Leg Pain -Leamington Spa – Leg Pain, 8 3D animated educational videos are available to view in Leamington Spa for some of the following Runners or Ilio-Tibial Band.Torn Calf/Calf Strain, Shin Splints, Stress Fractures, Hamstring Contusion,( Tight or Pulled) Hamstring Injuries, Muscles,Calf Strain,(Torn Calf) Tendonitis, Quadriceps Muscles, Iliopsoas Muscle Rupture, Groin Strain, Sports Hernia, Myositis Ossificans, Stress Fracture of the Femur and Symptoms, Achilles Tendonitis, Runners Knee, Heel and Arch Pain, Plantar Fascists, Heel Spurs. Alleviated with a FiveStar rated therapy called Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy.
Leg Pain
Runners or Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome
These Leg injuries can manifest themselves anywhere along the entire length of this fibrous connective tissue located on the side of the thigh between hip and knee joints. The pain can be intense at either the outside of the hip or outside of the knee. A bio mechanical evaluation from foot to hip is needed to diagnose the problem and prevent further injuries occurring.
(View our Knee Injury and Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy Section.)
Calf muscle contusion
What is a contusion?
A very common contact sports Injury. This type of injury should be taken seriously as further complications can develop and more damage may have occurred than first thought.
Poor treatment or overly aggressive treatment (Sports Massage) can result in Myositis ossificans (bone growth in the muscle) may result.
There are two types of contusion:
Intra muscular: the muscle within the surrounding sheath is torn (the initial bleeding may stop within a few hours). Excess fluid at the site of injury causes increased pressure within the muscle as the sheath prevents the fluid from escaping and being reabsorbed by the body. The result is loss of function and pain which can take several days or weeks to recover. Bruising will not appear with this type, even in the early stages
Inter muscular:the muscle and part of the surrounding sheath will be torn. The bleeding will take longer to stop, however the application of ice or cold packs to the injured area straight away, the recovery is often faster than intra muscular as the blood and fluids will flow away from the site of injury. Bruising will be self evident.
Symptoms of calf muscle contusion:
- Pain around the site of the injury
- Swelling or bruising
- There may well be restriction of movement
After two to three days check:
If the swelling has not reduced significantly, then there’s a high probability of a intra muscular injury.
If the bleeding has spread and caused bruising away from the actual injury there’s a high probability of an inter muscular injury.
If the muscle can contract there’s a high probability of an inter muscular injury.
A deformation in the muscle or a gap that may be felt?
It is important that the correct diagnosis is made. The possibility of a complete rupture, while exercising is possible. Even a very bad intra muscular injury can inhibit the healing process, or cause permanent disability. If heat and massage is applied in the early stages then Myositis Ossificans (the forming of bone within the muscle) can appear, be warned!
What can a Chiropractic Sports Injury Specialist do?
Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy, A 5 star rating for healing,recovery and pain relief, for injuries.
Symptoms of calf strain include:
Grade 1:
Pain in the back of the lower leg.
Tightness and aching in the days following injury.
Grade 2
Sharp pain in the back of the lower leg.
Pain when walking or running.
There may be swelling in the calf.
Bruising.
Pain on resisted plantar-flexion.
Tightness and aching lasting 2 to 3 weeks.
Grade 3
Severe pain.
A sudden pain at the back of the leg, often at the muscular tendinous junction.
Inability to contract the muscle.
Considerable bruising and swelling.
Pulled Hamstring
The hamstring muscle is a group of large, powerful muscles that span the back of the thigh, from the lower pelvis to the back of the shin bone. The hamstrings are the important muscle group that enables extension of hip joint and flexion of the knee joint.
The hamstring is used in many sporting activities, as well as normal daily activities. Sports that commonly cause a hamstring injury are sprinting or anysports that involve sudden accelerations. This includes nearly all contact sports. A hamstring injury can also occur as a result of a direct blow to the muscle, such as being kicked in the back of the thigh, or falling on the back of the thigh. Hamstring contusions are different from pulled hamstrings, although they may cause similar symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a pulled hamstring?
