What should you know about a TENS unit on the legs?

TENS electrodes are usually placed around, rather than directly over, a painful area so pulses pass through comfortable skin. The exact position depends on whether pain is in the thigh, knee, calf, shin or foot. TENS can change how pain signals are perceived, but it does not diagnose or repair a fracture, clot, infection or nerve problem. Reduced sensation can make it harder to notice excessive intensity or skin irritation.

Read the device instructions and start with a comfortable setting while seated. Place pads on clean, dry, intact skin with space between them; do not put them over an open wound, rash, numb patch, prominent bony point or directly across the front of the knee unless instructed. Keep the unit off while attaching or moving pads. Inspect the skin after the session, keep pads clean, and do not wear the device while driving, bathing or sleeping unless your clinician has approved that plan.

Seek urgent care for a suddenly swollen, hot or red leg; severe calf pain with breathlessness or chest pain; a cold or pale foot; new inability to walk; or sudden weakness. Arrange assessment for persistent pain, progressive numbness, unexplained swelling, or symptoms after an injury. Do not use TENS to delay evaluation of these warning signs.

Ask which part of the leg should receive the pads, whether your diagnosis makes TENS suitable, what intensity and session pattern to use, and how to combine it with movement or rehabilitation. Mention a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, poor circulation, diabetes, pregnancy or altered sensation.