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Lower leg

The lower leg is the lower part of the leg between the knee and foot, and plays a crucial role in walking, balance and the body's weight transfer.

Contents

Quick version

What is the lower leg?

The lower leg consists of two bones: the tibia and fibula. These bones work together with muscles, tendons, and nerves to enable movement, stability, and load-bearing. The lower leg supports the body's weight when walking and running and is also important for foot control and power transmission.

Anatomy and structure

The tibia is the larger, weight-bearing bone, while the fibula is narrower and lies laterally. Surrounding the bones are muscles such as the tibialis anterior, the gastrocnemius, and the soleus (a calf muscle). Blood vessels and nerves run along the leg, providing circulation and sensation.

Function and movement

The lower leg contributes to walking, running, and jumping by transmitting force from the thigh to the foot. Movements of the – dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion – are controlled by muscles in the lower leg.

Muscle groups in the lower leg

The front of the lower leg controls upward movements of the foot, while the back (calf muscles) is responsible for pushing off. The lateral muscle group helps stabilize and rotate the foot.

Common conditions and diseases

Pain in the lower leg can be caused by periostitis, muscle strain, stress fracture, or circulatory problems. Overtraining and one-sided strain are often underlying factors.

Examination and diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, palpation of muscles and bones, and sometimes X-rays, MRI of the lower leg or ultrasound. The doctor will also check circulation and nerve function to rule out serious conditions.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain with exertion or exercise
  • Tenderness along the shinbone
  • Swelling or stiffness in the leg
  • Numbness in the foot or toes
  • Cramps in the calf muscle

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Periosteal inflammation (medial tibial syndrome)
  • Stress fracture of the tibia or fibula
  • Muscular compartment syndrome
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Questions and answers

The lower leg is the part of the body between the knee and the foot, consisting of the shin bone (tibia) and the fibula, as well as the surrounding muscles, tendons and nerves.

Pain in the lower leg can be due to periosteal inflammation, muscle strain, stress fracture or impaired blood circulation, often as a result of exercise or overload.

Periostitis is an irritation of the periosteum that runs along the shinbone. It occurs due to repeated stress, especially in runners or people who have recently increased their training volume.

Treatment often includes rest, cooling down, weight bearing, stretching exercises and sometimes physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications.

The diagnosis is made by the doctor assessing the location of the pain, range of motion, and swelling. Sometimes imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI are used to confirm the diagnosis.

For mild pain, adapted exercise can be helpful, but it is important to avoid activities that aggravate the condition until healing has occurred.

The tibia is the larger, inner bone that bears the body's weight. The fibula is narrower than the tibia and provides stability but is not as weight-bearing.

It is a condition where pressure in the muscle compartments increases, which can reduce blood flow and cause pain, swelling and nerve damage. Sometimes this requires emergency treatment.

If there is persistent pain, swelling, loss of sensation or suspicion of a fracture or blood clot, a doctor should be contacted.

By training with good technique, gradually increasing intensity, using the right shoes and varying training types to avoid overload and prevent problems.