Why does my leg hurt when I put pressure on it at 18?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 18 years old. I felt a pulling sensation in my leg, and it was painful. The pain went away for about a week, but it returned today during physical activity. It hurts when I put pressure on it.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Pain in the calf or leg region can occur due to various reasons. While it is most commonly muscular in origin, it can also be related to tendons (tissues connecting muscles to bones), nerves, blood vessels, or other anatomical structures.

For the first two to three weeks, I recommend the following initial management:

Apply ice packs regularly to reduce inflammation and pain. At night, elevate your leg using pillows to minimize swelling.
Take a short course of anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, if suitable for your body. Always follow dosage instructions or consult a healthcare provider.
Avoid any physical activity that puts strain on your leg until the pain completely subsides.
Once the pain is gone, begin structured physical therapy and muscle conditioning exercises to restore strength and flexibility.
Gradually resume physical activities, making sure to include proper warm-up routines and muscle stretching before exercise. Slowly increase the intensity and duration of your activity based on how much pain or discomfort you can tolerate.

These steps should help manage your symptoms. However, if the pain does not improve within two to three weeks, please consult a medical professional for further evaluation. Feel free to reach out if you need additional guidance.

I hope this helps.