The symptoms of a pulled hamstring depend on the severity of the injury. The hamstring injury is usually sudden and painful. Other common symptoms include:
- Bruising: Small tears within the muscle cause bleeding and subsequent bruising. The bruise begins in the back of the thigh, and as time passes the bruise will pass down below the knee and often into the foot.
- Swelling: The accumulation of blood from the hamstring injury causes swelling of the thigh. This can make further muscle contraction difficult and painful. Wearing a compressive bandage can help control the swelling.
- Spasm: Muscle spasm is a common and painful symptom of a hamstring injury. Because of the trauma to the muscle, signals of contraction are confused, and the muscle may be stimulated. If severe, muscle relaxants can help with spasms.
- Difficulty Contracting: Flexing the knee is often painful after a pulled hamstring, and can even prevent the patient from walking normally. If you are unable to contract the hamstring, the muscle may be completely ruptured.
What is the treatment of a pulled hamstring?
Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy has a five star rating for healing and pain relief for this injury
The Quadriceps muscles.
The quadriceps muscles group includes four muscles located in the anterior thigh. This muscle group acts to extend the leg while straightening the knee. A pulled or strained quadriceps muscle causes pain in the front of the thigh. A severe pull or muscle tear causes an abrupt, sudden, acute pain that occurs during activity (often while sprinting). It may be accompanied by swelling or bruises on the thigh.
A pulled quadriceps is often the result of a strength imbalance between the quadriceps and the hamstring. Strong hamstring muscles in the back of the leg and weak quadriceps muscles in the front of the leg can result in a pull or a tear. Such a muscle imbalance is not uncommon among runners, since running tends to work out the hamstrings much more than the quadriceps.
The quadriceps is a group of muscles along the front of the thigh. It consists of the quadriceps femoris, the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and the vastus intermedius.
A pulled or strained quadriceps muscle can be identified by a pain in the front of the thigh. A severe tear is abrupt, sudden, and results in acute pain during the activity (often sprinting) and may be accompanied by swelling or bruises on the thigh.
The Cause
Typically, a pulled quad is the result of a strength imbalance between the quadriceps and the hamstring group, where the hamstrings are more powerful. This is a common muscular imbalance in runners because running tends to use the hamstrings more than the quadriceps.
Sports Hernia
Sports Hernia diagnosed? What is the inguinal canal? Symptoms and causes of a sports hernia? I have strong abdominal muscles, how can I have a sports hernia?
Sports hernia occurs due to a a weakening of the muscles or tendons of the lower abdominal wall. This is the part of the abdomen is the same area as a inguinal hernia occurs, this known as inguinal canal. When an inguinal hernia occurs there has been a weakening of the abdominal wall to allow a small sack, or pouch to protrude, this is the hernia to be felt. A sports hernia case the problem is a little different, due to a weakening in the same abdominal wall muscles, but there is no sign of a hernia.
What is the inguinal canal?
The inguinal canal is located in the lower abdomen and just above the groin. The formation of the inguinal canal caused by the insertions of abdominal tendon muscles and several ligaments. Within the inguinal canal flows the spermatic cord in males and in females the round ligament. This abdomen wall area is where there are is likely hood of weakening, which may lead to a hernia.
I have strong abdominal muscles how can i have a sports hernia?
The abdominal wall in some people may be thinner than others, therefore with a sports hernia it is not due to a muscular weakness, but more that the abdominal wall is too thin, allowing the hernia to form.
What are the symptoms of a sports hernia?
A sports hernia normally begins with a slow aching pain in the lower abdominal area.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain in the groin
- Pain in the testicle
Nearly all vigorous activities will exacerbate the symptoms.
This includes;
Coughing or sneezing. Sports hernias are common in athletes, such as weightlifters, football players.
How is a sports hernia diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a sports hernia is determined based on the combination of the patient’s history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. X-rays are not used in cases of sports hernia, but the use of MRI tests has become more common in looking for signs of a sports hernia.
