Pain Management Health Center

Lower Leg Pain: Causes and Treatments

If you're suffering from lower leg pain, you may wonder if it's serious or something you can treat at home. What follows is an overview of several causes and types of treatment for lower leg pain. Be sure to see your doctor if you have any question about your leg pain or if symptoms get worse.

Lower Leg Pain: Bones, Joints, and Muscles

Muscle cramps . This sudden, tight, intense lower leg pain is sometimes called a "charley horse." Often caused by muscle fatigue, heat, or dehydration, muscle cramps are more common among older people, endurance athletes, or athletes who are not well conditioned. In most cases, you can ease muscle cramps by stopping whatever triggered them. If needed, gently stretch or massage your lower leg muscle. Applying heat to tight muscles or cold to tender muscles may ease some symptoms. Proper conditioning and stretching can help prevent problems in the future.

Shin splints . This type of lower leg pain occurs when connective tissues and muscles along the edge of the shin bone become inflamed. This often occurs after running or jumping, especially on hard surfaces. The repetitive force overloads muscles and tendons. Flat feet and too much outward rotation of the foot and leg can also contribute to this problem. Pain usually goes away with rest. It also helps to apply ice, take anti-inflammatories, and avoid anything that causes pain. Once pain lessens, stretch and strengthen your lower leg. To prevent future problems, wear supportive shoes and avoid running on hard surfaces.

Inflamed or torn tendons or muscles. One of the first signs of tendonitis (an inflamed tendon) is pain in the lower calf or back of the heel. Apply ice, take anti-inflammatories, and avoid anything that causes pain. Supportive shoes that lessen tension on tendons may also help. Just as with shin splints, wait until pain lessons to stretch and strengthen your leg. If pain is severe, the Achilles tendon may be ruptured. This can result from intense activity and not warming up well enough. See your doctor.

Broken bone or a sprained knee or ankle. A fracture (broken bone) or sprain (injury to ligaments from overstretching) can also cause leg pain. For mild sprains, try rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). For a more severe sprain or fracture, apply ice and see your doctor right away. You may need a cast or brace. You may also need physical therapy to improve movement and speed recovery. Over time, gradually increase strength to support your weakened leg.

Lower Leg Pain: Veins and Arteries

These are some of the more common sources of lower leg pain caused by problems in blood vessels:

Blood clot. A blood clot that develops in a vein deep in the body is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Most deep vein blood clots develop in the lower leg or thigh. They are more likely to occur if you are inactive for long periods, overweight, smoke, or take medication that increases risk for clots. If you suspect a blood clot, go to your doctor or emergency room right away. Pieces of blood clots can travel to lungs and other organs. Medications, support stockings, and weight loss are  types of treatment to prevent clots.