What role do fasciae play in lower leg pain?

Fasciae as the sole cause of pain in the lower leg play a rather minor role. Although inflammation of the fascia is possible, it is rather rare. More likely, however, are causes such as hardening of the calf muscles or the so-called “jogger shin”. Here, a shortening of the calf muscles causes a tensile load on the muscles located on the shin side, which try to keep the foot in a normal position by tensing it.This permanent tensing of the shin muscles then ultimately leads to pain in the tensed muscles.

The most common causes in detail

In most cases, the pain is localized to the affected muscle groups, especially the calves, and is of medium to strong intensity. The affected persons feel the pain predominantly as pulling or drilling. Muscle cramps and also strains affect all age groups and are mostly related to sports.

However, they can also be caused by a hollow back, frequent and incorrect sitting, incorrect footwear and general overloading of the muscles. You can find more under our topics: Muscle crampsOne-sided muscle tension also affects certain muscle groups and is of the same intensity and quality as bilateral muscle cramps. In addition to incorrect and excessive strain during sports, they are caused by a crooked or relieving posture due to an injury to the other leg.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD), also known as window dressing, can be divided into different types, which also change the localization of pain. In the case of a B-type, the affected person feels pain in the thigh because the vascular occlusion is already located here. With the O-type, the lower leg is usually affected and with the U-type the foot.

It is also a stabbing pain, which usually starts suddenly. In addition, men are affected more often than women and the risk increases with age. Causes include lack of exercise, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and disorders of fat metabolism. Relief can be achieved by positioning the leg low or standing between movements. Further information can be found under our topic: peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK)