What is Tennis Leg?
Tennis leg is an injury that affects the muscles and tendons in the lower leg. It is typically caused by playing sports, such as tennis, that involve sudden changes in direction, as well as quick sprints and jumps. It is also known as “tennis leg syndrome” or “compartment syndrome”, and is a fairly common injury for athletes who play sports that involve sudden changes in direction.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Leg?
The primary symptom of tennis leg is severe pain in the lower leg, usually along the outside of the calf muscle. Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling – the area around the calf can become swollen and tender to the touch.
- Bruising – the area around the calf can become bruised and discolored.
- Weakness – the athlete may feel weak and have difficulty walking or running.
- Stiffness – the athlete may experience stiffness and tightness in the lower leg.
What Causes Tennis Leg?
Tennis leg is caused by a combination of factors, including overuse of the muscles and tendons in the lower leg, improper warm-up before exercise and sudden changes in direction. It can also be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity.
Who is at Risk for Tennis Leg?
Anyone who plays sports that involve sudden changes in direction, such as tennis, basketball, soccer, or volleyball, is at risk for developing tennis leg. Additionally, athletes who are overweight or have an underlying medical condition are also at higher risk for developing this injury.
How is Tennis Leg Diagnosed?
Tennis leg is typically diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor will check for signs of swelling and tenderness in the lower leg and calf muscle. They may also order an X-ray or MRI to rule out any other potential causes of your pain.
Treatment Options for Tennis Leg
Treatment for tennis leg usually involves a combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Your doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, physical therapy may be prescribed to help strengthen the muscles in the lower leg and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Preventing Tennis Leg
The best way to prevent tennis leg is to make sure you are properly warmed up before playing any sport that involves sudden changes in direction. Additionally, make sure to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your lower leg to help prevent injury.
Stretches for Tennis Leg
- Calf Stretch – Stand facing a wall and place your hands against it. Step one foot back, keeping your heel on the ground. Lean in toward the wall until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and then switch legs.
- Heel Drops – Stand on the edge of a step and hold onto a railing for balance. Gently lower your heels down toward the ground, feeling a stretch in your calves. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and then raise your heels back up.
- Toe Walks – Stand on the edge of a step and hold onto a railing for balance. Lift your toes off the ground, keeping your heels on the step. Walk forward on your toes for 15-30 seconds and then switch directions.
Strengthening Exercises for Tennis Leg
- Squats – Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and your toes pointed outward. Lower your body into a squat position and hold for 2-3 seconds. Then, stand back up and repeat. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
- Lunges – Stand with your feet hip-width apart and step one foot forward into a lunge position. Lower your body until your back knee is almost touching the ground. Push off with your front foot to return to the starting position. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
- Calf Raises – Stand with your feet hip-width apart and lift your heels off the ground. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds and then lower your heels back down. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of the symptoms of tennis leg, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor can help diagnose the injury and recommend the best course of treatment.
Conclusion
Tennis leg is a common injury among athletes who play sports that involve sudden changes in direction. It is important to make sure you are properly warmed up before playing any sport, and to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your lower leg to reduce the risk of injury. If you experience any of the symptoms of tennis leg, it is important to seek medical attention.