Pitfalls in the diagnosis of leg pain

Can Med Assoc J. 1979 Jul 21;121(2):167-71.

Abstract

Problems may confront the practitioner in the diagnosis of leg pain related to exercise. The diagnostic features of the history and the physical examination that will help to elucidate the various causes of leg pain are outlined in this article, and the necessity for re-examination of the patient after a period of exercise is stressed. In most patients the diagnosis can most easily be made by means of clinical methods, without recourse to special investigations.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intermittent Claudication / diagnosis
  • Leg*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Osteoarthritis / diagnosis
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Physical Examination
  • Physical Exertion
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Thrombophlebitis / diagnosis
  • Varicose Veins / diagnosis
  • Vascular Diseases / complications
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Venous Insufficiency / diagnosis