It often happens that pain in the bones of the lower leg takes a person by surprise. But for some reason, rarely does anyone think not only about the causes of this phenomenon, but also about the fact that such pain can lead to very real and tragic consequences. Agree, “compression of the root in the lumbar spine” sounds quite intimidating, and it is with such a wording that is incomprehensible to the layman that doctors often write down the diagnosis in the patient’s card.

Why do leg bones hurt?

To find ways to deal with this problem, it is necessary, first of all, to understand the possible mechanisms for the appearance of pain in bone tissues. To determine the causes of the pain syndrome and the further course of treatment, the therapist or surgeon determines which part of the lower leg causes discomfort. It can be:

• periosteum of the leg;
• tendons of the ankle joint;
• ankle ligaments;
• muscles, surrounding tissues and blood vessels of the leg.

1. Ligament rupture or tear, muscle spasms, leg fractures. Training, maximum load when running or walking, improper exercise or playing sports without proper preparation can lead to mechanical damage to tissues, which leads to discomfort.

2. Arthrosis, arthritis. Both diseases affect the joints and their components, characterized by aching pain, limited leg mobility, and a feeling of tension in the affected area. In our century, these are very common diseases, so the medicines for their treatment are getting better and better every year.

3. If you are worried about pain in the lower leg bone in front, the problem is sometimes hidden in damage to the cartilage lining, which plays the role of a shock absorber in the knee joint. When a person is injured, he can move the joint with great difficulty, and sometimes he is not able to move his knee at all. In case of pathology, they resort to conservative or surgical intervention, depending on the nature of the injury and the degree of damage to the cartilage.

Read also: Causes of knee pain when walking up stairs

4. Osteoma. A tumor of the thigh or lower leg is a very dangerous disease, which even at the stage of development already involves the intervention of a surgeon.

5. Osteosarcoma. A very rare, but very dangerous disease, which is a malignant tumor localized in the joint area. Initially, a person has dull pains, which gradually become more intense and are accompanied by a thickening of the bone, the appearance of a venous network on the skin.

6. Paget's disease. The disease is a pathological condition in which there is a violation of the bone structure, followed by deformation and curvature of the leg. With the disease, the bones of the lower leg constantly hurt, and the pain syndrome has a pronounced aching, dull character. As the disease progresses, the bones become brittle and prone to fracture.

7. Decrease in the blood of potassium and calcium. An acute shortage of these elements in the blood usually leads to weakening and destruction of tissues, which causes unpleasant aching pains.

8. Tobacco and alcohol abuse. As medical practice shows, this category of people is more at risk than others, so most doctors recommend that if you have problems with your legs, first of all, to abandon these harmful factors.

Diagnosis for pain in the leg

To figure out why the leg bone hurts, doctors prescribe a number of the following diagnostic procedures:

• ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the lower leg and adjacent joints;
• ultrasound examination of the vessels of the lower extremities;
• electroneuromyography, rheovasography, plethysmography;
• x-ray of the bones of the lower leg, knee joints and feet;
• angiography;
• computed tomography with vascular contrast.

In the process of diagnosis, in addition to the therapist and surgeon, the following doctors may participate:

• neurologist (for neurological diseases);
• traumatologist (for leg injuries, sprains of muscles, ligaments and bruises);
• neurosurgeon (for lesions of the spinal cord requiring surgical intervention);
• oncologist (in the presence of a tumor);
• endocrinologist (for diabetes mellitus and diseases of the endocrine glands);
• infectious disease specialist (for infectious diseases).

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Basic information

Pain in the legs is a complex clinical problem, since it is a common symptom not only of such a potentially dangerous condition as venous thrombosis, but also of many less dangerous diseases.

In most cases, calf pain is caused by one or more disorders that are easily treatable.

Pain in the legs occurs in more than 50% of patients with signs of venous thrombosis, confirmed by phlebography, but is a non-specific symptom, and their intensity and prevalence do not correlate with the size (and therefore with the potential danger) of venous thrombi.

The doctor is faced with a dilemma: in which cases, with pain in the legs, venous thrombosis should be suspected and objective research methods should be resorted to, and in which cases it can be excluded with full confidence.

This chapter discusses the various causes of calf pain and outlines a practical approach to diagnosing them using specific and objective research methods.