Hamstring Contusion, Tight Hamstring Muscles, Hamstring Tendonitis, Hamstring Contusion, Quadriceps Muscles, Iliopsoas Muscle Rupture, Groin Strain, Hernia, Myositis Ossificans, Stress Fracture of the Femur. Aleviated with Five Star Cold/low Level Laser Treatment.
Various conditions and injuries can affect the thighs, in particular the back of the thigh. Cold Laser Therapy is a very successful method of treating thigh pain; contact the Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic for further advice.
A few symptoms and causes of thigh pain are listed below.
• Hamstring Contusion.
A direct blow to the back of the thigh is usually the cause of injury.
• Referred Pain
Hamstring pain is referred pain from the lower back, SI Joints or buttocks.
• Tight Hamstring Muscles
short, tight or inflexible hamstring muscles.
• Hamstring Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons that attach to the Ischial Tuberosities.
• Hamstring Pain
Compartment syndrome and Avulsion Strain Pain on the front of the thigh is usually caused by another injury or conditions; a few are listed below.
• Contusion of Quadriceps Muscles
Commonly known as “dead leg” and caused by a direct blow to the front of the thigh.
• Rupture of Rectus Femoris Muscle
Sudden pain at the front of the hip during or after exercising.
• Inflammation of Rectus Femoris Tendon
this is a constant pain at the front of the hip.
• Rupture of Adductor Muscles or Groin Strain
Pain in the groin.
• Gilmores’ Groin
Groin pain that increases by repetitive movement.
• Inflammation of the groin muscles
Pain in the groin at the top of the adductor muscles that can radiate down the leg.
• Myositis Ossificans
This condition is a bone growing within the muscle.
• Hernia
Symptoms are groin pain when you exercise or do any sudden movement.
• Inflammation of the Iliopsoas Muscle
Groin pain and inflammation which involves the big hip flexor muscles.
• Iliopsoas Muscle Rupture.
Strain or tear of the iliopsoas muscle causing groin pain.
• Stress Fracture of the Femur
A stress fracture of the femur may present itself with aching in the thigh.
Muscle Cramp and Spasms
If you’ve ever had muscle spasms or muscle cramps, you know they can be extremely painful. In some cases, a muscle may spasm so forcefully that it results in a bruise on the skin. Most muscle spasms and cramps are involuntary contractions of a muscle. A serious muscle spasm doesn’t release on its own and requires manual stretching to help relax and lengthen the shortened muscle. Spasms and cramps can be mild or extremely painful. While they can happen to any skeletal muscle, they are most common in the legs and feet and muscles that cross two joints (the calf muscle, for example). Cramps can involve part of a muscle or all the muscles in a group. The most commonly affected muscle groups are:
- Back of lower leg / calf (gastrocnemius).
- Back of thigh (hamstrings).
- Front of thigh (quadriceps).
- Feet, hands, arms, abdomen
Muscle cramps range in intensity from a slight twitch or tic to severe pain. A cramped muscle can feel rock-hard and last a few seconds to several minutes or longer. It is not uncommon for cramps to ease up and then return several times before they go away entirely.
What Causes Muscle Cramps
The exact cause of muscle cramps is still unknown, but the theories most commonly cited include:
- Altered neuromuscular control
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte depletion
- Poor conditioning
Cold /Low Level Laser Therapy/Treatment
Types of Soft Tissue Pain.
There are two main types of soft tissue injuries: the strain and the sprain.
Muscle Sprain is associated with overstretching or tear of the tendons or ligaments. The tendons connect the muscles to a portion of bone, thus allowing the bone to move when the muscle is contracting. Ligaments are very tough fibrous connecting tissues made of chains of tough cells grouped together to increase their strength. In a severe muscle sprain these chains are separated or torn causing ligament and/or muscle damage.
