Common Causes of Lower Leg Pain

Pain in the leg can be due to many reasons ranging from major to minor. The type of pain can be dull, aching to severe and excruciating, depending on the cause. In minor cases, leg pain can be due to standing for a long time, running, sitting in an uncomfortable position for long, etc. Apart from these, there are several other causes for this pain.

Any injury caused due to trauma, accident, fall or blow to the leg or knee can lead to severe pain. The severity of the pain depends on the cause of the injury.

Shin splints is a condition that arises when the muscles around the shin get inflamed. Excess running, playing sports like tennis, etc., are common causes. Sore leg muscles, tenderness, calf leg pain, etc., are the symptoms of this condition.

The Achilles tendon is a fibrous cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Any injury or blow to Achilles tendon leads to its rupture, leading to shooting pain in leg. Achilles tendinitis is another cause of lower leg pain after running, which results in inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

This condition develops when the vein in the leg remains permanently dilated. Aging and pregnancy are considered as the prominent causes for the same. Twisted and bulging vein, severe leg pain, leg aches, burning sensation in the leg, muscle cramping, etc., are its symptoms.

Restless leg syndrome is a condition when one has a constant urge to move his leg. It usually occurs at night. Along with pain, he experiences tingling, numbness, and unpleasant sensation in the legs. It has several causes like mineral deficiency, kidney failure, etc. Restless leg syndrome is also one of the common causes of leg pain during pregnancy.

Pregnant women commonly experience pain in the lower leg due to several reasons. Firstly, the increasing size of the uterus increases the weight, which in turn exerts pressure on the legs leading to leg pain when walking. On the other hand, poor circulation and hormonal changes can also lead to aching legs at night.

Apart from these, strain or sprain in the leg, certain diseases and disorders, fractures, etc., can also lead to chronic pain. If one experiences leg pain that lasts for a longer period, he/she should consult a doctor.

Shin splints can be treated with painkiller medications, taking rest, using ice pack, etc. Varicose veins can be treated with the help of physical therapy as well as surgery. Similarly, Achilles tendinitis treatment also usually involves pain reliever medications, physical therapy, etc.

In severe cases, corticosteroid injections and surgery may even be required. Restless leg syndrome can be treated with the help of medications and leg exercises. Lower leg pain caused during pregnancy is not a serious condition, yet women can consult the doctor for treatment or self-help methods to get rid of the pain.

Lastly, one should note that all the mentioned causes can be treated if timely and proper treatment is undertaken. Take care!

Disclaimer: This for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.