In some cases, however, pain can be the sign that you’ve developed a deadly, emergent condition that requires immediate medical attention. Many of these pains aren’t immediately associated with the conditions that cause them, so it’s important to be aware and take them seriously when and if they arise.
Here are a list of pains that should raise a red flag.
Leg Pain
Legs can cramp and feel pain for lots of reasons - after a long run, when you’ve been sitting in an awkward position for long periods of time, or if you’ve injured your muscle. Sometimes, however, leg or calf pain can be a sign of a potentially deadly condition known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. DVT is a condition where a blood clot develops in the leg. The clot may dislodge and travel to the lungs or heart, where it can kill in a matter of minutes, according to NBC News.
People are most susceptible to DVTs when they’ve been sitting for extended periods of time, such as on long airplane, car, or train rides. DVTs are also common in patients who’ve recently undergone surgery, in pregnant women, and in people who have been on bed rest. The leg pain associated with DVTs is often accompanied by swelling or bruising in the leg or calf, or behind the knee.
If you suddenly develop a sharp leg or calf pain, especially if you have any of the risk factors outlined above, you should get to an emergency room to be examined. An ultrasound can confirm the presence of a clot, and doctors can administer blood thinners to treat it before it dislodges.