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Lower leg pain during sport or work

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.

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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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