Why might one area of my leg hurt during activity?

National Athletic Trainers' Association

If there is a spot on your leg that has gradually felt more painful and it is on the bone, a stress fracture is possible. Pain is worse with activity and lessens with rest. A feeling of weakness in the leg and cramping may be noticeable. Rest and anti-inflammatory medication is best.
(This answer provided for NATA by the Eastern University Athletic Training Education Program.)

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pain

Pain is your body telling you that you have hurt it. This is a good thing, important when you are injured. It can also help diagnose problems with your body. Sometimes pain continues long after it's necessary. Amputees report phantom pain in the legs or arms they no longer have. There are different kinds of pain, and describing the type is useful in diagnosis: recurring, constant, steady, knife-like, radiating, sharp, dull. Medicines that dull pain are analgesics. Those that kill all feeling are anesthetics.

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