Lower leg pain can become an issue for a runner, not only causing discomfort but forcing the runner to take time off. Lower leg pain can often be prevented by proper strengthening of the calf and shin muscles, as well as stretching of the muscles and ligaments associated with the lower leg.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common injury for runners who increase their mileage quickly or run on hard surfaces. This pain occurs on the shin where the muscle connects to the bone.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bones and can be a cause of lower leg pain while running.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which runs from your heel to the lower part of your calf, becomes inflamed.
Worn Shoes
Worn out shoes are often the culprit for lower leg pain. Running shoes should never have more than 400 or 500 miles on them.
Prevention/Solution
Rest, icing, stretching and ibuprofen will help remedy nearly any lower leg pain a runner may have.
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