Most Common Causes of Lower Leg Pain & Its Treatment

Causes of Lower Leg Pain

Overview

The pain on the outside of the lower leg above the ankle can occur due to running or common sports injuries. Here in this blog, we will share insights on different conditions such as shin splints, stress fractures, tendonitis, and their available treatment options.

Summary

• Intense lower leg pain can be felt due to shin splints, stress fractures, and muscle cramps.
• The pain on the lower leg’s side may occur due to common sports injuries or running.
• If a person has shin pain, not shin splints, he may not require consultation from a doctor.
• The muscle cramps usually happen as a result of an overuse injury, dehydration, or strain in the lower leg.
• The treatment of a stress fracture, if not taken timely, can result in a complete fracture of the bone.
• Anti-inflammatory pain medications may not only help alleviate pain but also reduce inflammation at the affected site.

The pain on the lower leg’s side may occur due to common sports injuries or running. Several treatment options can be opted for depending upon the particular condition. Intense lower leg pain can be felt due to shin splints, stress fractures, and muscle cramps. The runners usually face acute pain in the lower leg region due to everyday sports activities.

Here we will discuss some of the most common causes of lower leg pain and their most effective treatment options.

1. Shin Splints

The pain that can be felt at the innermost side of the tibia is termed as shin splints. If a person has shin pain, not shin splints, he may not require consultation from a doctor. The pain intensifies after running and can be improved through continuous training.

At the innermost side of the tibia, softness and tenderness of the bone can be easily observed. A slight inflammation can also be observed in the affected area. The most common treatment options that can be availed for it may include:

• Applying ice treatment at the affected area.
• Use of anti-inflammatory pain medications.
• Wearing proper footwear or arch supports.
• Regular exercise and training sessions.

2. Muscle Cramps

A sudden tightening and intense lower pain can be observed in patients suffering from muscle cramps. The muscle cramps usually happen as a result of an overuse injury, dehydration, or strain. The treatment options may include:

• Massage therapy.
• Stretching exercises.
• Application of heat and cold treatment.
• Anti-inflammatory pain medications.

3. Stress Fractures

The leg bone pain may also occur due to a stress fracture in the bone as a result of a sudden, traumatic, or overuse injury. A slight inflammation may also be observed in the affected area. The treatment of a stress fracture, if not taken timely, can result in a complete fracture of the bone.

The most common and effective treatment options for treating stress fractures may include:

• Taking rest at regular intervals.
• Applying site at the site of inflammation.
• Compression therapy to prevent further inflammation of the affected area.
• Elevation of the legs to reduce pain and swelling.

Tightened compartments

4.Compartment Syndrome

Your muscles may swell as a result while or afterward exercising. The inflammation volume may increase by up to 20 percent than average. The blood flow may cease as a result of the tightened compartments and nerve pressure. It may cause severe pain and numbness in the lower leg region with abnormal functionality.

If a patient is suffering from severe or chronic compartment syndrome, the doctors may recommend emergency surgical treatment.

Slight inflammation

5.Tendonitis

Tendonitis is one of the most common issues faced by people due to a sudden injury in the muscle or bone of the lower leg region. These tendons help in the attachment of the muscle to the bones. A slight inflammation or swelling in this region may cause sharp or radiating pain that ultimately affects the tendons.

Tendonitis can be treated by adopting the following practical measures:

• Application of cold therapy.
• Elevation of the legs to reduce pain.
• Compression therapy to prevent inflammation.

All these treatment options can be recommended in combination with medications. Anti-inflammatory pain medications may not only help alleviate pain but also reduce inflammation at the affected site. There is a lot of evidence found to the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of stress fractures.

If you do not find any cure to heal your leg pain, then consult with one of the most top-ranked Orthopedic Surgeon today at Complete Medical Wellness.

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