Lower leg pain during sport or heavy work often results from overloading muscles and the tissue covering bone. Localised bone pain may be a stress fracture; rapidly increasing severe pain with a tense lower leg may be acute compartment syndrome.
- Diffuse pain over several centimetres along the inner edge of the shin bone when running, jumping or walking for a long time.
- A very localised painful spot on the bone that may also hurt when walking, at rest or at night.
- Stop or reduce the activity that clearly triggers pain, and do not test yourself by pushing through pain every day.
- After activity, cool briefly with a cloth between the skin and cold pack if this feels soothing.
- Make an appointment for very localised bone pain, pain with ordinary walking, pain at rest or symptoms that do not improve despite adjustments.
- For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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