What are common causes of combined muscle and nerve pain in the legs?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Leg pain involving both muscles and nerves can stem from several underlying causes. Common culprits include overuse injuries and muscle strain—frequently seen in athletes—as well as nerve-related conditions like peripheral neuropathy, which may result from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetes, or nerve compression. Identifying the root cause is essential, since muscle-related and nerve-related pain often require very different treatment approaches.

Because leg pain can range from a minor strain to a sign of a more serious vascular or neurological condition, it's important not to guess. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify possible causes, understand the urgency of your symptoms, and decide on the right next steps—whether that's home care, seeing a primary care doctor, or consulting a specialist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of leg pain Learn if leg pain needs care Find out if it could be nerve pain See OTC options for leg pain Find a doctor for leg pain Understand home remedies for leg pain Check your leg pain symptoms today

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Explanation

Leg pain involving both muscles and nerves can arise from several conditions.

Athletes often experience leg pain due to various factors. Athletic-related leg pain can result from overuse, injuries, or improper training techniques. These can lead to both muscle and nerve pain, highlighting the importance of proper training and recovery.

Another cause is neuropathy linked to peripheral arterial disease. This condition involves poor blood flow to the legs, which can damage nerves and cause pain. As the disease progresses, the neuropathy can worsen, leading to increased discomfort.

Understanding these causes can help in identifying the right treatment or management strategies. If you experience persistent leg pain, our free AI symptom checker can help you better understand your symptoms and guide your next steps toward proper diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Hudson AJ, Brown WF, & Gilbert JJ. (1978). The muscular pain-fasciculation syndrome. Neurology, 568728.
Fredericson M, & Wun C. (2003). Differential diagnosis of leg pain in the athlete. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 12869603.
England JD, Ferguson MA, Hiatt WR, & Regensteiner JG. (1995). Progression of neuropathy in peripheral arterial disease. Muscle & nerve, 7715622.

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