Pain in the lower leg

Overview

Dear readers, we have structured the topic according to the different causes: Unilateral bilateral lower leg pain After localization:

  • Unilateral lower leg pain
  • Bilateral lower leg pain
  • Rear lower leg pain
  • Front lower leg pain
  • External lower leg pain
  • Inner lower leg pain

Pain in the lower leg can be caused by various diseases and injuries. The exact localization of the pain is important in the search for the cause. Here, a distinction must be made between purely orthopedic clinical pictures and diseases of the vascular system. In addition to the frequently observed muscular causes, defects of the bony structures can also lead to pain in the lower leg.

Causes

Chronic or frequently recurring pain of the lower leg is mostly due to tense muscles, problems in the muscle fascia area or connective tissue defects of the skin or subcutis. These are the most common causes: In most cases, pain is mainly described on the back of the lower leg (calf). In the case of calf pain, which can often be traced back to purely musculoskeletal causes (emanating from the muscle or bone), the affected patient usually feels pulling or drilling pain.

These pains usually increase in intensity under heavy strain (for example, when jogging or hiking). If the pain occurs suddenly during sports, a torn muscle fibre in the lower leg could also cause the pain. Pain in the lower leg is often caused by tension or spasmodic permanent contractions of the calf muscles.

Especially the large calf muscles that shape the calf are often the cause of pain in the lower leg area. Pain emanating from calf muscles is usually not limited to the calf alone but radiates into the hollow of the knee. In addition, pain in the knee can also occur.

Patients who are frequently affected by pain in the lower leg should pay attention to the circumstances under which the pain problem occurs, the measures taken to alleviate or intensify it, and whether the pain is unilateral (on one leg) or bilateral. Varicose veins can also cause pain in the lower leg.

  • Muscle tension or cramps
  • Leg vein thrombosis
  • Peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Read next article in this series:

All articles in this series:

  1. Pain in the lower leg
  2. Causes of bilateral calf pain
  3. Inner pain in the lower leg
  4. Pain in the rear lower leg
  5. Pain in the front lower leg
  6. Common accompanying symptoms
  7. What role do fasciae play in lower leg pain?
  8. Nocturnal pain
  9. Could this also be a slipped disc in the lumbar spine?
  10. Therapy