Cold /Low Level Laser Therapy/Treatment
Cold /Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as:
Athletic and sports injuries
Leg ,Knee,Hip Pain and Hip Bursitis, conditions, disorders and injury
Lower Back Pain
Hip, Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain Relief. Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections.
Relief of Stiffness and the Promotion of Muscle Relaxation, and Cell Restoration
Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns.
Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.
Joint Disorders and Conditions including Arthritic Pain Relief and Tenosynovitis
Chronic pain including Trigeminal Neuralgia and Neck and Back pain.
Torn Calf or Calf Strain,Contusion:/ Cold /Low Level Laser Therapy,has a 5 star rating in accelerating the healing process and pain relief of this injury
Shin Splints
This leg injury often causes pain along the front of lower leg. Symptoms vary from dull tightness to a severe pain along the lower leg. These Injuries have a higher incidence of occurrence in athletes especially when foot overpronation is present. (View our Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy Section .)
Shin splints.
Shin splints is a term used to describe pain along your shin bone (tibia). It’s a common sporting injury, particularly among runners.Shin splint is a term used to describe any condition that causes pain in the shin. It’s often used to describe the pain caused by inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the bone (a condition called medial tibial stress syndrome) and by tiny fractures on the surface of the bone. This damage is usually caused by stress put on the bone during weight-bearing activities, such as running, dancing, aerobics, gymnastics, football and hockey.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of shin splints include tenderness, aching or slight swelling along the front of your lower leg.
The pain is often worse when you do activities that involve supporting your body weight. You may feel pain along the length of your shin, or only along a small section.
Causes
Shin splints occur when you put too much stress and strain on your shin bone. This happens when there is repetitive impact on your shin bone during weight-bearing sports or activities.
You are more at risk of developing shin splints if:
- you rapidly increase your training levels (for example your running distance, speed or number of times you run in a week)
- your sport or activity involves running or jumping on a hard surface (such as dancing or aerobics)
- your shoes are worn down and have lost their cushioning and support
- your feet roll inwards (pronate)
- you have weakness in the muscles that attach onto the bone
Diagnosis
You may wish to go and see your Chiropractor or a Physiotherapist if you have shin pain. He or she will ask about your symptoms, examine you and may ask about your medical history. There is usually a clear link between shin pains and a sport or activity.
Your Chiropractor or Physiotherapist may recommend that you have a scan or Digital- X-ray to look at your shin in closer detail. These tests are often done to rule out other conditions which may affect your shins such as large stress fractures. Your Chiropractor or physiotherapist may request one of the following tests.
- An Digital- X-ray. Pictures of your shin bone are created using Digital- X-rays.
- An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. Pictures of your shin bone are created using magnets and radio waves.
- A bone scan. This is similar to having an Digital- X-ray but uses gamma rays instead. You will be given a small amount of a radioactive chemical, usually by injection before having this scan.
Treatment
Self-help
For most people, shin splints can be successfully treated by the following self-help measures.
- Apply a cold compress, such as ice or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel, to help reduce swelling and bruising. You shouldn’t apply ice directly to your skin as it can damage your skin.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice.
- Rest is vital for treating shin splints. While you are recovering, don’t do activities that cause pain. You can resume training gradually once your shins are no longer painful.
- Ensure that your trainers give enough support and cushioning and haven’t become worn down through wear.
Non-surgical treatment
- A Physiotherapist or Chiropractor can provide a range of treatments and advice to help relieve pain and promote healing. He or she can help devise a graduated training programme to promote recovery and help you return to your usual sports activities.
- A podiatrist (a health professional who specialises in treatment of the feet) can provide advice about foot care and supply shoe inserts to stop your feet from rolling inwards.
You can keep fit during your recover by doing activities that don’t put too much strain on your shins, such as swimming and cycling.
Prevention
The following steps can help reduce your risk of developing shin splints.
- Wear footwear that is appropriate for your sport or activity and make sure that they provide enough support and cushioning.
- Wear shoe inserts if your chiropractor or podiatrist advises you to.
