What is Tennis Leg?
Tennis leg is a type of strain injury that affects the lower leg muscles and tendons. It is a common injury among athletes, especially tennis players. It is caused by sudden and repetitive stretching of the lower leg muscles and tendons, which can be aggravated by a sudden change in direction or sudden increase in speed. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the lower leg.
 |
Bet on Tennis Online 50% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus A+ Rating Review 25+ Years Online |
Join now! |
What Causes Tennis Leg?
Tennis leg is usually caused by overuse of the lower leg muscles and tendons. This can be from playing too much tennis, or from doing activities that involve a lot of jumping, running, and turning. Poor form and technique during these activities can also contribute to the development of tennis leg.
Risk Factors for Developing Tennis Leg
Risk factors for developing tennis leg include:
- Age: Younger athletes are more likely to suffer from tennis leg due to their inexperience with proper form and technique.
- Frequency of Play: Playing too much tennis or any other activity that involves running, jumping, and turning can increase the risk of developing tennis leg.
- Footwear: Improper footwear can contribute to the development of tennis leg. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause strain on the lower leg muscles and tendons.
Symptoms of Tennis Leg
Common symptoms of tennis leg include:
- Pain in the lower leg
- Swelling in the lower leg
- Stiffness in the lower leg
- Difficulty walking or running
Diagnosing Tennis Leg
If you suspect that you have tennis leg, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to get a better look at the affected area.
Treatment for Tennis Leg
Treatment for tennis leg usually involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). This can help reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the lower leg muscles and tendons.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment is the first line of treatment for tennis leg. This may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the lower leg muscles and tendons.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat tennis leg. Surgery is usually reserved for cases that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. During surgery, the doctor will make an incision in the affected area and repair any damage to the muscles or tendons.
Complications of Tennis Leg
If tennis leg is not treated properly, it can lead to complications such as:
- Chronic pain
- Decreased range of motion
- Muscle weakness
- Recurring episodes of pain
Prevention of Tennis Leg
The best way to prevent tennis leg is to take precautions before playing tennis or any other activity that involves running, jumping, and turning. These precautions include:
- Warming up before playing
- Using proper form and technique
- Stretching after playing
- Wearing proper footwear
- Taking breaks from playing
Do You Need Surgery for Tennis Leg?
In most cases, surgery is not needed for tennis leg. Non-surgical treatments such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation are usually enough to treat the condition. However, if non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended. It is important to talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.