Pain in the lower part of the legs is common and It can have various origins, some linked to overuse of the muscles in the area. and others to factors such as injuries or circulatory problems. When it appears, many people wonder Why do my legs hurt from the knees down? Finding out the cause of the pain is key to applying the most appropriate treatment.

Why do my legs hurt from the knees down?

The lower leg It is the one that goes from below the knee to the ankle and includes two bones: the tibia and the fibula.

The tibia is the largest bone and is located on the inside of the leg, while the fibula is on the outside. There are also muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels in the area.

A pain in the lower leg It can be linked to an injury or inflammation in any of the parts that form it and the most common causes include:

• A leg injury or fracture due to a blow or bruise. For example, a sprained ankle or strain.
• A muscle overload It can cause a muscle cramp, a sudden, intense pain in the calf. It is usually due to intensive physical exercise, repetitive movements or dehydration. Some exercises, such as running on hard surfaces, are associated with overloading the inner part of the shin (tibial periostitis) that causes pain when walking, running or jumping. It occurs especially in people with flat feet or abnormally rigid arches.
• The inflammation or injury of the Achilles tendon It usually manifests itself with pain in the lower part of the calf, near the heel. It can occur from overexerting the calf muscle or from common activities such as climbing stairs.
• Spine problemssuch as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, which can radiate pain to the legs.

But leg pain can also be caused by other circulatory or vascular problems such as:

• blood clotswhich occur when blood in a vein thickens and pools. When they develop in a deep vein of the body we speak of deep vein thrombosissomething that usually involves the lower leg or thigh. The risk of developing it increases when a person sits for a long time (for example, on a long flight) and is more likely in people who smoke, are overweight, and take certain medications. It is a situation that can be very serious and requires immediate medical attention.
• The varicose veinscaused by malfunctioning veins or valves, can also cause severe pain, especially when standing.
• The peripheral arterial disease It happens when the arteries in the legs narrow and harden and blood flow to the area is reduced. It can cause cramps and pain.

When to see a doctor for leg pain

When lower leg pain is due to muscle overload or a minor injury, it is most likely temporary and will go away on its own within a few days.

However, if the pain is persistent or accompanied by other symptomssuch as swelling, redness or numbness of the leg, it is important to go to the doctor to determine the origin and establish the appropriate treatment.

Natural solutions to relieve leg pain

There are natural solutions that can help you relieve leg pain, especially if it is mild and due to temporary causes. Among the most effective are the reposethe ice application for about 15 minutes on the painful area (never directly, you should wrap it in a cloth) or leg elevation.

Gently massage the area Soreness can also help relieve muscle tension and stiffness.

Also, when you are no longer in too much pain, stretching exercises They can be useful for improving flexibility and reducing muscle stiffness. Remember that practicing stretching before doing physical exercise is essential to prevent injuries.

Regarding food, it is advisable to add to the diet foods with anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric. On the other hand, keep yourself well hydrated It will help you prevent muscle cramps.