If you regularly feel pain in your legs while jogging, it could be due to a number of factors. Tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints from the ankle to the hip can all suffer injuries and get fatigued. If you feel a sudden onset of pain combined with bruising, bleeding or an inability to bear your own weight, go to an emergency room as soon as you can, as this could indicate a fracture or a serious sprain.
Cramp
One of the most common reasons for a pain in the leg when you're jogging is a cramp. A cramp occurs when the fibers in your muscle contract tightly, sometimes causing excruciating pain. If you don't drink much water before you go jogging, or if you're running in very hot conditions, your chances of experiencing cramp are increased. A cramp can occur in the lower or upper part of the leg, though joggers more often experience thigh cramps, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The condition isn't serious, and can often be relieved by stopping and stretching your leg until the pain subsides.
Shin Splints
Jogging can trigger pain along the front of your leg, next to the shinbone. This is commonly known as shin splints. According to MayoClinic.com, shin splints is a common cause of pain in runners and joggers. The frequent impact of your foot hitting the tarmac sends shockwaves through your shinbones. This can cause tissue to pull away from the bone. While the condition usually isn't serious, avoid jogging until symptoms disappear.
Hip Pain
A pain in the hip while jogging could indicate problems in the groin or lower back, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pain toward the inside of the hip could be related to a groin strain. Usually, this only requires some rest and gentle exercise to repair. Other related injuries include tendinitis and osteoarthritis. If your hip pain is persistent when jogging, seek medical advice.
Atherosclerosis
One possible cause of a pain in the legs that arises when jogging is atherosclerosis. Pain from atherosclerosis usually disappears after exercise. The condition occurs when arteries in the leg become blocked by a buildup of debris in the arterial walls. This reduces blood supply to the legs. As you jog, your leg muscles require more oxygenated blood to keep working, but your arteries may not be able to supply the blood fast enough, resulting in a painful sensation.
Sprains
Leg sprains or strains happen when pressure on a tendon causes it to rip or rupture slightly. Sprains while jogging are a common problem, particularly if you twist your knee or ankle on uneven ground. Treat moderate sprains using the RICE method. This calls for rest from exercise, treatment with an ice pack, compression using an elastic bandage and then elevating your leg on a chair or table.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hip Pain
- Mayo Clinic: Shin Splints
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Leg Pain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Charley Horse - Overview
- Student Care Center at the University of Chicago: What Do I Do if I Have a Sprain or Strain?
- USC Center for Vascular Care: Leg Pain and Lower Extremity Arterial Disease
