Diagnostic Tests for Leg pain

Diagnostic Test list for Leg pain:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Leg pain includes:

• Physical examination
  • Watch walking and nature of any limp
  • Inspect and feel legs for size and symmetry, any bruises, swellings, discoloration, tenderness, ulcers or rashes. If focal tenderness, swelling or redness of the skin this would suggest cellulitis, superficial thrombophlebitis, osteomyelitis or lymphangitis. If there is tenderness without swelling or redness this may suggest bursitis or deep venous thrombosis
  • Inspect pattern of any visible or bulging leg veins
  • Examine lumbosacral spine, if suspect leg pain may be referred from spine
  • Feel the pulses in the legs - if reduced or absent should suggest arterial embolism, peripheral atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or obstruction of the abdominal aorta and its branches by atherosclerosis.
  • Examine the lymph nodes in groin
  • Neurological examination to test for nerve root problems - e.g. test power, tone, reflexes, co-ordination and sensation in the lower limbs.
  • Examine joints for limitation of motion
  • Inspect for signs of peripheral vascular disease - e.g. reduced or absent pulses, cool pale extremities, loss of hair on lower feet and legs, ulcers on foot, gangrene of skin on toes.
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count and ESR
  • Fasting blood sugar to diagnose Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
  • Alkaline phosphatase, Calcium and phosphorus
  • Arthritis screen depending on suspicion including Rheumatoid factor, ANA and ENA antibodies, HLA-B27
  • Uric acid
  • PSA in older males, if suspect bone metastases
• Radiological examination
  • X-ray of leg
  • X-ray of the leg joints, if suspect pathology of joints
  • X-ray of lumbosacral spine
  • CT Scan or MRI of lumbosacral spine
  • MRI knee may be indicated to diagnose torn menisci
  • Bone Scan will help diagnose obscure fractures and osteomyelitis, both of the lumbar spine and the lower extremities
• Electromyography
• Vascular tests
  • Arteriography - if surgery is planned for peripheral vascular disease or suspect arterial embolism.
  • Duplex ultrasound scan - can detect deep venous thrombosis; detect the local sites of incompetence of varicose veins and measure blood flow in peripheral vascular disease.
  • Ankle-brachial index - compares the resting systolic blood pressure at the arm and ankle and can indicate peripheral vascular disease.
  • Venous pool radionuclide scan - can help diagnose deep venous thrombosis.
  • Contrast venography - can help diagnose deep venous thrombosis if duplex ultrasound scan and radionuclide scan are negative.
  • Air plethysmograph - for varicose veins.
• Synovial fluid analysis and culture - should be done if suspect joint pathology and if there is sufficient joint fluid.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Leg pain causes:

• Nerve Neuropathy: Related Home Testing:
  • Home Diabetes Test Kits
  • Home Blood Glucose Testing Kits

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