Numerous conditions can cause lower extremity leg pain. According to the MedlinePlus website, lower leg muscles---the muscles originating in the lower leg or shin---are a common source of pain or discomfort. However, other structures in the lower leg can also cause pain, including ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and bones. Traumatic injuries, overuse injuries and certain medical conditions can cause mild, moderate or severe pain in the lower leg.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis---a common running-related condition---can cause lower extremity leg pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, is an inflammation of the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon is a thick, strong tendon that links the patella or kneecap to the tibia, or shinbone. The patellar tendon is an extension of the quadriceps muscle group---the bulky muscle group that sits on the front of the thigh. The most common cause of patellar tendinitis is repetitive stress caused by jumping, sprinting and other activities. The Cleveland Clinic states that patellar tendinitis can be a painful and debilitating condition. Common signs and symptoms associated with patellar tendinitis include pain where the patellar tendon attaches to the patella, knee stiffness, pain and stiffness with squatting and descending stairs, and a cracking sound with knee motion.
Fractured Tibia
A fractured or broken tibia can cause extreme pain in the lower leg. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that several types of tibia fractures are possible, including toddler's fracture, growth plate fractures, stress fractures, closed fractures and open fractures. Stress fractures are among the most common type of tibia fracture. In fact, over 50 percent of all stress fractures occur in the lower leg, states AAOS. Stress fractures are overuse injuries that manifest when tired muscles are no longer capable of absorbing shock and shift the load to the bone. Tibia stress fractures usually develop gradually, causing pain and lower leg swelling during activity. According to AAOS, it often takes six to eight weeks for tibia stress fractures to heal. Activity modification during this phase is essential for healing the damaged tissue.
Shin Splints
Shin splints can cause lower extremity leg pain. Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints is pain and swelling in the anterior, or front part, of the lower legs. Shin splint-related pain usually occurs after activities involving repetitive movements, such as walking or running. Certain factors may contribute to shin splints, including flat feet, calf tightness, inappropriate footwear, poor training techniques and training on uneven surfaces. Common signs and symptoms associated with shin splints include pain and tenderness along the inner part of the shin and swelling in the affected area. Shin splints are usually a bilateral condition, meaning that the condition appears on both sides of the body simultaneously. According to the Foot Health Facts website, shin splints often respond well to conservative care methods, such as rest, ice massage, stretching exercises, minimalist footwear and activity modification.
