Your lower leg contains three large muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus in the calf and the tibialis anterior in the shin. There also are many smaller muscles responsible for ankle movements and a host of tendons, ligaments and nerves. Many people experience some type of pain in their lower legs during exercise. Consult with your doctor if the pain suddenly worsens or if it is interfering with your day-to-day activities.
Lactate
When you perform anaerobic exercise, such as moderate--intensity strength training, your body produces lactate, sometimes called lactic acid, as a metabolic by-product. Lactate is acidic, lowering your blood pH and causing a burning sensation in the working muscle. According to "Scientific American," this burning sensation is a protective mechanism to keep you from working too hard and damaging your muscle tissue. If you feel a burning sensation as you near the end of a set of calf raises, for example, simply rest for a minute to allow the lactate to clear before beginning the next set.
Shin Splints
A burning sensation in the front of your lower leg during exercise may be due to shin splints. Shin splints typically are the result of a muscular imbalance between the smaller shin muscles and calf muscles. According to MayoClinic.com, running and participating in activities with frequent stopping and starting are linked to shin splints. Improve shin splints by stretching and strengthening your tibialis anterior, in addition to ice and rest.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are more than just a vanity concern. They are caused by blood pooling due to weakened vessel walls and are common in the lower legs because the legs are the furthest from the heart. Varicose veins cause a burning sensation, as well as redness and swelling, during exercise because the increased blood needed in your muscles puts extra pressure on the veins. If varicose veins are causing discomfort during exercise, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends seeing your doctor for treatment options.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are common in the lower legs of people who have recently been on bed rest or take blood thinners. When a blood clot forms in the large veins in the leg it is called deep vein thrombosis. Signs include swelling and a dull, burning sensation. These signs are exaggerated during physical activity, when you increase the need for blood in the muscles. If you believe you have deep vein thrombosis, immediately see your doctor as the blood clot could break away and cause serious health problems.
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