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Home » Consumer Information » Sports Injuries

Lower Leg/Ankle Pain

The lower leg consists of two bones, the tibia and the fibula. Many factors can contribute to pain in this area. The most common include overuse, overexertion and trauma. Heart and circulatory diseases, such as congestive heart failure and blood clots, can also cause pain in this area. Less common causes of shin pain are a stress fracture of the fibula, entrapment of nerves, causing numbness, and contusions caused by a kick or blow to the shin.

Shin splints, pain specific to the shin area (front of the lower leg), are caused by disequilibrium in the strength of the calves and the shin muscles. They are one of the most common ailments of the lower leg. Shin splints occur when the calves are exercised more than the shin. Calves are often tight and pull on the shin muscles making them work harder than normal to elevate our feet when walking and running. The result is pain in the area that is worsened by high impact activities.

To treat general pain in the lower leg, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) when coupled with anti-inflammatory medications is helpful. Stretching the Achilles tendon and calves also helps to relieve some of the pain and pressure on the shin muscles. One should always wear proper fitting shoes with good support and cushioning and replace them often to prevent lower leg problems. Always ice shins after a workout and elevate the legs to aid blood flow and avoid swelling.

The ankle helps to support a person's entire body weight and therefore is commonly injured. Sprains (when the ligaments become overstretched), strains (when a muscle or tendon is overstretched) and fractures are the most common types of ankle injuries. Each year, approximately 2 million people are treated for ankle sprains or strains. Sprains account for 85% of all ankle injuries and 45% of all sports-related injuries. They become a recurring injury in about half of the patients. Most (approximately 85%) ankle sprains and strains are inversion injuries (an inward twisting of the foot) that cause damage to the foot's outer ligaments.

There are several signs that an ankle has been injured. Swelling, pain, weakness and difficult walking are common complaints. Usually, ankle injuries are the result of a slip or improper landing. To prevent such an accident, wear shoes that provide stability, especially for lateral movements when engaged in physical activities. Ankle braces help provide stability as well. People who are overweight or wear high-heeled shoes have an increased risk of injury.

Most ankle strains and sprains heal in two to six weeks, but severe injuries may require up to 12 weeks of recovery time and even physical therapy. In the meantime, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Rest and keeping weight off of the ankle also speed the recovery process and reduce the risk of doing more damage before having healed completely.

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