Lower Leg Injuries
Acute Leg Fractures
Fractures of the shaft of the tibia and fibula result from either direct or indirect trauma. There is often bony displacement with deformity. The individual will experience severe pain and disability. The leg may appear hard and swollen.
Calf Strain
Quick starts and stops can cause a calf strain. Common complaints are pain, swelling, and muscle disability.
Leg Contusions (Shin Bruise)
A direct force to the shin can cause a contusion that causes pain, swelling, and increased pain when the leg is moved. A hematoma may be present.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
Caused by repetitive microtrauma. This condition can be caused by weakness of leg muscles, shoes that do not provide adequate support, training errors, or overtraining. There are four grades of this condition:
Grade I - pain occurring after athletic activity.
Grade II - pain occurring before and after activity but not affecting performance.
Grade III - pain occurring before, during, and after athletic activity and affecting performance.
Grade IV - pain so severe that performance is impossible.
Muscle Contusions
Usually in the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) is common in sports. A bruising blow to this area will cause pain, weakness, and partial loss of function.
Muscle Spasms
Spasms are sudden, violent, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. The lower leg is prone to this condition especially with fatigue and excess loss of fluid through perspiration.
Stress Fracture of the Tibia or Fibula
Common overuse conditions, especially among distance runners. The individual complains of pain in the leg that is more intense after than during the activity. There is usually point tenderness.
