Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEndometriosis Leg PainInflammation and Nerve PainRelief OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Endometriosis Leg Pain
Inflammation and Nerve Pain
Relief Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Endometriosis(endo) occurs when endometrial-type tissue is present outside the uterus or womb. This tissue (lesion or implant) grows and bleeds with hormone changes, just like the lining of the uterus during a menstrual cycle or period.
The tissues and nerves around the implant can get entrapped, inflamed, or irritated. When it affects nerves in the pelvis (between the hips), it can cause radiating leg pain, muscle spasms, and possiblyneuropathy(numbness, tingling, weakness).
This article reviews endometriosis leg pain, the link between inflammation, nerves, and endometriosis, and options for pain relief.
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Endometriosis PrevalenceWorldwide, approximately 176 million, or 10%, of those assigned female at birth have endometriosis.
Endometriosis Prevalence
Worldwide, approximately 176 million, or 10%, of those assigned female at birth have endometriosis.
What Is Endometriosis Leg Pain?
When endometrial implants irritate, inflame, or place pressure on the nerves in the pelvis, leg pain can occur.
Sensation
Leg pain associated with endometriosis differs from the soreness you may feel after a hard workout. It feels more like a stabbing, sharp, or throbbing pain.
Nociceptive vs. Neuropathic Pain.Nociceptive painresponds to stimuli such as injuries, burns, bruises, muscle strain, or bone fractures.Neuropathyis the damage, impairment, or dysfunction of nerves.Neuropathic paindevelops from this damage, irritation, or inflammation of the nerves. This pain is sharp, stinging, shooting, or burning. It can also cause numbness or tingling, muscle spasms, and weakness.
Nociceptive vs. Neuropathic Pain.
Nociceptive painresponds to stimuli such as injuries, burns, bruises, muscle strain, or bone fractures.Neuropathyis the damage, impairment, or dysfunction of nerves.Neuropathic paindevelops from this damage, irritation, or inflammation of the nerves. This pain is sharp, stinging, shooting, or burning. It can also cause numbness or tingling, muscle spasms, and weakness.
Associated Symptoms
In addition to leg pain, symptoms may include:
Endometriosis can also cause:
Location
Leg pain can start in your back or pelvis and radiate down both legs. You may feel pain, tingling (pins and needles), or numbness in your buttocks, thighs, calves, feet, or toes. The location depends on the nerves affected.
During Your Monthly Cycle
Some people note that endometriosis leg pain starts a few days before they startmenstrual bleeding (period), gets worse during their period, and stops once the bleeding is over.
Changingestrogen levelsare responsible for this cycle. They stimulate your period and cause the endometrial implants to bleed (just like the lining of the uterus). This results in inflammation, irritation, scar tissue, and pain.
Before and After Surgery
Leg pain can also occur if you’ve had surgery to treat endometriosis. There is a wide range of pain relief patterns after surgery; the pain may go away right after surgery or take a few days or weeks.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe hormone treatment before or after surgery. The goal of hormonal therapy is to keep new implants from growing.
The Link Between Inflammation, Nerves, and Endometriosis
Endometriosis can irritate the nerves through inflammation, nerve entrapment, or pressure from the implants. The following are nerves that endometriosis can affect:
The following are also links between endometriosis and pain:
For mild symptoms, you can try the following options at home:
12 Natural Endometriosis Treatments
Topical MedicationsTopical medicationscome in patches, creams, or gels. They can be placed or rubbed over sore or inflamed areas. Sometimes putting these medications on the lower back can help decrease inflammation in nerves such as the sciatic nerve.These medications decrease swelling. If they include lidocaine, they also numb the area.Examples include:Aspercreme(trolamine salicylate)Bengay (menthol, camphor, or methyl salicylate)Icy Hot(methyl salicylate-menthol)Voltaren (diclofenac)Salonpas(camphor, methyl salicylate, and menthol and tocopherol acetate, or vitamin E)
Topical Medications
Topical medicationscome in patches, creams, or gels. They can be placed or rubbed over sore or inflamed areas. Sometimes putting these medications on the lower back can help decrease inflammation in nerves such as the sciatic nerve.These medications decrease swelling. If they include lidocaine, they also numb the area.Examples include:Aspercreme(trolamine salicylate)Bengay (menthol, camphor, or methyl salicylate)Icy Hot(methyl salicylate-menthol)Voltaren (diclofenac)Salonpas(camphor, methyl salicylate, and menthol and tocopherol acetate, or vitamin E)
Topical medicationscome in patches, creams, or gels. They can be placed or rubbed over sore or inflamed areas. Sometimes putting these medications on the lower back can help decrease inflammation in nerves such as the sciatic nerve.
These medications decrease swelling. If they include lidocaine, they also numb the area.Examples include:
Is Ice or Heat Better for Treating an Injury?
Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen
If the pain is moderate, severe, or progressing, your healthcare provider may suggest the following:
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatmentsthat may provide relief include:
Immediate Relief OptionsIf you are looking for immediate relief, try one of the following options:Topical medicationsHot packsCold packsWarm bath or showerOTC pain relieverHip stretches (to take the pressure off the nerves)
Immediate Relief Options
If you are looking for immediate relief, try one of the following options:Topical medicationsHot packsCold packsWarm bath or showerOTC pain relieverHip stretches (to take the pressure off the nerves)
If you are looking for immediate relief, try one of the following options:
Walking and swimming are good options as they have greater effects on serotonin, toning muscles throughout the body, and improving circulation. Stretching exercises,yoga, and Pilates are also helpful in strengthening and relaxing muscles.
