Classification by localization

In addition to overloading, muscle pain in the legs can be caused by numerous other diseases. On the one hand, it can be phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), whereby usually only one side is affected. The pain has a pulling character.

The skin can also be swollen and reddened. On the other hand, a thrombosis in the legs can be responsible for muscle pain (see above). Another possibility for muscle pain is peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK), also known as window dressing.

This is a reduced blood flow in the legs caused by arteriosclerosis. The muscle pain occurs during movement. Due to the reduced blood circulation, the muscles can be temporarily undersupplied when running, which leads to pain.

If the person concerned stops, the pain improves. The restless legs syndrome can also cause muscle pain. This is a neurological problem.

The pain preferably occurs at night or at rest, i.e. when the legs are not moved. Therefore, affected persons feel an urge to move. Rheumatism, which can affect not only joints but also muscles and tendons, can also trigger muscle pain in the legs.

Typically it comes then in addition, to pain in the arms. Also a slipped disc (see above)can cause pulling pain in the legs, which can present itself as shooting muscle pain. In the abdomen, muscle pain is mainly caused by sore muscles.

However, it can also be caused by pulling muscles in the abdomen. This occurs mainly in athletes, but can also be caused by incorrect movements or excessive stretching of the muscles. The pain is stabbing and usually intensifies during movement, but can also be felt at rest.

When coughing or sneezing, the pain can increase. In the arms, overstraining can not only cause muscle soreness, but can also lead to muscle tension and strains as well as tendonitis. These are then usually only felt during certain movements.

Arm vein thrombosis can also trigger muscle pain in the arm. This is relatively rare and, if it is triggered by extreme strain on the arm, is also known as “thrombosis par effort”. Muscle pain in both arms and shoulders, which occurs particularly at night, can be triggered by polymyalgia rheumatica (see above).

Polymyositis, which manifests itself in sore muscles, muscle weakness and pain, occurs mainly in the shoulder region. The muscle weakness with which the disease often begins can make it difficult or even impossible to raise the arms above the horizontal. Polymyositis can be caused by viruses – especially in young patients – or it can occur alongside an existing tumor disease – especially in older patients.

In the back, tension can be responsible for muscle pain. The tension can occur, for example, after incorrect movements, after sitting for a long time or when lifting. The pain is easy to localize and can be of a burning, stabbing or drilling quality.

Most of those affected adopt incorrect postures to avoid further pain. A slipped disc can also cause pain in the back muscles. If the lower spine (lumbar spine) is affected, the pain can radiate via the buttocks into the legs.

Fibromyalgia – a chronic pain syndrome (see above) – can also cause muscle pain in the back. The pain occurs particularly at night and is often accompanied by morning stiffness. The pain can change its location on the body and usually occurs over several months.