what can cause painful and weak legs
Many conditions can cause leg pain and weakness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, leg pain can be caused by overuse injuries, inflammatory diseases, lower extremity trauma and certain medical conditions. In some cases, leg pain is accompanied by lower extremity weakness. Simultaneous leg pain and weakness may signal a serious underlying condition, especially if the weakness develops rapidly. A person may first notice leg weakness when climbing stairs or performing other activities of daily living.
Diabetic neuropathy can cause leg pain and weakness. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, diabetic neuropathy is a nerve-related disorder caused by diabetes. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of diabetics develop some degree of neuropathy, or nerve damage.
A lumbar, or lower back, disc herniation can cause leg pain and weakness. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that lumbar disc herniations---a protrusion of part of the spinal disc into the spinal canal or intervertebral foramen---are most common among young and middle-aged adults.