Physical Therapy
Endometriosis treatmentoften requires a multidisciplinary approach, which involvesphysical therapyspecialists. Physical therapy may include:
Pelvic Floor TherapyPelvic floor physical therapyhelps improve the strength and function of the muscles in the pelvic area. This allows the muscles to relax, which can ease symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapyhelps improve the strength and function of the muscles in the pelvic area. This allows the muscles to relax, which can ease symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Certain foods can trigger inflammation in the body. Ananti-inflammatory dietis a well-balanced diet that helps you avoid those foods. It is a good option for those with endometriosis as it can help reduce chronic inflammation.
This diet includes lots of:
It discourages foods that cause inflammation, including:
Dark chocolate is OK if it has at least 70% cocoa. It’s also important to drink plenty of water as hydration reduces inflammation.
Excision Surgery
Excisionsurgery removes implants or scarring, which can help alleviate pain and improve fertility.The goal is to completely remove all of the endometriosis.However, this becomes more difficult for those withstage 4 endometriosis.
If you think you need this surgery, look for a gynecologist specializing in minimally invasive surgery techniques and endometriosis. They may also put together a team of specialists because the tissue may be outside the typical gynecological area and involve delicate areas and nerves.
In- and Out-of-Network SpecialistThe average time to receive anendometriosis diagnosisis seven to 10 years.This and the complexity of endometriosis make it important to seek a specialist.To help reduce costs, use in-network providers if you can. Co-pays may be reasonable if they areout of network, but it helps to check with your insurance and compare rates in advance.Supplemental health insurance may be an option to help cover those costs. If your employer offers flexible spending or savings, take advantage of that. It enables you to pay for medical expenses while decreasing your taxable income.If you need financial assistance, reach out to your providers. Sometimes healthcare clinics offer payment plans, transportation resources, telehealth visits (to cut down on transportation costs), or a social worker or office manager who can help you find resources.
In- and Out-of-Network Specialist
The average time to receive anendometriosis diagnosisis seven to 10 years.This and the complexity of endometriosis make it important to seek a specialist.To help reduce costs, use in-network providers if you can. Co-pays may be reasonable if they areout of network, but it helps to check with your insurance and compare rates in advance.Supplemental health insurance may be an option to help cover those costs. If your employer offers flexible spending or savings, take advantage of that. It enables you to pay for medical expenses while decreasing your taxable income.If you need financial assistance, reach out to your providers. Sometimes healthcare clinics offer payment plans, transportation resources, telehealth visits (to cut down on transportation costs), or a social worker or office manager who can help you find resources.
Summary
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue is present outside the uterus or womb. The tissue grows and bleeds with hormone changes, like the lining of the uterus. This can irritate, inflame, or place pressure on the nerves in the pelvis, causing leg pain.
Relief options vary based on the severity of endometriosis and its symptoms. For immediate relief, try a topical medication, heat or ice pack, change positions (lie on your side), take OTC pain medications, and perform light exercises, such as swimming or walking.
Treatment may require prescription medications, hormone therapy, physical therapy, or surgery for persistent symptoms or leg pain that affects your daily activity.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThesciatic nervestarts in the lower back and goes down each leg. Endometriosis can irritate it through inflammation, entrapment, or pressure.Talk to your healthcare provider if leg pain makes walking difficult. In the meantime, try using a cane, applying heat or ice, topical medications, or over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Light exercise like swimming may help stimulate endorphins and decrease pain.Learn MoreBest Anti-inflammatory MedicationsYes, anything that inflames, entraps, presses against, or irritates the nerves, joints, or tissues in the pelvis area can cause radiating leg pain. Examples of gynecological diseases that can cause leg pain include:Ovarian cystsPelvic inflammatory disease (PID)Gonorrhea(type of sexually transmitted infection, or STI)Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)Uterine fibroidsor tumors
Thesciatic nervestarts in the lower back and goes down each leg. Endometriosis can irritate it through inflammation, entrapment, or pressure.
Talk to your healthcare provider if leg pain makes walking difficult. In the meantime, try using a cane, applying heat or ice, topical medications, or over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Light exercise like swimming may help stimulate endorphins and decrease pain.Learn MoreBest Anti-inflammatory Medications
Talk to your healthcare provider if leg pain makes walking difficult. In the meantime, try using a cane, applying heat or ice, topical medications, or over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Light exercise like swimming may help stimulate endorphins and decrease pain.
Learn MoreBest Anti-inflammatory Medications
Yes, anything that inflames, entraps, presses against, or irritates the nerves, joints, or tissues in the pelvis area can cause radiating leg pain. Examples of gynecological diseases that can cause leg pain include:Ovarian cystsPelvic inflammatory disease (PID)Gonorrhea(type of sexually transmitted infection, or STI)Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)Uterine fibroidsor tumors
Yes, anything that inflames, entraps, presses against, or irritates the nerves, joints, or tissues in the pelvis area can cause radiating leg pain. Examples of gynecological diseases that can cause leg pain include:
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