The reasons

Pain receptors are located in most tissues of the lower leg, including muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels and surrounding tissues. Pain in the legs can be caused by an inflammatory process in any of these structures, as is the case, for example, with deep vein thrombosis resulting from inflammation of the vessel wall or tissues located around the vessel. As a result, lower leg pain can occur with a variety of disorders (Table 21).

Table 21. Causes of pain in the lower leg

Venous thrombosis Sprain, cramps, or muscle injury Muscle tear Direct trauma to a muscle or lower limb Spontaneous hematoma in the muscles Arterial insufficiency (muscle ischemia) Neurogenic pain Rupture of the popliteal cyst (Baker's cyst) Arthritis of the knee or ankle Inflammation of the heel tendon Inflammation of the soft tissues of the lower limb Bone lesion Phlebeurysm Thrombosis of superficial veins Pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives Postfombophlebitic syndrome Inflammation of subcutaneous fat Tendon injury

Venous thrombosis

In most patients, venous thrombosis occurs without clinical manifestations. The onset of symptoms or signs is usually due to blockage of the vein that obstructs blood flow, inflammation of the vessel wall or surrounding tissues, a combination of these factors, or thromboembolism of the pulmonary vessels.

The most common clinical symptoms and signs of venous thrombosis are pain, tenderness, and swelling. However, it should be emphasized that these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by any of those listed in Table. 21 pathological conditions.

Homan's symptom (the appearance of pain at a certain time of day) is also not specific and can be found in many disorders that simulate venous thrombosis. Therefore, despite the fact that venous thrombosis can be suspected on the basis of these clinical symptoms, they cannot be used for differential diagnosis and choice of treatment tactics. Less common manifestations of venous thrombosis are varicose veins, discoloration of the lower leg, including pallor, cyanosis, redness, and venous bands on palpation.

Pain and tenderness on palpation. The cause of pain and tenderness on palpation is most often inflammation of the vein wall and perivascular zone, and in the case of proximal vein thrombosis, vein expansion.

With thrombosis of the veins of the lower leg, pain and tenderness on palpation are usually localized in the calf region, and with thrombosis of the proximal veins - in the lower leg, in the thigh or in the iliac region. In patients with thrombosis of the distal veins of the leg, pain and tenderness on palpation, when they are caused by severe swelling of the tissues, may be more diffuse.

Pain in venous thrombosis has no characteristic features. They can be aching or convulsive, sharp or dull, strong or moderate. Very often they are aggravated by walking, carrying weights and are combined with local pain on palpation. Pain may improve with supine position and with heparin treatment, but these symptoms are also not specific for venous thrombosis.

Associated symptoms

An increase in the size of the limb due to edema often accompanies pain and tenderness on palpation that occurs with venous thrombosis. Usually, after pressure on the area of ​​​​edema, a depression remains, however, sometimes the edema is mild and can be determined by an increase in the turgor of the muscles of the lower leg, which is best assessed with relaxed muscles. If the swelling of the lower leg is caused by blockage of the proximal large vein, it is usually located distal to the site of obstruction and may be moderately painful.

Swelling due to inflammation is usually localized at the site of thrombosis and is accompanied by pain and tenderness on palpation. If the leg is placed in an elevated position, the swelling usually decreases.
Vein dilation is a relatively rare manifestation of acute venous thrombosis.

This symptom is an early sign of a violation of the outflow of blood through the veins and usually disappears if the limb is placed in an elevated position, as well as with the development of collateral blood flow. Discoloration of the skin of the lower leg is also a relatively rare manifestation of venous thrombosis. The lower leg may be pale, cyanotic, or reddish-blue. Cyanosis caused by impaired venous return and congestive hypoxia occurs in patients with obstruction of the proximal veins of the leg.

In rare cases, with severe inflammation of the perivascular tissues, the lower leg may have a diffuse red color, which makes it difficult to differentiate with inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue. Paleness, although not a characteristic symptom, may be present in the early stages of iliofemoral vein thrombosis and is likely due to arterial spasm.

When a vessel is thrombosed, which is easily accessible for palpation, a soft cord is felt to the touch. If the vein is located superficially, a local increase in the temperature of the limb can be determined.

Pain and its causes in alphabetical order:

shin pain

The lower leg is the part of the leg from the knee to the heel, it consists of the tibia and fibula, to which the patella is attached. The tibia and fibula end below with two processes: the inner and outer malleolus, where they are connected by ligaments. At the top, these bones articulate, along the entire length they are connected by a membrane.

