Download Athletic Injuries to the Lower Leg

Athletic Injuries to the Lower
Leg
By: Juliann Plimpton
Peroneal Tendonitis
Personal tendonitis is an
inflammatory condition of
the peroneal tendon, which
runs along the outside of the
lower leg, behind the ankle
and under the foot.
Located behind the lateral
malleolus
MOI
Most commonly found in
those that have pes cavus
Includes the peroneal brevis
and longus
Also aging of the tendons
elasticity
MOI continued
A sudden increase in the intensity of training
A rapid increase in the frequency of training.
Repeated training on rigid surfaces.
Poor core strength.
Genetic abnormalities.
Due to excessive supination, which causes weight bearing
on the outside of the foot thus placing stress on the
peroneal.
Often an overuse injury (#1 cause)
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of peroneal tendonitis include:
_Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually in
proximity to the ankle or foot.
_ Pain is worse with movement or activity.
_ Pain at night.
_ Tenderness and swelling over the bit where the
tendon inserts onto the ankle or foot.
_ Pain when you try to bend the ankle or foot against
resistance.
_ Stiffness after exercise.
TREATMENT
RICE always works
Non steroidal antiinflammatory
Flexibility and strength
training
Ice massage
Stretching calf,
peroneals, and Achilles
Leg Cramp and Spasms
muscle cramps are painful
spasms that occur during or
immediately after activity
the muscle goes into a hard
and contracted state that you
cannot voluntarily relax
muscle cramps may well cause
an athlete to temporarily stop
what they are doing, but
cramps generally have no
serious long-term
consequences
MOI
overexertion
failing to stretch adequately before
exercise
extreme hot or cold
dehydration
salt imbalances after sweating
low blood sugar
Symptoms and signs
Hard muscle tissue (bulge)
Pain with the tonic contraction of the
calf muscle
Tender to touch
Other contributing factor is have one
leg longer than the other
Tight muscles
Treatment
gently stretch the cramped
muscle - this is the
quickest and easiest
method of relieving a
muscle cramp. By
stretching the contracted
muscle, the pressure on
the muscle will be reduced,
causing temporary relief
gently massage the muscle
apply ice that is wrapped
in a soft material - this can
be used along with
stretching, as this will
numb the area and cause
an increase in circulation
once the ice is removed
start replacing lost fluids
Muscle Contusion
Muscle contusion indicates a direct,
blunt, compressive force to a muscle.
Contusions are one of the most
common sports-related injuries.
Second common injury compared to
the strain
Symptoms and signs
Bruise in the area
May have limited
mobility (partial loss
of limb)
Pain, weakness
Palpation may reveal
a hard, rigid, and
somewhat inflexible
area do to
hemorrhage
Treatment
Stretch immediately to prevent spasms
Apply a compression and ice
Can use ultra sound if the cold therapy or
whirlpool don’t( 3 days)
Elastic wrap or tape can give support
Gastrocnemius Strain
A strained calf
muscle is a partial
tear of the small
fibers of the calf
muscles. The calf
muscles are located
in the back of your
lower leg
MOI
Sports that have quick starts, stops or occasional
jumping (quick stops with the foot planted flat and suddenly
extents the knee, placing stress on the medial heard of
gastracnemius)
Stretching the calf muscles beyond the amount of
tension that they can withstand
Suddenly putting stress on the calf muscles when
they are not ready for the stress
Using the calf muscles too much on a certain day
A direct blow to the calf muscles
MOI continue
Fatigue
Tight calf muscles
Overexertion
Cold weather
Side note Sports most
common:
Running
Hurdles
Long jump
Basketball
Soccer
Football
Rugby
Signs and Symptoms
Pain and tenderness in the calf
Stiffness in the calf muscles
Weakness of the calf muscles
Pain when pushing off the foot or standing on
tiptoe
Bruising on the calf (if blood vessels are broken)
Popping sensation as the muscle tears (possibly)
(described by the athlete as being “ hit in the
calf with a stick)
Treatment
All depends on the severity on the
strain
–
–
–
–
RICE, NSAIDS
Heat ( but not on the first 3 to 5 days
Stretching muscles (when acute pain is gone)
Strengthen muscle
References
BUPA. “Exercise- induced Muscle Cramps”.
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/healthy_living/lifestyle/e
xercise/running/cramps.html
LaRusso, Laurie. Health Library.
http://www.healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=94e
“Peroneal Tendonitis.” http://www.arthritis-paincure.com/article_info.php/articles_id/297
Prentice, E. William: “Musculoskeletal Conditions. Arnheim’s Principles of
Athletic Training 12th ed.: 585, 2005.
“Top 10 Most Common Sports Injuries and Treatments”.
www.cellhealthmakeover.com/most-common-sports-injuries.html