Pain in the leg

Having leg pain and nearby structures can be bothersome and painful. Maybe you had just started jogging again after a long winter when the pain occurred? Or maybe the pain arose completely out of the blue? Another problem with leg pain is that it has a tired tendency to lead to compensatory ailments in the knees, hips and back - due to altered gait and reduced shock absorption.

Article: Pain in the leg

Last updated: 30.05.2023

Of: Pain clinics - Interdisciplinary health (see clinic overview)

- The most common causes of pain in the leg

The majority of cases of pain in the calf are of muscular origin. This means pain from muscular tension, muscle damage or muscle cramps. The muscle most often involved is called the gastrocnemius (large calf muscle). Pain in the calf can also originate from the Achilles tendon.

Our clinic departments at Vondtklinikkene (click here for a complete overview of our clinics), including in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Viken (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood), has a distinctively high level of professional expertise in the investigation, treatment and rehabilitation of leg pain and muscle pain. Contact us if you want the help of therapists with expertise in these areas.

TIPS: Further down in the article, we show you several good training videos with exercises that can help you loosen tight calf muscles.

Self-measures against leg pain: "Stretch when you sleep"

No, we're not kidding. This is actually a well-known self-treatment technique for people with tight calf muscles - and Achilles problems. You simply sleep with one orthopedic night splint, a kind of stretching boot, which bends the foot upwards (dorsiflexion). This movement of the foot results in a beneficial stretch of the foot, Achilles tendon and calf. Over time, this will lead to more elastic and less tense calf muscles. Other measures that are worth trying can be massaging calf muscle ointment (which is also good for the veins in the calf) and use of calf compression support.

Tip 1: Sleep with Adjustable, Orthopedic Night Splint for Foot and Leg (The link opens in a new window)

Let the night work for you and your calves. Surely there is hardly any more easy-to-use self-measure than this here? Click on the image or link to read more the night shine.

Bonus: Research has shown that tight calf muscles lead to increased impact load on the knees. Dissolving these tight calf muscles will therefore also have a positive impact on your knee health.

In this article you will be able to read about:

• Causes of Leg Pain

• Investigation of Pain in the Leg

• Treatment of sore legs

• Self-measures and exercises against leg pain

VIDEO: 5 Exercises against Sciatica and Sciatica

Irritated or pinched nerves in the back can be a direct cause of leg pain. Sciatica can refer to pain from the back and further down the leg - including the legs and feet. Here are five exercises that can help you loosen up muscle tension in the back and seat, as well as reduce nerve irritation and referred leg pain. Click below.

Join our family and subscribe to our YouTube channel for free exercise tips, exercise programs and health knowledge. Welcome!

Causes of Leg Pain

Leg pain can be caused by several different factors, but some of the most common are muscular overexertion in nearby muscles, referred pain from ankle or knee, cramping, shin splints, trauma, muscular malfunctions and mechanical dysfunction. Leg pain and leg pain are a nuisance that often affects athletes, but leg pain can naturally affect all age groups and both untrained and trained. Such leg pain can occasionally also refer to pain in the ankles and feet.

We also wholeheartedly recommend the use of compression socks specially adapted for the feet and legs - such as this one (link opens in new window). In this article you will learn more about why you get hurt, what you can do about it yourself and what treatment modalities are most often used to address this problem.

Possible causes / diagnoses for pain in the calf

• Achilles tendon injury
• Baker's cyst (causes pain in the upper leg, often behind the knee)
• shin splints (causes characteristic pain on the inside of the leg along the tibia)
• Inflammation of the lower leg
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Fibular joint locking (a joint restriction in the head of the outer tibia, fibula)
• Gastrocnemius muscle tearing / rupture
• Gastrocsoleus myalgia (overactive musculature on the back of the leg)
• Hematoma
• Infection (the leg will be very tender, reddish and often with a swelling)
• Compartment syndrome / lodging syndrome
• Add Krampe
• Muscular dysfunction in gastrocsoleus
• Muscle pain from the muscular tibialis posterior
• Muscle damage (eg helical or partial rupture)
• muscle stiffness
• Plantaris tendon rupture
• Referred sciatica from lumbar prolapse (lower back prolapse)
• circulation Problems
• Cracked Baker's cyst
• Tight calf muscles
• Tibialis myalgia (a common muscular dysfunction in pain in the lower leg)
• Growing Pain (occurring among growing children)

