Lower Leg Injuries

Lower leg injuries are common sports injuries. These injuries include fractures and strains of the muscles.

FRACTURES are a crack, break, or complete shattering of one or both bones of the lower leg. Fractures occur in sports where falls or direct impacts are likely. Seek medical help right away. Splint and apply ice gently over the area until help arrives.

STRAINS are a stretch, tear, or rupture of the fibers of muscle. Strains are often seen in sports that require excessive contractions of the calf muscles. Treat minor strains with RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Use crutches or wear half-inch heel lifts in BOTH shoes if the pain is bad. Seek medical care for severe strains.

Overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis and shin splints are much more common than breaks and strains. Constant stress to an affected area causes overuse injuries.

ACHILLES TENDONITIS is the inflammation of the thick tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel. Causes include poor conditioning, training mistakes, and wearing worn-out athletic shoes. Problems like bowlegs, having one leg shorter than the other, or high arches also add to the condition.

SHIN SPLINTS are caused by irritation of the muscles and tendons of the shins. Swelling and pain result. Tiny cracks (stress fractures) may appear in the lower leg bones.

Treat minor overuse injuries with RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Ongoing and severe cases should be medically evaluated. Proper treatment is needed for recovery.

Prevent lower leg injuries by doing the following:

• have a pre-sports exam to identify any muscle weaknesses and imbalances

• follow a strength and flexibility program

• avoid training mistakes like running on a hard surface or working out too fast, too hard, too soon

• wear shin guards for safety in contact sports

• include a warm-up and cool-down and follow both with leg stretches

• wear proper athletic shoes that absorb shock and are stable. Ask a knowledgeable shoe salesclerk about the proper athletic shoe for you.

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