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The Daily Insight

What does it mean when the front of your calf hurts?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on May 04, 2026

Shin splints occur when you have pain in the front of your lower leg. The pain of shin splints is from the inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your shin. Shin splints are a common problem for runners, gymnasts, dancers, and military recruits.

What nerve runs down the front of your shin?

The femoral nerve is located in the pelvis and goes down the front of the leg. It helps the muscles move the hip and straighten the leg. It provides feeling (sensation) to the front of the thigh and part of the lower leg.

What does Intermittent claudication pain feel like?

People with intermittent claudication usually describe the pain as a deep aching that gradually gets worse until they rest. Sometimes, the leg may also cramp or feel weak. Your speed and whether you are walking uphill or downhill are all things that affect how far you can walk before you feel pain.

What caused shin splints?

Shin splints develop from repeated stress to the shin bone by the pulling and tugging of the muscles and connective tissues in the lower leg. Frequent, repetitive pressure from running and jumping can cause the shin bone to become inflamed (swollen or irritated) and weakened.

Can sciatica cause pain in front of lower leg?

Common Sciatica Symptoms Usually, sciatica affects only one leg at a time and the symptoms radiate from the lower back or buttock to the thigh and down the leg. Sciatica may cause pain in the front, back, and/or sides of the thigh and leg.

What causes constant pain in calves?

Calf muscle strain, and more specifically a medial gastrocnemius strain, is the most common cause of acute onset calf pain. Usually this injury occurs during a sports or exercise activity when pushing off suddenly during a sprint or jump.

What causes intermittent leg pain?

Claudication is pain you feel when your leg muscles don’t get enough blood while you exercise. It’s also known as intermittent claudication. It’s is a sign of atherosclerosis, which means plaque has built up in the arteries in your legs and is causing blockages. This makes it harder for blood to get through. It can be a serious health risk.

What to do about calf pain?

Stretch. One of the most important methods for preventing calf pain is stretching.

  • Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is another key way to prevent calf pain. This is because dehydration directly contributes to muscle cramps.
  • Gradually increase exercise. It’s important when starting or increasing exercise to do it gradually.