The leg as a limb does not generally suffer pain in the whole area. Pain if experienced will tend to be localized in one specific area and as such the leg needs to be divided into different zones with pain factors for each area considered differently.

Lower Leg pain

Pain in this area will tend to be either around the calf muscle which is located below the knee at the back of the leg and will generally take the form of cramping.

This can be relieved by putting pressure on the leg itself with the leg having the cramp taking the whole weight of the body.
This type of pain may happen when sleeping or when sitting down.

Shin bone Pain

Pain may also felt in the shin bone and this may indicate a break or fracture. This type of pain may be caused by a sport related injury where force or pressure has been put on the bone. Pain here will feel acute especially when weight is placed on the area and there may be swelling and general tenderness. If this is the case then a visit to the local hospital is required in order to strap and place a cast on the broken bone.

Knee Pain

The knee itself is very complicated and needs to be very flexible in order to do its job properly. It also experiences a lot of wear and tear and this can lead to various injuries such as inflammation of the area and arthritis.

People who work in the same positions for long periods of time are prone to tears in their cartilage and this can result in severe pain. This usually applies to people who work on all fours where an injury called pre patella bursitis is caused. This is where the bursa which is placed in the front of the knee is swollen with fluid and becomes inflamed.  The treatment for this is rest and physiotherapy. In more severe cases a cortisone injection may be required or a new knee cap.

Sports injuries in and around the knee area

Due to the extreme pressure put on the knee joint by active sportsmen and women then the area around the knee is prone to various injuries such as tears in the cartilage surrounding the knee joint itself. Also tendon damage and muscle tears may result due to sudden bursts of activity.
The best treatment for this is the tried and tested ice and elevation method of pain relief. Several visits to the physiotherapist may also be required and in extreme cases depending on the severity of the injury – surgery.
 

Leg pain and the back

A the spinal column of the back is joined to the pelvic bone then as a consequence the hip, thigh and leg bones are all linked to this.
Pain in either the leg or back area may be an indicator of sciatica which affects the spinal cord and places severe pressure on the nerve root.
This very painful condition is more commonly known as a slipped or prolapsed disc and is characterized by severe lower back and leg pain. It is often accompanied by sharp pins and needles down the leg as far as the foot. 
 
Treatment

After about 6 to 8 weeks then the pain in this area should abate with the help of painkillers and physiotherapy. Bed rest is also an ideal way of  relieving pain.