Circulation problems: Possible diagnoses for pain in the calf

• Arterial insufficiency (usually due to atherosclerosis)
• Arterial thrombosis
• cellulitis
• Claudication (narrow blood vessels in the legs)
• thrombophlebitis
• Venous insufficiency
• varicose veins

Tightness of the gastrocsoleus and tibialis posterior muscles: Some of the most common causes of recurrent leg pain

There are primarily two muscles that provide the basis for muscular and functional pain in the back of the leg, namely the muscular gastrocsoleus and the tibialis posterior. To give you a better picture of how they cause such pain, it's a good idea to take a quick, anatomical review:

Muscular tibialis posterior (posterior of leg)

Here we see how the tibialis posterior muscle goes from the back of the calf before it gradually goes towards the inside of the inner (medial) ankle and then attaches to the inside of the foot in the leg called the navicularis. The muscle has a pain pattern (in case of dysfunction and hence increased pain sensitivity) that goes from the middle of the calf down to the Achilles tendon on the upper side of the heel - it can also occasionally, but less often, contribute to pain under the foot.

Musculus gastrocsoleus (on the back of the calf)

The gastrocsoleus was previously described as two separate muscles - namely the gastrocnemius and the soleus. But in recent times it is called the gastrocsoleus musculus. Together, they can form pain patterns that go deep into the calf, up towards the back of the kneecap, and occasionally down towards the back of the heel.

- Better overview now that we have looked at the two muscles

So, now that we have gone through a small overview of the two muscles, it should be easier for you who read to understand how these muscles can cause leg pain. Muscles consist of muscle fibers - these can be in good condition (elastic, mobile and without damaged tissue) or in poor condition (less mobile, with reduced healing ability and accumulation of damaged tissue). When we have muscles that become incorrectly loaded over time, this can gradually lead to the build-up of dysfunctional damage tissue in the muscular structures themselves. By this we mean that they physically change structure as shown in the picture below:

1. Normal tissue: Normal blood circulation. Normal sensitivity in the pain fibers.
2. Damage tissue: which involves reduced function, altered structure and increased pain sensitivity.
3. Scar tissue: Unhealed soft tissue has a significantly reduced function, severely altered tissue structure and an increased risk of recurring problems. In phase 3, the structures and structure can be so weak that there is a higher chance of recurring problems.

Image and description - source: «Råholt Chiropractor Center - Tendon injury in the forearm»

Many patients get an "aha!" Experience when they explain this and at the same time get to see the picture itself. This makes it very easy and straightforward to imagine why you have so much pain in the calf muscles (or neck muscles for that matter). Treatment of such ailments at a publicly authorized clinician therefore aims to remodel the soft tissue structure and improve the function of given muscle fibers. The examination and the clinical examination can reveal everything from reduced mobility in the back and pelvis (which thus leads to poor shock absorption and weight transfer) to insufficient stability muscles in the hip and seat. We can hint that often (read: almost always) there is a mixture of several factors that cause you to have tight leg muscles and recurring leg pain. Joint mobilization of the ankle and foot can also be part of the treatment, as stiff joints in these structures can be a strong contributing factor to a higher incidence of leg pain, due to less range of motion when walking.

One of the best documented treatments for chronic leg pain is Shockwave Therapy - a treatment method performed by officially authorized clinicians (chiropractor, physiotherapist or manual therapist) with cutting-edge expertise in the assessment and treatment of diagnoses in muscles, tendons, joints and nerves. Other treatment methods that are often used are intramuscular acupuncture, trigger point treatment and muscular techniques.

We think it is very illustrative to show you a thorough video where pressure wave treatment is used for long-term leg pain. Pressure wave treatment therefore breaks down this painful damaged tissue (which should not be there) and starts a repair process which gradually, over several treatments, replaces it with new and healthy muscle or tendon tissue. In this way, pain sensitivity is reduced, the soft tissue's own healing ability is increased and the muscular condition is improved. Research has shown a documented effect against leg pain and Achilles pain ((Rompe et al. 2009).

Video - Pressure wave treatment for leg pain (click on the image to watch the video)

Source: Found.net's YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe (free) for more informative and great videos. We also welcome suggestions on what our next video will be about.

Read more: What You Should Know About Pressure Wave Therapy

What can I do even against leg pain?

