Lower-leg pain during running and sport
Recurring pain in the shin or calf can significantly limit your training. It may be accompanied by pressure, tightness or a feeling of firmness that eases with rest. At my practice in Freiburg, I assess the possible cause of your symptoms and which further investigations may be useful.
Which details about your symptoms are important?
For your assessment, the following information is particularly helpful:
- Where exactly is the pain — in the shin, the calf or throughout the lower leg?
- Does it start after a similar running time, distance or exercise intensity?
- How quickly does it ease when you rest?
- Do you also experience tingling, numbness or temporary weakness?
Please bring any existing reports and imaging to your appointment. Information about changes in training and previous treatments also helps with the assessment.
What are the possible causes?
Pain along the inner border of the shin may be consistent with medial tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints. Other possible causes include muscle and tendon problems and bone stress injuries, including stress fractures. Nerve irritation, circulation problems and chronic exertional compartment syndrome can also cause symptoms.
The location and pattern provide clues; identifying the cause requires a medical assessment.
How the assessment is carried out
I first discuss the activity that triggers your symptoms and examine the affected area. I also take existing findings into account.
Depending on the clinical question, ultrasound may complement the physical examination. Further imaging or specific functional tests are selected according to the suspected cause.
When may compartment pressure testing be useful?
Repeated pain and pronounced tightness during exercise that ease with rest may suggest chronic exertional compartment syndrome. However, the symptom pattern alone does not establish the diagnosis.
If this condition is suspected, measuring the pressure in the affected muscle compartments may help with the assessment. The result is interpreted together with your symptoms and examination findings.
When to seek immediate help
Very severe, rapidly worsening pain, particularly after an injury and accompanied by pronounced tightness, requires immediate medical assessment. Go to an emergency department if you have these symptoms; do not wait for a routine appointment.
Book an appointment
Please book a consultation to have your symptoms assessed. If compartment pressure testing is planned, we will arrange the appointment and discuss preparation with you by telephone.
Appointment and preparation for compartment pressure testing