Differential Diagnosis of Lower Leg Pain

Lower leg pain may affect the entire lower leg area or it may localized to either the shin or calf. In most cases, leg pain will resolve on its own, but in some cases lower leg pain may indicate serious conditions such as a blood clot.

Diseases and Conditions

• Leg pain is a possible symptom of numerous diseases and medical conditions, including Addison's disease, fibromyalgia, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, polymyalgia rheumatica and restless legs syndrome.

Shin Pain

• Shin pain may be caused by peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, shin injury, osteoarthritis and shin splints.

Calf Pain

• Calf pain may be caused by overexertion, muscle injury, muscle strain, muscle tension, circulation problems, atherosclerosis, intermittent claudification, thrombophlebitis, cellulitis, varicose vein and deep venous thrombosis.

Lower Leg Pain

• Ligament strain, stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis, arthritis, blocked artery, gout, bone tumors, trochanteric bursitis and infections all may cause lower leg pain.

Medical Treatment

• The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking emergency medical treatment if you are unable to bear any weight on your leg or if your calf is swollen, red and warm to the touch. Also, a doctor should be consulted if the leg feels cooler than usual or if swelling is persistent. Always consult a physician if leg pain persists for more than a week.