The lower leg consists of anterior and posterior regions, the boundary between which extends from the posterior edge of the head of the fibula to the posterior edge of the outer malleolus, and inside - along the inner edge of the tibia.

Muscles are attached in front and behind the bones of the lower leg, which are divided into 3 groups: front, extensor feet and toes; external, bending the foot, as well as retracting and rotating it outward; and back muscles (calf) that flex the toes and foot.

Pain in the lower leg is quite common, and in most cases does not require treatment (prolonged static load, standing, sitting, walking for a long time and excessive exercise). The latter especially often occurs when a person begins to exercise after a long break. Trauma, impact, sprain, dislocation require immediate medical attention. Very often, the cause of pain in the lower leg can be compression of the root in the lumbar spine, as well as the irrational intake of certain medications without a doctor's prescription.

What diseases cause pain in the lower leg:

What are the symptoms of shin pain?
Pain in the lower leg is pain on the outside of the leg below the knee (the area of ​​the tibia). The affected area is 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Pain may appear during exercise, then decrease. Pain in the lower leg is often not severe. However, pain may appear in the athlete, which causes the cessation of training.

The main causes of pain in the lower leg:
- Dehydration or decrease in blood levels of certain salts (soda, calcium, potassium, magnesia).
- Taking medications, such as diuretics, which cause a sharp decrease in the amount of salts. Statins - lowering cholesterol levels can damage muscle tissue.
- Muscle spasm from physical overexertion or prolonged static load.
- Torn ligaments due to injury in the muscle.
- Depressed fractures of the leg.
- Inflammation of the tendons of the leg.
- Damage to the meniscus.
- Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities (this disease is characterized by the appearance of pain in the lower leg when walking and their disappearance after rest).
- Blockage of blood vessels (deep vein thrombosis).
- Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone tissue.
- Inflammation of the joints - arthritis, arthrosis.
- Damage to nerve fibers - polyneuropathy in diabetes, smokers and alcohol abusers.
- Inflammation of the tendons and tendon sheaths of the posterior tibial and anterior tibial muscles of the leg (tendinitis / tendovaginitis).
- Injuries and inflammation of the Achilles tendon - partial micro- and macro-tears (tendonitis, peritendinitis).
- "Trap" syndromes of the lower leg (syndromes of "clamping - compression"); tendon fixator syndrome of the anterior tibial muscles; syndromes of the anterior, posterior, lateral "compartments" of the leg muscles.
- Inflammation of the periosteum of the tibia (periostopathia).
- Stress fractures of the lower leg ("fatigue", "marching" fractures).
- Inflammation of the tendon-bone junction of the crow's-foot tendon expansion (tendoperiostitis - bursitis).
- Rapid fatigue, discomfort, soreness of the calf muscles, cramps in the calf muscles.
- Persistent muscle contractures ("clogging") of the shin muscles of an overload nature.
- Micro and macro tears of the calf muscles of the leg.
- Lymphatic venous insufficiency and dilation of the veins of the foot and lower leg.
- Micro tears and inflammation of the patellar ligament (tendonitis, peritendinitis, tendoperiostopathies).
- Inflammation of the tibial tuberosity: Osgood-Schlatter disease (adolescent “growth zone” tendoperiostopathia)
- Inflammation of the apex of the patella (tenoperiostopathia, jumper's knee).
- Sprains / ruptures of the ligaments of the ankle joint with instability of the foot.

Rarer causes of calf pain:
- Beginning tumor in the thigh or lower leg - osteoma.
- Drugs such as alapurinol and cortico-styrol.
- Paget's disease.
- Malignant bone tumors - osteosarcoma.
- Nerve root compression caused by disc herniation.
- Syndrome Reynaud.
- Tissue compression syndrome.

Most often, acute pain in the lower leg occurs in people who have been abusing smoking for a long time. These pains usually disappear after rest, but indicate the presence of serious problems that require lifestyle changes. In addition, the presence of such a pain syndrome requires additional examination of the patient-smoker for heart disease and the vascular system as a whole.

Acute pain in the lower leg with deep vein thrombosis in itself does not pose a great danger, but there is a high risk when a complication occurs (a blood clot breaks off and enters the lungs, the brain). Perhaps, with thrombosis, surgical treatment is necessary.

With atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities, a picture appears that is similar to the symptoms that smokers have (Raynaud's syndrome). The fundamental difference is that with atherosclerosis there is a true narrowing of the blood vessels, and not a spasm as in Raynaud's syndrome.

