Lower Leg Injuries
What is 'achilles tendonitis'?
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation or an itis of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the calcaneus bone and it has the large tendon. It is responsible for toe-off gait and pushing the foot down. It connects a powerful muscle which allows forward motion. Achilles tendonitis is very common in any sport that requires explosive start and stop, such as tennis, basketball, or racquetball. It is also very common in an older athlete. The most important way to treat this is rest, ice, compression and elevation. Slow stretching after you've warmed up and taken time to really warm this up because the danger is that this achilles tendonitis will proceed to an achilles tendon rupture, which is a serious problem that requires surgery.
How can 'achilles tendonitis' be treated?
Achilles tendonitis is treated by rest, ice, compression and elevation. When you develop pain in the achilles tendon, the most important thing is to rest it out, and if you're going to return to play, slow warm-up and stretch. Stretch after you're done playing and spend time icing it. If it doesn't get better over time, sometimes a mobilization is necessary.
What are 'shin splints'?
Noone knows exactly what shin splints are. Some people believe that it is a compartment syndrome of the muscles of the front of the lower leg. Other people believe it's micro-fractures, and another group of people think it's an irritation of the covering of the bone called the periostium. Or it's bleeding underneath the periostium. No-one is sure exactly what shin splints are.
How should 'compartment syndromes' in lower leg injuries be treated?
Compartment syndromes in lower leg injuries are medical emergencies. A true, full-blown compartment syndrome requires surgery. It requires that the pressures in that compartment be measured, and documented. It needs to be treated very aggressively, and very quickly.
How can leg cramps be prevented and managed?
The most common cause of leg cramps is dehydration. The important thing for leg cramps is to remain well hydrated, and to stretch.
