There are many conditions that can cause bone pain in the legs. Some are not serious and heal with the right treatment, while in other cases this symptom signals an underlying medical condition. Given this, it is important to not self-diagnose bone pain and to talk with a health care provider so a proper diagnosis can be made. Once the cause of bone pain in the leg is determined, then the right treatment approach can be started.

Shin Splints and Stress Fractures

During periods of intense training or if a sedentary person abruptly starts exercising, the body may not be able to handle the increased workload. The bones can fatigue and become painful, states the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. If not allowed to heal, the bone can develop fractures. The most common site for this type of overuse injury is the shin bones, which can develop shin splints or stress fractures.

If overuse is the cause a period of rest, ice, elevation and possibly immobilizing the leg may be necessary. It will be important to return to activities slowly and adopt good training techniques.

Osteomyelitis

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If there is serious infection in the body or if an infection continues untreated, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and infect bones. Any bone in the body can develop an infection, including the leg bones. Without treatment, part of the bone can die, warns the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library 2. If an infection is the cause, other symptoms, such as:

• fever
  
• chills
  
• fatigue
  
• weight loss
  
• redness
  
• swelling
  
• may also occur along with the bone pain

Tumors

Tumors can occur in the bone, and can be benign or cancerous. These tumors can originate in the bone, or spread to the bone from another area and cause bone pain at the site of the tumor 3. The pain may be dull, achy, get worse with activity or flare up during the night, notes MedlinePlus 3. However, in some cases there is no pain, just a noticeable mass.

Benign tumors do not usually require treatment, while cancerous ones may require radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.

Non-Healing Fracture

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Throughout life bones are constantly being broken down and replaced by new bone. This process allows fractures to heal. However, certain circumstances such as:

• poor blood flow
  
• smoking
  
• age
  
• anemia
  
• infections
  
• some medications can interfere with the bones' ability to heal properly

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this can lead to what is called a nonunion of the bone, which usually causes pain at the site of the fracture 4.