Pain in the lower leg muscles while exercising can be related to a problem with an origin beginning in the low back all the way to the feet. This pain can be related to overuse or injuries of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves and blood vessels of the lower limb. Most causes of lower leg pain will increase with exertion and exercise and decrease with rest.
Causes
There are many causes of lower leg pain and the origin location can vary. The lower back can refer pain to the leg because of a bone out of place putting pressure on the nerves and stressing the muscles of the lower back, hips and legs. The bones may also have experienced a stress fracture, which is a small break in the bones that allows you to still use the affected body part. The feet may be a direct cause of pain in the lower limbs while exercising. Muscles, tendons and ligaments can experience sprains or strains and tendinitis. Narrowed blood vessels in the lower legs can also cause a decrease in blood flow, which makes pain increase during exercise and improves with rest. In your lower limb, there is also a connective tissue called fascia that is inelastic and surrounds the muscles that can cause pain.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common injury that occurs when you experience tender, painful and possibly swollen legs. The pain is usually along or behind the tibia bone in the lower leg. Stress that has been placed on the limb irritates the connective tissue or fascia that attaches the bones and muscles. Runners and those who participate in activities with frequent starts and stops are susceptible to this type of injury. As well as those with flat or rigid feet, performing an activity on a hard surface, or those who are going through military training, are also likely to suffer shin splints. At-home treatments are usually enough to stop the pain caused by shin splints.
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
This compartment syndrome also involves the fascia of the lower leg. The pain will start after you begin your workout, will worsen throughout the workout and usually will be better within 20 minutes of stopping the workout. As time passes, the pain may persist up to 2 days after a workout. Numbness, tingling or weakness may also be related to this syndrome. At-home treatments do not resolve this pain and many times surgery is required.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for pains in the lower legs usually begins with resting and icing the affected areas. Over-the-counter pain medications to relieve pain and swelling may be taken as recommended. Stretching and massaging the lower limb may help to decrease the tightness of the muscles. Also, be sure that you have good foot wear and orthotics to support your feet. If the pain continues or worsens, seek a physician's opinion. Preventing future injuries may require a change in routine, shoes, stretching and strengthening to give proper support and protection to the lower limb.