1. General movement and activity is to recommend, but stay within the pain threshold. Two trips a day of 20-40 minutes do good for the body and sore muscles. When tightening the calf muscles and tight calf muscles, it is naturally also important to stretch the muscles regularly. If you have had the pleasure of being born with genetically shorter calf muscles, then you just have to find yourself having to set up a stretching routine - and maybe go for softening treatment at clinics (pressure wave treatment, intramuscular needle treatment, trigger point treatment ++) - to keep the pain at a distance.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is hardly better self-help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

6. Compression clothing for foot and leg: Compression noise is something we recommend for virtually all conditions involving muscle damage or tendon problems. Adapted compression noise ensures that blood circulation is increased in the areas where you need it most. You can read more about compression socks specially adapted for foot and leg here .

Why did I hurt my leg?

We have mentioned some of the most common causes - and as I said, this is often due to incorrect loading over a longer period of time which gradually leads to a change in the muscle and tendon tissue structure. It is necessary to see a person holistically in order to be able to give a good assessment of why that particular patient is suffering from leg pain.

Classification of pain in the leg

Many people say that they have chronic or acute pain without actually knowing the facts in relation to the time classification of such pain, so here is an overview.

Acute pain in the leg

Pain that has persisted for anything from one second up to three weeks is called acute pain in the medical profession. When we talk about acute leg pain it is often about leg cramps, muscle dysfunction or muscle damage.

Subacute leg pain

Leg pain that lasts between three weeks and three months is classified as subacute pain. When the pain begins to persist for such a long time, and if this applies to you, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized clinician for examination and any treatment.

Chronic leg pain

You have let the leg pain frolic for so long, then? When the leg pain has lasted for over three months, they are considered chronic. But, contrary to popular belief, it is quite possible to reverse such chronic ailments as well - it will only require a bunch of self-effort, treatment and discipline. Yes, maybe even a sheer lifestyle change? Walking with leg pain often leads to altered gait (perhaps even lameness) which in turn puts increased pressure on the knees, hips and back. Maybe you have noticed that some of these structures have also started to say that they are tired of having a sore and grumpy leg as their nearest neighbor? We recommend that you give a little warning here - and get started with the leg problems today. If you need a recommendation in relation to clinics, we are always available via private message on social media or in the comments field of the relevant article.

Clinically proven effect on the relief of leg pain

Both intramuscular needle therapy and pressure wave therapy have good documentation when it comes to the treatment of dysfunctional muscle and tendon fibers.

What can I expect from a clinician when I visit them with pain in the leg?

We recommend that you seek out publicly licensed professions when seeking treatment and treatment for muscle, tendon, joint and nerve pain. These occupational groups (doctor, chiropractor, physiotherapist and manual therapist) are protected titles and approved by Norwegian health authorities. This gives you as a patient a security and safety that you will only have if you go to these professions. As mentioned, these titles are protected and this means that it is illegal to call a doctor or chiropractor without you being authorized with the long education these professions hold. In contrast, titles such as acupuncturist and naprapat are not protected titles - and this means that you as a patient do not know what you are going for.

A publicly licensed clinician has a long and thorough education that is rewarded through public health authorities with public title protection. This education is comprehensive and means that the aforementioned professions have very good expertise in investigation and diagnosis, as well as treatment and eventual training. Thus, a clinician will first diagnose your problem and then set up a treatment scheme depending on the given diagnosis. Chiropractor, physician and manual therapist referral to imaging diagnostic examination if clinically indicated.

Exercises, training and ergonomic considerations

An expert in muscle and skeletal disorders can, based on your diagnosis, inform you of the ergonomic considerations you need to take to prevent further damage, thus ensuring the fastest possible healing time. After the acute part of the pain is over, in most cases you will also be assigned home exercises that also help to reduce the chance of relapse. In the case of chronic ailments, it is necessary to go through the motor movements you do in everyday life, so as to be able to weed out the cause of your pain occurring time and again. It is important that the individual exercises are adapted to you and your ailments.

- Here you will find an overview and list of exercises we have published in connection with the prevention, prevention and relief of leg pain, leg pain, tight leg muscles and other relevant diagnoses.

Overview - Exercise and exercises for lower back pain and leg pain:

4 Exercises against Plantar Fasciit

4 Exercises against Plattfoot (Pes Planus)

5 Exercises against Hallux Valgus

7 Tips and Remedies for Foot Pain

Self-help against leg pain

Some of the products that can help with leg pain, cramps and problems are hallux valgus support og compression socks. The former works by making sure that the load from the foot is more correct - which in turn leads to less incorrect load in the leg. Compression socks work in such a way that they increase blood circulation in the lower part of the leg - which in turn leads to faster healing and better recovery.

