What causes pain on the outer side of the lower leg while jumping rope?

Generally, pain in the shinbone (side of the lower leg) during jump rope exercises may be related to physiological factors, or could result from pathological conditions such as periostitis or osteochondritis. Once symptoms appear, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation and consult a doctor for appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

If someone has been physically inactive for a long time and suddenly engages in intense physical activities like jump rope, the leg muscles may produce excessive lactic acid, which accumulates in the muscle tissue and stimulates local nerves, leading to bone pain. Usually, no special treatment is required. Adequate warm-up before jumping rope, avoiding sudden strenuous exercise, and massage when necessary can help prevent this.

2. Pathological Factors

a. Periostitis

During jump rope, repeated pulling on local muscles and ligaments can cause persistent irritation to the periosteum (the membrane covering bones), resulting in local congestion and swelling, which leads to pain in the lower leg. It is recommended that patients take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or aspirin enteric-coated tablets under a doctor's guidance to achieve analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

b. Osteochondritis

Osteochondritis is often associated with intense physical activity or exposure to cold, causing abnormalities in blood vessels that supply nutrients to the bones. During jump rope, the epiphyseal region may be repeatedly stretched, leading to inflammatory exudation and symptoms such as pain and muscle atrophy. Early management requires rest and immobilization. For severe pain, medications such as etoricoxib tablets, Yunnan Baiyao capsules, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets should be taken according to medical advice.

In addition to the above causes, conditions such as degenerative joint disease, stress fractures, or avascular necrosis of the femoral head may also contribute. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause, and overexertion should be avoided during the course of illness.