Tissue compression syndrome is a very serious condition that occurs after strong pressure on the lower leg. Sometimes, after a pain-free interval, internal hemorrhage occurs in the muscles of the lower leg, which compresses the nerve fibers and blood vessels. The leg becomes edematous, hot to the touch, and there are severe pains in the lower leg. The most serious complication possible with this syndrome is irreversible damage to nerve fibers and muscle tissue. When this happens, muscle atrophy and functional failure of the foot (drooping foot) occurs. The person loses the ability to flex the foot, which makes it impossible for them to walk, swim, or ride bicycles.

Osteomyelitis is a common complication, especially after open fractures. Usually osteomyelitis of the leg develops in people with weak immunity and, as a rule, requires both surgical and medical treatment.

A torn meniscus is a very common injury in athletes, especially football players and runners. The most effective surgical treatment.

Pain in the lower leg from muscle spasm is most favorable in terms of treatment and does not require special measures, with the exception of the possible use of ointments with analgesics, massage and rest.

Which doctor should I contact if there is pain in the lower leg:

Are you experiencing pain in your lower leg? Do you want to know more detailed information or do you need an inspection? You can book an appointment with a doctor Eurolaboratory always at your service! The best doctors will examine you, study the external signs and help identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide the necessary assistance. you also can call a doctor at home. Clinic Eurolaboratory open for you around the clock.

How to contact the clinic:
Phone of our clinic in Kyiv: (+38 044) 206-20-00 (multichannel). The secretary of the clinic will select a convenient day and hour for you to visit the doctor. Our coordinates and directions are indicated. Look in more detail about all the services of the clinic on her.

(+38 044) 206-20-00

If you have previously performed any research, be sure to take their results to a consultation with a doctor. If the studies have not been completed, we will do everything necessary in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.

Do you have shin pain? You need to be very careful about your overall health. People don't pay enough attention disease symptoms and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific signs, characteristic external manifestations - the so-called disease symptoms. Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you just need to several times a year be examined by a doctor not only to prevent a terrible disease, but also to maintain a healthy spirit in the body and the body as a whole.

If you want to ask a doctor a question, use the online consultation section, perhaps you will find answers to your questions there and read self care tips. If you are interested in reviews about clinics and doctors, try to find the information you need on. Also register on the medical portal Eurolaboratory to be constantly up to date with the latest news and information updates on the site, which will be automatically sent to you by mail.

The symptom map is for educational purposes only. Do not self-medicate; For all questions regarding the definition of the disease and how to treat it, contact your doctor. EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of the information posted on the portal.

If you are interested in any other symptoms of diseases and types of pain, or you have any other questions and suggestions - write to us, we will definitely try to help you.

The tibia is the part of the lower limb located between the ankle and knee joints. The main are the tibia (large and small), connected by a membrane. Attached to the bones of the lower leg are muscles that move the foot and toes.

Pain receptors are located in various parts of the lower leg:

• Tendons
• Muscles
• Vessels
• periosteum
• Bundles
• Surrounding tissues

Therefore, pain in the lower leg can be the cause of a variety of pathologies. Let's consider them in more detail.

Leg muscle injuries

Pathology of the bones or joints of the extremities

Articular dislocation resulting from stretching or rupture of the articular bag and ligaments

There are complete dislocation and articular. In the first case, the surfaces of the articular bones cease to touch, in the second case, they touch partially. Most often it occurs in the ankle joint, less often in the knee.

The signs are:

• Change in the type of joint: the displacement of its head forms a tubercle, and in place of the joint - a depression.
• The joint becomes less mobile
• Severe pain when trying to move your leg
• Swelling in the area of ​​the articular bag

Osteomyelitis

This is a purulent-necrotic pathology that affects the bone, bone marrow, and surrounding tissues. The reason for its appearance is pus, which is formed as a result of the activity of microorganisms. Infection occurs with complications of bone diseases, open fractures.

Symptoms:

• A sharp increase in temperature (39-40 ° C)
• Rapid deterioration of well-being
• Headache occurs
• Frequent vomiting
• Chills
• Possible loss of consciousness, delirium, jaundice

In the first 2-3 days, severe pain occurs in the shin area, the infected limb takes a forced position, pain contracture is established (impossibility of full flexion or extension of the joint). There is swelling of the tissues, redness of the skin over the site of the lesion. A local increase in temperature and the formation of a venous pattern may occur.

