What should I do if my lower leg hurts after suddenly running following a long period without running?

Leg pain caused by sudden physical activity after a long period of inactivity can be relieved through methods such as pausing exercise, resting, applying heat, massage, and medication.

1. Pause physical activity: After prolonged lack of exercise, intense physical activity may lead to lactic acid buildup in the legs that cannot be metabolized promptly, along with localized muscle strain and irritation. In this case, stopping exercise helps reduce leg pain; continuing to exercise may worsen the discomfort.

2. Rest: Allow sufficient time for the legs to rest and recover. Mild muscle discomfort typically resolves on its own after several days of rest.

3. Heat application: Apply a warm towel or hot water bottle to the painful leg area. This helps improve local blood circulation and promotes the metabolism and elimination of lactic acid.

4. Massage: Gently knead the legs from the lower extremities upward to help unblock meridians and facilitate lactic acid removal, thereby alleviating leg pain.

5. Medication: Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as ibuprofen tablets or celecoxib capsules to relieve pain.

If symptoms are severe, seek timely medical attention at a reputable hospital, consult with a professional physician, and undergo necessary examinations as recommended, avoiding self-treatment without proper diagnosis.