The side of your lower leg might hurt due to a number of reasons, the most common of which is shin splints. Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
Potential Causes of Lower Leg Pain
It's difficult to determine the exact cause without a physical examination. However, here are some of the most common reasons for pain on the side of your lower leg:
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome - MTSS): This is a very common cause of lower leg pain, especially in athletes or those who engage in repetitive activities.
- What it is: Shin splints refer to pain along or just behind the large bone (tibia) in your lower leg. They are often caused by overuse, repetitive impact, or changes in activity level.
- Where it hurts: The pain is typically located on the front or outside of the shins (anterolateral shin splints) or on the inside of the lower leg above the ankle (posteromedial shin splints).
- Symptoms: Pain and tenderness along the tibia. Pain may worsen during or after exercise.
- Stress Fracture: A small crack in the tibia (shin bone).
- Cause: Usually caused by repetitive stress and overuse, similar to shin splints, but more severe.
- Symptoms: A more localized and intense pain than shin splints. The pain gets progressively worse with activity and may be present even at rest.
- Compartment Syndrome: A condition in which increased pressure within a limited anatomical space (compartment) compromises the blood supply to nerves and muscles within that compartment.
- Cause: Can be caused by injury or overuse.
- Symptoms: Pain, tightness, numbness, and tingling in the lower leg, often after exercise. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage.
- Muscle Strain/Pull: A tear in one of the muscles in the lower leg.
- Cause: Sudden forceful contraction or overstretching of a muscle.
- Symptoms: Sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the leg.
- Nerve Entrapment: Compression of a nerve in the lower leg.
- Cause: Can be caused by injury, swelling, or tight muscles.
- Symptoms: Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower leg and foot.
- Peroneal Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons that run along the outside of the lower leg and ankle.
- Cause: Overuse or injury.
- Symptoms: Pain along the outside of the lower leg and ankle, especially with activity.
When to See a Doctor
While many cases of lower leg pain can be managed with rest and home remedies, it's important to see a doctor if:
- The pain is severe or doesn't improve with rest.
- You have numbness or tingling in your foot.
- Your leg is swollen, red, or warm to the touch.
- You suspect you have a stress fracture.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor can diagnose the cause of your lower leg pain through a physical exam and, if necessary, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI. Treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis but may include:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics
- In severe cases, surgery
