11 Leading Causes of Leg Pain and Sore Calves

Shin Splints

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) are a very common cause of leg pain amongst active individuals. Pain is located in the front of the lower leg, on the anterior/medial side of the calf. While the name shin splint is not a true diagnosis of the condition, it refers to pain experienced in the shin area. MTSS may be the result of several factors including incorrect footwear, over supination (outward feet), overpronation (inward feet), distance running, sprinting and poor flexibility. When the muscles in the calf repetitively pull on the sheath surrounding the shin bone, this results in pain and inflammation commonly referred to as shin splints. Stretching, rest, ice, compression, and massage may all be effective in the reduction and prevention of ongoing pain.

Stress Fractures

The most common type of lower body stress fracture occurs in the lower leg and is known as a tibial stress fracture. Stress fractures are incomplete breakages of bone and occur as a result of overuse. Initially, sufferers may feel what is known as a shin splint, or pain in the anterior and medial region of the lower leg. Tibial stress fractures occur over time, and symptoms typically present after particularly strenuous training sessions or repetitive overuse of the lower leg muscles. Sufferers should be careful to avoid any weight-bearing exercises that place excessive load on the lower leg and are advised to rest for several weeks. Doing so allows the body to generate new bone tissue to heal the affected area.