The main reasons why legs ache include muscle fatigue or overuse, poor blood circulation, nerve-related conditions, injuries, and various medical conditions affecting bones, joints, or blood vessels. Leg muscles can become tired and sore from repetitive movements, prolonged standing or walking, or intense physical activity. Poor circulation can cause a buildup of waste products in muscles, leading to pain and inflammation. Nerve issues like sciatica or neuropathy can also cause leg pain. Additionally, injuries like strains, fractures, or tendonitis, as well as conditions like arthritis, varicose veins, blood clots, or diabetes-related nerve damage may contribute to aching legs.
More specifically:
- Muscle fatigue or cramps are common after overuse or new prolonged activities.
- Poor circulation such as peripheral artery disease causes cramp-like pain that worsens with walking and improves with rest.
- Nerve compression or damage, including sciatica, can lead to shooting or radiating pain.
- Conditions like arthritis or infections can also cause leg discomfort.
- Less common causes include tumors, bone diseases, or autoimmune disorders.
Therefore, aching legs can result from multiple factors, and determining the cause may require considering lifestyle, activity level, injury history, and underlying health conditions.
