What are the possible causes of bilateral lower leg pain?

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Bilateral lower leg pain involves both legs on any part between the knees and ankles. The leg pain can occur from the hips up to the ankles and can be triggered by structures or tissues in other parts of the body such as the feet or lower back. Always bear in mind that the lower leg is the region between the knees and the ankles. There are certain conditions that can cause pain to manifest in the lower leg on both sides of the body.

Shin splints

Shin splints typically involve pain in the front part of the lower legs. The pain caused by the condition usually manifests on the edges of the tibia which is the bigger bone in the lower leg.

Shin splints can develop during or right after the individual increases the intensity of exercise. The pain caused by the condition manifests once the tendons, muscles and the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the tibia become swollen or inflamed. The usual indications linked with shin splints include tenderness and pain along the shin, diminished ability to walk or run and minimal swelling in the affected area. Always bear in mind that shin splints are common among professional athletes and those who engage in recreational activity. If you want to learn how to handle shin splints, read here.

Bilateral lower leg pain
Shin splints typically involve pain in the front part of the lower legs. The pain caused by the condition usually manifests on the edges of the tibia which is the bigger bone in the lower leg.

Lumbar spinal stenosis

It is important to note that lumbar spinal stenosis can also instigate bilateral lower leg pain. The condition causes the narrowing of the spinal cord which reduces the space surrounding the spinal cord. As time passes by, there are bony changes in the vertebrae of the lower back in which the spinal canal constricts and adds pressure on the spinal cord that results to pain, weakness in the lower leg and numbness.

The usual causes of lumbar spinal stenosis include osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease that can cause the spinal ligaments to thicken, thus causing the reduction in the available space for the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. The pressure on the spinal cord can cause symptoms to manifest in both legs. The usual symptoms linked with the condition include back pain, numbness and tingling as well as burning pain in the lower legs and weakness in the lower extremities. Take note that the pain tends to lessen when the individual sits or leans forward.

Peripheral artery disease

Another cause of bilateral lower leg pain is peripheral artery disease. This condition develops once plaque accumulates in the arteries that transport blood to different parts of the body. The plaque is a combination of fibrous and fatty tissue. The accumulation of plaque is called as atherosclerosis which causes the arteries to harden and constrict.

Peripheral artery disease usually affects the legs but can also disrupt the flow of blood to the head, arms, stomach and kidneys. The usual indications linked with the condition include sore cramping in the hip, calf muscles and thigh after activity, weakness and leg numbness, diminished ability of the wound to heal and discoloration in the leg.

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