Leg and Foot Pain

Your legs take a lot of abuse, day in and day out. Whether you’re climbing stairs, running to catch a bus or your toddler, or carrying anything from groceries to furniture, you depend on your legs. It’s not surprising that so many people experience some sort of leg pain, be it constant or off-and-on, mild or severe. Leg pain can be stabbing, sharp, dull, aching, or tingling. At the Mount Sinai Health System, we are here to help.

• Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica). If your pain goes from your lower back through the hips and down each leg, you might have sciatica. The pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve. You might feel a mild ache, a sharp burning sensation, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. The length of treatment varies, based on the severity of the condition.
• Osteoarthritis. This common condition affects millions of people. It stems from cartilage being worn away. Cartilage is firm and rubbery and acts like a “shock absorber” between two bones. When it no longer acts as a cushion, you may feel joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis often causes pain in your hips, knees, and ankles.   
• You can get knee pain from a sudden injury, overuse, or a condition such as arthritis. You could have a problem with your tendon, bursa, or kneecap. If you have an injury, you may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness. It may be difficult to put weight on your knee. We offer a variety of treatments, depending on your diagnosis. Options range from physical therapy to interventional procedures such as targeted anti-inflammatory injections.
• Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome). If you have pain in the front of your knee around your kneecap, you might have runner’s knee. It is more common among people who do a lot of running or jumping. Usually, people who have runner’s knee experience increased pain when they run, take the stairs, squat, or sit for long periods of time. Rest and ice often helps, but you may need physical therapy as well.