### When to Call Your Doctor About Leg Pain Leg pain can be a common issue, but certain types of pain may indicate a more serious problem, especially if you have diabetes. Here are some symptoms that should prompt you to call your doctor: 1. **Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)**: If your lower leg or thigh feels painful, sensitive to touch, and appears reddish, it could be due to a blood clot. DVT is dangerous because the clot can travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of PE include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. This is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. 2. **Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)**: Pain in your calf or thigh while walking that improves with rest could be a sign of PAD. This condition occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to your limbs. Without treatment, PAD can lead to severe complications like infections, ulcers, and even gangrene, which may require amputation. 3. **Sciatica**: Pain starting in your lower back or hip and running down the back of one leg may be due to sciatica. This happens when the sciatic nerve is pinched, often due to a herniated disk. While many recover without treatment, it's important to see a doctor to avoid complications. 4. **Serious Injuries**: Certain injuries like an Achilles tendon tear, ACL tear, or hamstring tear can cause significant leg pain. These injuries often occur during sports or physical activities and may require medical intervention to heal properly. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have diabetes, it's crucial to seek medical advice to prevent further complications.