If the disease has passed into a chronic form, there is an improvement in well-being, the pain is not felt so much, acquiring a aching character. Body temperature approaches normal values. Further, the formation of fistulas with a slight release of pus occurs. Fistulas can form into a network that opens in various places, even remote from the focus of the disease. The joints may lose mobility, the limb may become shorter and twisted.

Osgood-Schlatter disease

This is an inflammatory process of the tibia, which developed at the place of attachment to the tendon of the patella. The disease affects most often adolescents due to the development and growth of bones. With the end of growth, the symptoms disappear. It is characterized by a slight swelling and aching pain in front of the knee, just below the calyx, which become stronger when the knee is loaded.

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint, either acute or chronic.

The symptom is:

• Stiffness and pain in the joint
• Changing its shape
• Unnatural crunching during exercise
• Skin redness

If arthritis has affected the knee and ankle joint, the soreness extends to the lower leg.

Discomfort in the lower leg when walking (running) associated with inflammation of the periosteum near the tibia

A similar disease occurs in athletes training on hard surfaces. A symptom of the pathology is dull pain in the region of the tibia, which becomes stronger during exercise, and recedes during rest.

Lower leg pain associated with vascular pathologies and nerve damage

The most common reasons include the following:

1. 1. Varicose veins of the superficial veins, in which there is a violation of the outflow of blood, which leads to the appearance of swelling of the ankles, the rear of the foot, there is pain in the lower leg, especially along the veins. This disease can develop over many years (even decades), and cause the development of thrombophlebitis
   2. Venous thrombosis. The disease is associated with blockage of the veins, as a result of which the blood flow slows down, soreness appears in the lower extremities, which has a variety of forms: aching, convulsive, dull, acute, moderate or severe. Most often, the shin hurts when walking or lifting weights, to remove which it is recommended to lie on your back and raise your legs up.

This disease is quite dangerous, because. a blood clot can break off and travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, potentially resulting in death.

1. Insufficient arterial circulation, which may occur due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries of the lower extremities that supply them with blood. In this case, the lumen narrows, blood flow to the muscles decreases, pain occurs in the lower legs, which increase during physical exertion. This pathology occurs due to the deposition of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances inside the artery.

Acute pain can occur suddenly, felt on palpation of the lower leg. Most often it occurs during physical exertion, and after a short rest it recedes.

Arterial insufficiency in the chronic stage is determined by the following features:

1. • Leg weakness, numbness
   • The limb turns pale, it becomes colder
   • Pulse is almost not felt
   • There is an imbalance
   • The appearance of difficult-to-heal ulcers

Prevention of knee pain

• Go in for sports (running, jumping) in special, properly selected and moisture-absorbing shoes
• Before jogging, it is necessary to do a warm-up, starting from a regular walk and increasing the pace to jogging
• It is recommended to run on a rubber track or ground
• Stopping smoking, which has a negative effect on the walls of blood vessels
• Avoid excess body weight, which can lead to varicose veins
• To prevent varicose veins, compression therapy is recommended - wearing special elastic stockings, tights, etc.
• Avoid uncontrolled use of medications such as statins and corticosteroids

As we can see, if the shins of the legs hurt, the reasons can be very different. And to prevent the development of unwanted processes, the right decision would be to visit a medical facility.

From the knee to the heel, a person has a lower leg. It includes the small and large tibia, and the muscles of this part of the body are responsible for the movement of the foot and toes. Unpleasant sensations can disturb in different tissues. For example, the lower leg often hurts in front, because the periosteum, muscles or tendons are affected. In most cases, it is possible to make a diagnosis in time and prevent the development of complications. Help and preventive measures such as exercise therapy, moderate exercise.

Pain in the back of the leg

Many factors lead to discomfort in the legs. Often the lower leg hurts from behind because the person walked for a long time, the tension in the muscles became too great. Sprains, bruises, and other injuries also cause discomfort. While walking or running appear:

• tolerable but persistent pain;
• discomfort in the area below the knee, as well as in the region of the tibia;
• discomfort at night, reminiscent of blockage of the veins.

Even in a state of rest, the shin can hurt both behind and in front. In this case, you need to consult a doctor who can advise on this symptom. As a rule, standard examinations are carried out. They help to identify the cause of the ailment.