Diagnosis of the cause of leg pain begins with a history and physical exam. Blood tests may be helpful in some cases. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, can help diagnose blood clots and poor blood flow. X-rays can help diagnose a bone fracture , tumor, or infection. Long-term effects are related to the cause of the pain.
Pain can be severe and make a person unable to perform normal activities.
Chronic pain can also cause stress , sleep disorders , and depression . Infections can often be treated with antibiotics and may have no long-term effects. A deep venous thrombosis in the leg can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolus . Leg pain is not contagious and poses no risk to others. Leg pain can be treated in a number of ways.