Tennis leg refers to a calf injury found most commonly among tennis players. It is a strain or rupture of the medial (inside) head of the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle. It occurs when the foot is dorsiflexed during impact and the knee straightens. The calf muscles become so tight that a tear or rupture occurs.
Tennis is a very physically demanding sport – sudden movements, stops and starts, side-to-side movement, friction, stomping, spurts of speed – and with that comes demands upon the calf muscles. In the majority of cases the injury does resolve over time, about 6 weeks, if activity is restricted and other treatment modalities are followed.
Other names or similar conditions:
- Calf rupture
- Medial gastrocnemius strain
Symptoms:
- Sudden pain in the gastrocnemius complex
- Unable to walk on leg immediately after injury
- Swelling and sometimes bruising, tender to touch in the calf
Signs to look for:
- Acute injury to calf muscle during an impact activity, such as tennis or other sports
- Inability to bear weight or continue the activity
- Toe walking as bringing the heel down causes too much pain in injured calf
Possible Causes:
- A combination of impact, dorsiflexion and knee straightening all at one time
- Very tight calf muscles that are not stretched before impact activities
Goals:
- Treatment of acute phase
- Return of range of motion in gastrocnemius complex
- Align hips, knees, ankles and feet
- Support arches
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear such as stable heel to toe rockers (for regular wear) and shoes with titanium springs for high impact sports
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Do not wear pumps or heels until – and only if – condition is cured and then only on a minimal basis
Activities:
- For recovery from acute phase – medical evaluation (depending upon severity), compression of the calf, regular ice, and heel lifts (wean from this as healing progresses)
- Regular stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structure
- Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2011 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Podiatry Management 4/2011 Text: podiatrym.com, emedicine.com, SportsmedicineofAtlanta.com