Lower Leg Pain

Specialized Lower Leg Care with Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Personalized Treatment for Lower Leg Pain – Get Back to Your Active Life


At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand that lower leg pain can interfere with your mobility and daily activities. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury or a chronic condition, Dr. Burke offers advanced, personalized treatments designed to restore your lower leg function and help you move pain-free again. Our goal is to address the root cause of your pain and guide you through recovery, getting you back to your everyday life as quickly as possible.

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Common Causes of Lower Leg Pain

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1. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Shin splints are a common overuse injury, often caused by repeated stress on the shinbone (tibia) and the surrounding muscles and tendons. This condition frequently affects runners and athletes who engage in high-impact activities.

Symptoms:


  • Pain along the inner side of the shinbone
  • Tenderness and swelling in the lower leg
  • Pain that worsens with exercise or activity


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke typically recommends rest, ice, and activity modification to reduce stress on the affected area. Physical therapy may also be advised to strengthen the muscles and prevent future injuries.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely required for shin splints, but in severe, chronic cases, Dr. Burke may explore surgical solutions to relieve persistent pain.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks with rest and rehabilitation.

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2. Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone, usually caused by repetitive force or overuse. These fractures are common in the lower leg bones, particularly in athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact activities.

Symptoms:


  • Localized pain in the lower leg that worsens with activity and improves with rest
  • Swelling and tenderness at the site of the fracture
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will assess the severity of the stress fracture and typically recommend rest and immobilization, such as wearing a brace or walking boot, to allow the bone to heal.
  • Surgical Options: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the bone, particularly if the fracture does not heal with conservative treatments.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. If surgery is needed, recovery may extend to 10-12 weeks with rehabilitation.

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3. Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, decreasing blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching the muscles and nerves. This condition can be either acute (often caused by trauma) or chronic (caused by overuse).

Symptoms:


  • Intense pain in the lower leg that doesn’t subside with rest
  • Swelling, tightness, or bruising in the leg
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • For acute compartment syndrome, Dr. Burke will likely recommend emergency surgery (fasciotomy) to relieve pressure and restore blood flow to the muscles. For chronic cases, rest, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications are commonly advised.
  • Surgical Options: A fasciotomy may be required in both acute and severe chronic cases to prevent permanent muscle and nerve damage.


Recovery Time:


  • Recovery from compartment syndrome varies depending on the severity. After surgery, recovery may take 6-8 weeks with physical therapy to restore full function.

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4. Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Rupture

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is prone to inflammation (Achilles tendonitis) or tearing (Achilles rupture) due to overuse or sudden trauma.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and stiffness in the back of the lower leg, especially in the morning or after physical activity
  • Swelling and tenderness along the Achilles tendon
  • In the case of a rupture, a sudden “popping” sound or sensation followed by difficulty walking


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke typically treats Achilles tendonitis with rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics. For Achilles ruptures, surgery is often recommended to reattach the torn tendon.
  • Surgical Options: For severe tendonitis or Achilles ruptures, Dr. Burke may perform surgery to repair the tendon and restore full function.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery from tendonitis may take 4-6 weeks, while post-surgery recovery for an Achilles rupture may take 3-6 months, depending on the extent of the injury and rehabilitation.

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5. Calf Strains

Calf strains occur when the muscles in the lower leg are overstretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or overexertion during physical activity.

Symptoms:


  • Sudden pain in the back of the lower leg
  • Swelling and bruising in the calf area
  • Difficulty walking or standing on tiptoe


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation while helping restore strength to the calf muscles.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered in cases of severe muscle tears.


Recovery Time:


  • Recovery from a mild calf strain typically takes 2-4 weeks. Severe strains may require 6-8 weeks of recovery, with physical therapy playing a key role in rehabilitation.

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6. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the lower leg, usually due to prolonged immobility or certain medical conditions. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms:


  • Pain or cramping in the calf
  • Swelling, warmth, and redness in the lower leg
  • Pain that worsens when walking or standing


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may refer you to a vascular specialist for treatment. The primary treatment for DVT often includes blood thinners to prevent the clot from growing and breaking loose. Compression stockings may also be recommended to improve circulation.
  • Surgical Options: In severe cases, a procedure to remove or dissolve the clot may be necessary.


Recovery Time:


  • Recovery from DVT depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment plan. Medications and compression therapy may be required for several months to prevent recurrence.

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Get Same-Day Diagnosis and
Treatment for Lower Leg Pain

Don’t let lower leg pain keep you from living your life. Dr. Burke offers same-day appointments to diagnose and treat your condition quickly and effectively. Whether you’re dealing with shin splints, a stress fracture, or Achilles tendonitis, call Dr. Burke Orthopedics today and take the first step toward relief.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my lower leg pain requires medical attention?
    If your pain persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by swelling or bruising, or if you experience difficulty walking, it’s time to see Dr. Burke for a professional evaluation. Ignoring lower leg pain can lead to further complications.
  • Can lower leg conditions heal without surgery?
    Many lower leg conditions, such as shin splints, stress fractures, and calf strains, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. Dr. Burke will assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • How long does it take to recover from Achilles surgery?
    Recovery from Achilles surgery usually takes 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the rupture. Dr. Burke will provide a detailed rehabilitation plan to help you regain full strength and mobility as quickly as possible.
  • What are the signs of a stress fracture in the lower leg?
    Symptoms of a stress fracture include localized pain that worsens with activity, tenderness at the site of the fracture, and swelling in the lower leg. If you suspect a stress fracture, it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent further damage.

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