In recent years, the supplement creatine has been closely linked with problems arising in the lower leg, particularly among athletes. Creatine is an energy-producing substance favored by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, although its impact on lower leg pain is hotly debated. While definitive proof is still sought, some trainers have banned the substance.
History
Creatine was first discovered in the 1800s as an organic component of meat, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the 1970s, Soviet scientists created an oral supplement version of the substance that reportedly improved athletic performance. Creatine grew in popularity throughout the 1990s as a natural performance enhancer for athletes.
Function
The body naturally produces creatine from amino acids in the kidneys and liver. The substance is transported by the blood to various muscles that synthesize it for energy. Nearly all the body's creatine is found in skeletal muscle. Oral creatine supplements reportedly increase the creatine content in skeletal muscle, thereby improving muscle performance and size.
Effects
Lower leg pain may stem from creatine use, according to MayoClinic.com. Aggressive increases in workout regiments among first-time users of creatine can lead to strains and sprains. In addition, the substance may also cause compartment syndrome, a lower leg condition characterized by inflammation and reduced circulation.
Prevention/Solution
Severe creatine-induced pain in the lower leg may necessitate surgery, particularly in cases of compartment syndrome. Because of its linkage to this condition, many trainers have prohibited their athletes from consuming oral creatine supplements. Solidifying that linkage is further inhibited by the fact that blood tests for creatine supplement levels remain unhelpful at best, according to ABC News.
Considerations
Despite its potential harm to the lower leg, creatine has been prescribed to adults and children in unique cases. Small doses are given to children suffering from muscular dystrophy or guanidinoacetate methyltransferase -- GAMT -- deficiency, a condition that affects nervous system muscles. Many adult athletes continue to take the substance regular to improve performance. Be that as it may, doctor supervision is recommended before any creatine regimen is started.
