veins (Vein stripping) into consideration.
Read more on this topic at: Varicose veins.
The symptoms
Pulling in the leg is a painful symptom that can have various causes.
The pulling in the leg can, depending on the cause, at the time of occurrence (For example, after physical exertion or lack of exercise, during the day or at night), in intensity (weak to strong) and in duration (lasting a few days to several months) vary.
Also, depending on the cause of the pulling in the leg, further symptoms such as swelling, blue discoloration, paleness, paralysis or loss of strength or sensory disturbances can occur.
The numbness as a symptom
Numbness in the leg that is associated with pulling usually has its origin in a problem with the spine. For example, after a lumbago, which is triggered by sudden tension in the back muscles, the nerves that pull into the leg can be irritated. As a result, not only pain in the back, but also drawing pain in the leg can occur. Since the nerves are irritated, there may also be mild numbness along the leg.
The same symptoms can occur with a herniated disc.
The diagnosis
Since a pulling in the leg can be caused by diseases of the blood vessels or nerves in the leg, if the symptoms persist or if other symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted.
With the help of various examination methods, he can find out the cause of the pulling in the leg and, if necessary, initiate suitable therapeutic steps. In order to make a diagnosis, a detailed anamnesis is first necessary, which means a detailed questioning of the person concerned about the underlying illnesses and the current symptoms.
This is followed by a thorough physical examination in order to objectify the current complaints of the person concerned and, if necessary, to identify further complaints. Depending on the suspected cause of the pulling in the leg, further examinations such as blood tests and imaging procedures, for example ultrasound, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) become necessary.
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The therapy
Depending on the cause of the pulling in the leg, various conventional and surgical therapy concepts can be considered.
In most cases, an attempt is first made to treat the cause of the pulling in the leg with conservative measures, such as the administration of painkilling medication and regular physiotherapy.
If there is no response to conventional therapy, surgical interventions may be necessary.
The prognosis and prophylaxis
The prognosis of the symptom pulling in the leg is very variable and depends on the underlying disease.
The prognosis is very good if sore muscles, pulled muscles, torn muscle fibers or hardened muscles are the cause of pulling in the leg.
If the pulling in the leg is caused by diseases of the blood vessels, for example a deep vein thrombosis, complications such as a pulmonary embolism can arise and the prognosis significantly worsen if the therapy is inadequate.
Depending on the cause of the pulling in the leg, various preventive measures can be taken to avoid recurrence.
When does pulling pain occur?
Drawing pains at night
The nocturnal onset of pulling pains in the legs may indicate the presence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) indicate.
PAD is a circulatory disorder of the legs, less often of the arms, which is usually caused by severe calcification of the arteries. Typically, the circulatory disorder leads to a lack of oxygen in the muscles, which is particularly noticeable when exercising. It comes to load-dependent pulling pain in the affected leg, and the affected leg can be pale and cool.
In the more advanced stages of the disease, the pain and pulling in the leg occur at rest, especially at night when the legs are up. The diagnosis of PAD is made on the basis of the typical symptoms, a physical examination, Doppler sonography and possibly other imaging methods such as MRT angiography.
A pull in the leg also occurs in restless legs syndrome (RLS) especially at night. With RLS, there is strong pulling, tingling and paresthesia in the legs, as well as restlessness and the urge to move, especially in the evening and at night. RLS should be treated because the persistence of the disease can lead to insomnia and severe impairment of quality of life. Drugs such as L-Dopa or dopamine agonists can be used for therapy.
Drawing pains during pregnancy
In principle, pulling in the leg during pregnancy can be due to all of the above-mentioned causes, such as sore muscles, muscle strain, torn muscle fiber, deep vein thrombosis, PAD, herniated disc, polyneuropathy, RLS, or hip osteoarthritis.
During pregnancy, however, especially for deep vein thrombosis (TVT) poses a significantly increased risk, which is why thrombosis should always be considered if pulling occurs in the leg during pregnancy.
DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg, which blocks the blood vessel and prevents blood flow. The reason why deep vein thrombosis occurs about six times more frequently during pregnancy than in non-pregnant women is a change in the composition of the blood caused by pregnancy hormones, a widening of the venous blood vessels and thus a slowing down of the blood flow.
The risk of thrombosis during pregnancy can increase due to numerous other factors, such as previous thrombosis or the presence of a coagulation disorder. DVT manifests itself as swelling, blue discoloration, and pulling or sore muscles in the affected leg. Furthermore, there may be overheating and a feeling of tension in the affected leg.
The diagnosis of DVT during pregnancy is based on typical symptoms, blood tests and a special ultrasound examination of the leg veins. DVT during pregnancy must be treated in any case, as the thrombus in the leg can loosen and be washed into the lungs.
One then speaks of a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of DVT.
To treat leg vein thrombosis during pregnancy, heparin, a blood-thinning drug and compression treatment of the leg with stockings are used.
Drawing pains when sitting
Pulling the legs while sitting can also indicate the presence of a deep vein thrombosis.
