Tennis leg occurs when a tear develops in the inner head of the calf muscle, commonly referred to as the plantaris muscle, or in some cases, involves both muscles. This condition leads to leg pain.
Tennis leg symptoms
Tennis leg strikes suddenly, causing symptoms in the knee or calf’s back, significantly affecting ankle movement. Weakness and pain make standing on tiptoes difficult, and bruising and swelling at the leg’s back can be confused with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Seeking professional medical advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms:
- Abrupt pain in the back of the knee or calf.
- Impaired ankle movement due to pain and discomfort.
- Difficulty standing on tiptoes because of weakness and pain.
- Commonly, bruising and swelling at the back of the leg.
- The similarity of symptoms with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), requires proper evaluation by a healthcare professional.
What is a tennis leg?
Tennis leg occurs when the plantaris muscle tears or ruptures, possibly involving the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, the larger calf muscle. This muscle, located in the back of the lower leg, attaches just above the knee on the outside and inserts onto the heel bone, aiding the larger calf muscles in ankle plantar flexion. Surprisingly, approximately 15% of the population lacks this muscle.
The injury often results from force or trauma to the leg when the knee is straight or during movements like jumping or pushing off, earning it the term “tennis leg” due to its common association with tennis-related motions. For proper diagnosis and treatment, seek professional guidance.
Treatment for tennis leg
The PRICE Strategy:
Protection: Safeguard the injured area to prevent further damage.
Rest: Allow sufficient time for the injury to heal by avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.
Ice: Apply ice for 10-15 minutes per hour during the initial 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Adjust the frequency as symptoms improve.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage or knee support to protect the joint and minimize swelling.
Elevation: Elevate the affected leg whenever possible to reduce swelling.
If walking causes discomfort, use crutches and gradually transition to full weight-bearing as pain permits.
