Lower leg pain can be caused by various factors, including shin splints, stress fractures, and leg cramps. Treatment depends on the cause, but home remedies include ice and rest. Prevention measures include wearing supportive shoes and incorporating low-impact exercise. Medical attention is necessary for severe pain, redness, and swelling.
Lower leg pain can be caused by several problems. The leg contains muscles, tendons, joints, and bones, all of which are prone to injury or ailment. Overuse, nutrient deficiencies, and injuries create a backdrop for the most common causes of lower leg pain. Treatment depends on the cause.
Shin splints are a condition commonly associated with lower leg pain. They are caused by running or walking. The medical term for shin splints is “medial shin splints.” Connective tissue from bone to muscle is also involved.
Symptoms of shin splints include lower leg pain along the inner region. Some mild swelling might accompany the tenderness. Early in the progression, the pain stops when activity ceases, but over time the pain may become constant.
Home remedies for shin splints include ice and rest. Get medical attention if the pain is from a fall, if the skin is red and hot to the touch, if it hurts even when you rest, or if the pain gets worse over time. Prevention of shin splints includes wearing supportive shoes, using arch supports, and incorporating low-impact exercise, such as swimming or biking.
A stress fracture of the tibia is another common cause of lower leg pain. The tibia is an important bone in the lower leg, running from the ankle to the knee. This fracture is caused by repeated trauma to the lower leg. Stress fractures of the tibia occur in both healthy and osteoporosis-affected bones, so the cause of the fracture must be determined. The fracture can occur anywhere along the tibia bone.
Pain in the lower leg may be the first symptom of a tibia stress fracture. Causes of such injuries include falls, accidents, and repetitive trauma, such as training to run a marathon. A lower leg cast is the most common form of treatment, although for more severe fractures, a metal rod may be surgically placed along the bone to strengthen it.
A leg cramp, sometimes referred to as Charlie’s crotch, is a common cause of lower leg pain. Leg cramps are caused by contractions of the leg muscle in the calf. Cramps can be severe and, in some cases, can cause the fibers in the leg muscles to tear. The cause of the leg cramps was unknown as of 2010, but dehydration, low carbohydrate levels, or low sodium and potassium levels are all thought to be contributing factors.
Unless there has been a muscle fiber tear, there is no need for aftercare for leg cramps. Fiber tears are treated through physical therapy. During a cramp, massaging the calf can reduce pain by increasing blood flow. While it hasn’t been scientifically proven, many people believe that pinching the upper lip provides instant relief. For repeated cramping episodes, you should visit a doctor to determine whether you need to increase dietary potassium or sodium.
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