Sitting for long periods of time, such as when traveling long distances, slows the blood flow in the legs, which significantly increases the risk of DVT. If a leg vein thrombosis occurs as a result of sitting for a long time, this can manifest itself in severe pulling, swelling and blue discoloration of the affected leg.
Blood-thinning medications such as heparin or rivaroxaban and compression treatment with stockings are used to treat DVT. Furthermore, the affected leg should be moved; bed rest and protection of the affected leg are only recommended if the pain is severe. Depending on the risk, the measures mentioned are also used to prevent a new thrombosis in the leg.
Drawing pains when lying down
If there is a pull in the leg while lying down, muscular tension can be behind it. A cramp can also cause painful pulling in the leg, for example if there is a lack of magnesium or after intense physical exertion.
Furthermore, it can be the so-called restless legs syndrome (syndrome of restless legs). Restless legs syndrome is one of the most common neurological diseases and is characterized by paresthesia in the legs at rest (usually lying down at night) and this leads to an urge to move. Discomfort, such as painful pulling or tingling in the legs, may occur.
For more information, read on: Restless legs syndrome.
Drawing pain emanating from the back
A pull in the leg that radiates from the back can indicate the presence of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine area (Lumbar spine) indicate.
In the case of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, tissue from the gelatinous core of an intervertebral disc escapes into the spinal canal, thereby exerting pressure on a nerve root. A herniated disc of the lumbar spine can typically lead to sudden onset of back pain and, due to the compression of the nerve roots, further complaints, such as the pain radiating to the legs, paralysis or loss of strength in the legs and feet and sensory disorders (Pins and needles, tingling, or numbness) come.
In most cases, a herniated disc of the lumbar spine can be conservative, as the leaked tissue of the disc usually resorbs by itself after a while. The aim of conservative therapy for a herniated disc in the lumbar spine is to reduce pain and strengthen the back muscles.
The conservative therapy of a herniated disc of the cervical spine therefore mainly includes the administration of various pain relievers (ASA, ibuprofen, diclofenac) and regular physiotherapy. If the symptoms increase or if new neurological symptoms occur (for example bladder rectal disorders) an operation of the herniated disc should be performed.
Drawing pains in the leg and bottom
Pulling in the leg and bottom can indicate the presence of sciatica, irritation of the sciatic nerve (Sciatic nerve) indicate.
Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, but it can also develop in the context of piriformis syndrome, vertebral sliding, infection with Borrellia or herpes zoster, and very rarely from space-occupying tumors in the spinal canal.
Sciatica can lead to pulling pains radiating from the bottom to the legs, paralysis or loss of strength in the legs and feet and sensory disturbances (Pins and needles, tingling or numbness) come.
Depending on the cause of the pulling in the leg and buttocks, conservative therapy is used by administering various pain relievers (ASA, ibuprofen, diclofenac) and regular physiotherapy or surgery.
Drawing pains in the leg and hip
Pulling in the leg and hip can indicate the presence of a hip joint disease, for example osteoarthritis of the hip joint (Coxarthrosis) indicate.
Coxarthrosis leads to wear and tear of the joint cartilage and, as a result, pain in the hip, which can radiate into the leg, especially the knee.
Typically, hip and leg pulling occurs in the morning or after heavy exercise. The development of coxarthrosis is favored by old age, family stress, obesity and joint misalignments.
The diagnosis of coxarthrosis is based on a detailed survey of the person concerned about current symptoms and underlying diseases (anamnese), a physical examination and with the help of imaging procedures, in particular an X-ray examination.
Coxarthrosis is initially treated conventionally with pain relievers (ASA, ibuprofen, diclofenac) and regular physiotherapy.
In some cases the surgical use of a hip joint prosthesis is necessary. Pulling the hip, which radiates into the legs, can also indicate the presence of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine.
Drawing pains in the leg and arm
Pulling in the leg and arm can have numerous causes. Pulling pain in the leg and arm often occurs as a pain in the limbs as part of a flu-like infection.
If pulling pains in the leg and arm are caused by a flu-like infection, other symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, headache and fever can occur and the symptoms usually go away completely after one to two weeks.
In order to accelerate the course of the disease, the person concerned should take some physical care and, depending on the symptoms, use nasal spray, lozenges or pain reliever medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Pulling in the arm and leg that persists over a long period of time indicates a chronic disease, for example a polyneuropathy.
Polyneuropathy describes damage to various peripheral nerves, which is usually caused by diabetes mellitus (increased blood sugar) or due to heavy alcohol consumption. Damage to the nerves in the legs and arms can lead to sensory disturbances (Pins and needles, tingling, or numbness), Paresthesia and drawing, burning pains in legs and arms.
Often the symptoms appear in the shape of a glove or stocking on the extremities. The diagnosis of polyneuropathy is usually made by a neurologist with the help of special examinations, such as electroneurography, in which the conduction velocity of various nerves is measured.
By treating the underlying disease (for example optimal control of blood sugar), the symptoms of polyneuropathy can be alleviated. In addition, pain relieving drugs from the group of anticonvulsants and antidepressants can be tried, since conventional pain medication such as ASA, ibuprofen or paracetamol are not effective for nerve pain.