Related self help: Compression socks for foot and leg (unisex)

Useful and effective compression socks for women and men who want to improve post-exercise healing or improve blood circulation in the legs and feet. Popular with both senior athletes and younger athletes. Touch the image or here to read more.

RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Hallux Valgus Support

Plagued with hallux valgus (crooked big toe)? This can cause a miscarriage in the foot and leg. Click on the image to read more about the support.

RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Compression sock

Anyone with bone pain and problems may benefit from compression support. Compression socks can contribute to increased blood circulation and healing in those affected by reduced function in the legs and feet.

Click on the picture to read more about the socks if desired.

Are you plagued with long-term and chronic pain?

We recommend to anyone who is suffering from chronic pain in everyday life to join the Facebook group “Rheumatism and Chronic Pain - Norway: Research and News". Here you can get good advice and ask questions to like-minded and those with expertise in the area. You can also follow and like our Facebook page (Vondt.net) for daily updates, exercises and new knowledge in muscle and skeletal disorders.

- Pain clinics: Our clinics and therapists are ready to help you

Click on the link below to see an overview of our clinic departments. At Vondtklinikkene Tverrfaglig Helse, we offer assessment, treatment and rehabilitation training, for, among other things, muscle diagnoses, joint conditions, nerve pain and tendon disorders. With us, it is always the patient who is most important - and we look forward to helping you.

Frequently asked questions about Pain in the Leg (FAQ)

Here you can see some of the questions we have answered previously regarding pain in the calf and calf problems. Feel free to ask your own question in the comments section or by sending us a message on social media.

Question: I have throbbing pain in my calf. What could it be?

Difficult to answer without a more specific description of where it pulsates, but pulsating pain can be caused by muscle tension in the anterior tibialis or gastrocsoleus. It may also be due to cramping caused by dehydration or sub-consistent lack of potassium, potassium or magnesium (electrolytes). Nervous pain may also occasionally be experienced as burning or pulsating. Dermatoma L4 or dermatoma L5 can cause symptoms to the knee and leg.

Question: I often have discomfort in the calf, especially on the left side, but the right calf can also be painful. What could be the cause?

Leg discomfort may be due to tight muscle, especially in the gastrocsoleus, or referred back pain (sciatica). It may also be due to myalgia in the seat muscles which leads to sciatica / false sciatica symptoms. We recommend that you try to get more electrolytes, and focus on stretching your leg regularly.

Question: Have pain in the calves quite often. What can I do in terms of training and personal measures?

If you are bothered so regularly with leg pain and pain in the legs, our first recommendation would be to see a clinician (eg chiropractor, physiotherapist or manual therapist). This is to find out the very cause of your leg pain. Depending on the diagnosis that is given, you can get advice and measures aimed specifically at your ailments. On a general basis, we would recommend foam roller, adapted training / exercises and regular (daily) stretching of the calf muscles.

Question: Why do I get pain in my legs when I walk?

The most common cause of leg and calf pain when walking and walking is tight leg muscles and that the load exceeds your capacity limit. Regular exercise and gradual build-up of strain can prevent such leg pain. It is important to rule out that your leg pain is due to poor artery / blood vessel function - so if you smoke and / or are overweight, and have a family history of cardiovascular disease, you should go to your regular doctor for regular check-ups. Of course, the most important thing is to change your lifestyle if you have heart and blood vessel problems - this primarily applies to stopping and smoking, changing your diet and increasing exercise / training in everyday life.

Other questions with the same answer: 'My leg hurts when I'm out for a walk. What is the reason I get such leg pain? '

Question: Sudden pain in the calf. What could be the cause?

Acute pain in the calf may be due to muscle cramp, muscle strain, sciatica (nerve pain referred from the back/pelvis) or other myalgias in nearby muscles. In rare cases, if the symptoms indicate this, it can also be dangerous conditions such as blood clots (you are particularly in the risk zone if you are overweight and smoke) - but fortunately, it is normally the muscles in the calf that are behind such sudden leg pain . It can also be due to overloading of the Achilles tendon or bursa inflammation / irritation.

Research and Sources

1. NHI – Norwegian Health Information Technology

2. Råholt Chiropractor Center - Your Interdisciplinary Clinic at Råholt (Eidsvoll municipality, Akershus)

3. Rompe et al. 2009. Eccentric loading versus eccentric loading plus shock-wave treatment for midportion Achilles tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial.

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