When to See a Pain Specialist for Chronic Leg Pain
You may expect to experience leg pain after a long day on your feet, a tough workout, or an accidental twist or pull. However, when that pain persists or begins to interfere with walking, sleep, or daily activities, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that requires specialized care.
Here at Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, provides you with the diagnosis and treatment that makes all the difference in finding relief.
When leg pain is no longer something you can handle with home care, it deserves the attention of a pain specialist. Read on to learn more.
Understanding chronic leg pain
Chronic leg pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months or keeps coming back despite rest or self-care. You may notice it anywhere from the hip to the foot, and it can feel sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning.
Because leg pain can have many causes, Dr. Skaribas first needs to identify the primary problem so you can find lasting relief.
Common causes of chronic leg pain include:
- Nerve compression or irritation, such as sciatica or peripheral neuropathy
- Joint and muscle conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, or chronic muscle strain
- Circulatory problems, such as varicose veins or peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Spinal issues, including herniated discs or spinal stenosis, that refer pain into the legs
Dr. Skaribas and our team perform diagnostic imaging, nerve studies, and a physical assessment to pinpoint the cause and recommend the right treatment path.
How to know you need a pain specialist
You don’t have to tolerate pain that limits your mobility or impedes your quality of life. Reach out to our office if:
- Your leg pain has persisted for more than three months
- You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs
- The pain worsens with sitting, standing, or lying down
- Over-the-counter medications and home remedies offer little or no relief
- The pain is interfering with sleep, work, or exercise
Dr. Skaribas can help you avoid worsening symptoms or secondary problems that may occur when compensating for the pain. For instance, changes in your gait due to leg pain can lead to hip and back problems.
How a pain specialist can help
At Expert Pain, we offer a range of advanced, minimally invasive options to treat chronic leg pain. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
- Targeted nerve blocks or epidural injections
- Radiofrequency ablation for nerve-related pain
- Medication management for inflammation or neuropathic pain
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lifestyle and posture guidance to prevent recurrence
We don’t want to offer you just temporary pain relief. Our goal is to help you restore function and improve your overall quality of life.
Schedule an appointment to help with leg pain
Chronic leg pain doesn’t have to become something you just learn to live with. If you’ve tried rest, medications, or therapy without success, Dr. Skaribas can help identify the cause and design a personalized plan to get you moving comfortably again.
Contact Expert Pain today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options for chronic leg pain. We can help you find relief and a more active life.
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