Legs

A calf strain occurs when one of the muscles in the back of the lower leg, such as the gastrocnemius or soleus, is overstretched or torn. These injuries are common in sports involving sprinting or sudden changes of direction. Calf strains can vary from mild to severe and may significantly affect walking and athletic performance. Early treatment focuses on promoting safe healing, restoring flexibility, and gradually rebuilding strength. Therapy also addresses underlying biomechanical factors that could contribute to future injury.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden sharp pain in the calf during activity
• Swelling or bruising in the lower leg
• Difficulty pushing off the foot when walking
• Tenderness when touching the calf
• Weakness or cramping in the calf muscle

Shin splints refer to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone, commonly caused by repetitive stress during running or jumping. They often result from overtraining, poor footwear, or flat feet. If untreated, shin splints can lead to more serious injuries like stress fractures. Therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, correcting biomechanical issues, and strengthening the muscles that support the lower leg.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain along the inner shin during or after activity
• Tenderness to touch along the shinbone
• Mild swelling in the lower leg
• Pain that worsens with running or jumping
• Stiffness or soreness in the shin after exercise

Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often develops due to overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity levels. If not treated early, it can progress to tendon degeneration or even rupture. Therapy aims to reduce tendon strain, restore flexibility, and improve strength in the calf and ankle.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon
• Tenderness or thickening of the tendon
• Pain that worsens with walking, running, or climbing stairs
• Swelling along the back of the heel
• Morning stiffness in the ankle or lower leg

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones of the lower leg caused by repetitive force or overtraining. The tibia (shinbone) and fibula are especially vulnerable. If left untreated, stress fractures can worsen and lead to complete bone fractures. Therapy focuses on activity modification, gradual reloading of the bone, and addressing biomechanical imbalances to prevent future fractures.

Symptoms may include:

• Localized pain that worsens with weight-bearing
• Tenderness when pressing directly on the bone
• Swelling along the lower leg
• Pain that improves with rest
• Possible bruising in more severe cases

Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure used to stabilize and repair broken bones using plates, screws, or rods. It is often required for fractures that are too complex or unstable to heal properly with casting alone. Although surgery restores the bone alignment, structured rehabilitation is essential to regain full mobility, strength, and function. Physical therapy after ORIF focuses on protecting the healing bone, restoring joint motion, rebuilding muscle strength, and correcting movement patterns. A carefully guided rehab program can dramatically improve recovery speed and long-term outcomes, helping patients safely return to daily activities, work, and sports.

Post-ORIF recovery challenges may include:

• Stiffness and limited range of motion around the surgical site
• Pain, swelling, or sensitivity during movement
• Weakness in the muscles surrounding the injured area
• Difficulty bearing weight or using the affected limb
• Scar tissue tightness or nerve sensitivity near the incision

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition where pressure builds within a muscle compartment during exercise, restricting blood flow and nerve function. It most commonly affects the lower leg in runners and athletes. CECS typically resolves with rest but recurs with continued exercise. Therapy in mild cases focuses on improving flexibility, correcting mechanics, and offloading pressure on the affected compartments.

Symptoms may include:

• Tightness and aching pain in the lower leg during exercise
• Numbness or tingling in the foot
• Muscle weakness with activity
• Pain that resolves with rest
• Swelling or bulging appearance of the lower leg muscles

Muscle contusions in the lower leg occur when a direct impact causes bleeding within the muscle tissue. These bruises are common in contact sports or falls. Severe contusions may lead to complications like compartment syndrome if not properly treated. Therapy focuses on managing swelling, restoring normal movement, and safely rebuilding strength.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness at the site of impact
• Swelling and bruising in the calf or shin
• Difficulty flexing the ankle or foot
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• Weakness in the lower leg muscles

Although originating higher up, sciatic nerve entrapment can cause referred symptoms into the lower leg, including pain, numbness, or weakness. Entrapment can occur due to piriformis syndrome, lumbar disc herniation, or other soft tissue compressions. Therapy focuses on relieving nerve irritation, improving flexibility, and strengthening the lower body to reduce pressure on the nerve.

Symptoms may include:

• Burning or shooting pain down the back of the leg
• Numbness or tingling in the calf or foot
• Weakness in pushing off with the foot
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting
• Tenderness along the sciatic nerve path

The plantaris is a small muscle running behind the knee down to the heel. Injury to this muscle can mimic a torn Achilles tendon, causing sudden calf pain. Plantaris injuries often occur during explosive athletic movements like sprinting or jumping. Therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring range of motion, and strengthening the surrounding muscles for better lower leg function.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden sharp pain in the calf during activity
• Swelling or bruising along the lower leg
• Difficulty pushing off or flexing the ankle
• Tenderness behind the knee or upper calf
• Pain that worsens with running or jumping

Anterior compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds within the front part of the lower leg, usually during exercise, leading to restricted blood flow and nerve function. Unlike the acute, emergency form, chronic anterior compartment syndrome develops more gradually with activity and resolves with rest. It is most commonly seen in runners, cyclists, and athletes who perform repetitive leg movements. Therapy can help in mild cases by improving flexibility, optimizing lower limb mechanics, and offloading excessive pressure from the muscles. Proper evaluation is important to avoid worsening symptoms or permanent damage.

Symptoms may include:

• Tightness and aching pain in the front of the lower leg during exercise
• Numbness or tingling between the shin and foot
• Weakness when lifting the foot (dorsiflexion)
• Pain that improves shortly after stopping activity
• Visible swelling or firmness over the shin