Leg pain is a common problem that can happen after exercise, standing for long periods, an injury, or even sitting in one position for too long. Sometimes, however, leg pain can be a sign of an underlying muscle, nerve, joint, vein, or blood-flow problem. The location and character of the pain can provide useful clues. … Read more
Hand pain can make surprisingly simple activities—typing, writing, opening a jar, holding a phone, or getting dressed—feel difficult. Because the hand contains many small bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves working together, pain can come from several different structures. Sometimes hand pain develops after an obvious injury, such as a fall, sprain, or fracture. … Read more
Finger pain can be surprisingly disruptive. A sore or stiff finger may make it difficult to type, write, cook, open a jar, exercise, or even hold a phone. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as a minor injury or overuse. In other cases, finger pain may be related to arthritis, tendon problems, nerve irritation, infection, … Read more
Tailbone pain can be surprisingly uncomfortable. Even a simple activity such as sitting at a desk, driving, getting up from a chair, or leaning backward can become painful when the coccyx is irritated. The medical term for tailbone pain is coccydynia. It can develop after a fall or injury, but prolonged sitting, repetitive pressure, pregnancy … Read more
Shin splints are a common cause of lower-leg pain, especially among runners, athletes, dancers, military recruits, and people who have recently started exercising. The pain can be uncomfortable enough to interfere with running, walking, jumping, or other activities. The good news is that most cases improve with appropriate rest, gradual return to activity, and changes … Read more
Thigh pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting, or exercising surprisingly difficult. It may feel like a dull ache after physical activity, a sharp pain following an injury, or a burning or tingling sensation caused by nerve irritation. Although muscle strain is a common reason for thigh pain, discomfort in this … Read more
Acute pain is a common experience that can happen suddenly after an injury, illness, inflammation, surgery, or medical procedure. Unlike chronic pain, which can continue for months or longer, acute pain generally develops quickly and improves as the underlying problem heals. Although acute pain can be uncomfortable or even severe, it serves an important purpose. … Read more
Bone pain can feel deep, aching, tender, or sharp, and it may affect one bone or several areas of the body. Unlike ordinary muscle soreness or joint pain, pain that truly comes from the bone deserves attention, especially when it is persistent or unexplained. Bone pain can happen after an injury, but it may also … Read more
Muscle pain is one of the most common types of pain people experience. It can happen after an intense workout, a long day of physical work, poor posture, stress, or a minor injury. Sometimes, however, muscle pain can be related to an infection, medication, nutritional or electrolyte problems, or an underlying health condition. The medical … Read more
Ovulation pain is a type of lower abdominal or pelvic pain that some people experience around the middle of their menstrual cycle. It is commonly called mittelschmerz, a German term meaning “middle pain.” For some people, ovulation feels like a mild cramp or pressure. For others, it may feel like a sudden sharp pain on … Read more