- Follow the correct technique for your sport.
- Don’t suddenly change your training regime.
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and make
Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures are located in either the lower leg (tibia) or one of the metatarsals (toes), the 2nd and 3rd toes being the most commonly involved. This type of leg injury can be difficult to diagnose as it has similarities and can be confused with shin splints. Healing requires two to three months of rest. (View our Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy Section.)
Symptoms of a stress fracture include:
Pain (usually on the lower third of the tibia) that occurs after running long distances. Tenderness and swelling over the site of the fracture. Pain when you press into the shin. An Digital- X ray of the injured leg will often not show any sign of a fracture. Another Digital- X- ray must be taken 4 weeks after the first and often the new bone can be seen where it has started to heal.
Rest for around six to eight weeks.
What might cause a stress fracture?
What can the athlete do about a stress fracture?
Overloading the bone by continuous muscle contractions for example in running.Stress distribution in the bone altered because of continuing to run when the muscles are particularly fatigued. (Muscles are unable to take some of the stress so rely more on the bone). A sudden change in running surface for example, going from grass training to lots of track or road running. Lots of impact on the bone even though they may be very small, a cumulative effect can build up.
What can the athlete do about a stress fracture?
Make an appointment with a Chiropractor to have an Digital- X- Ray. The-ray should eventually show the healing bone and the Chiropractor can then say when it is safe to resume normal training.
Analyse the training that caused the fracture in the first place and avoid it in the future.
Maintain fitness by swimming, running in the water or weight training. Do special exercises for the lower leg to maintain muscle strength whilst unable to run.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis accounts for around 13% of running injuries. The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of the ankle. This Tendon connects the calf muscles (Gastrocnemius and Soleus) to the heal bone (calcaneus) and provides the power and drive in the push off phase of the gait cycle. The Achilles tendon can become inflamed through overuse as well as a number of other factors. Achilles tendonitis may be acute or chronic. Acute Achilles tendonitis is a result of overuse.
Achilles Tendonitis: the Symptoms
Achilles tendonitis symptoms include:
- Acute inflammation
- Achilles Tendonitis pain may increase gradually during exercise. l Swelling may appear over the Achilles tendon.
- Redness may appear over the skin in the area of the tendonitis.
- You may feel a cracking or creaking sensation when you press your fingers into the tendon while moving the foot.
- Chronic Achilles tendonitis will often follow on from acute Achilles tendonitis if the acute tendon injury is not treated properly and given time to heal. Chronic Achilles tendonitis is a difficult condition to treat. The pain experienced during the acute phase of the injury may well disappear after a warm session, and may return when training has stopped.
Symptoms for chronic Achilles tendonitis are similar to those of acute tendonitis as well as:
- Stiffness and pain in the Achilles tendon are especially noticeable in the morning. This pain may be described has none specific or generalized pain of the area.
- Nodules or lumps may appear in the Achilles tendon, 2cm above the heel.
- Tendon pain may appear when walking up a hill or incline.
- Chronic tendonitis differs from acute tendonitis in that it is a much more of a long term problem.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
An Overuse are the main factor and the basic cause of this injury, however other factors can make an overuse injury more likely.
Running up inclines and hills will mean the Achilles tendon has to stretch more than normal. This exasperates and worsens this condition.
Overpronation, meaning feet which roll in, will place an increased strain on the Achilles tendon. As the foot rolls in and (flattens) the lower leg rotates inwards which then twists the Achilles tendon placing torsion stress along the length of the Achilles tendon.
Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis
Rest and apply cold therapy or ice (not directly onto the skin).
Wearing a heel pad, as a temporary measure, to raise the heel and take the strain off the Achilles tendon. Rest while the Achilles tendon is healing. {View our cold/ low level laser section }.
Runners Knee
The symptoms of this leg injury include pain directly under the knee cap or the surrounding area. Ascending or descending stairs will become painful. Runners’ knee injury responds well with biomechanical evaluation, introduction of orthotics, and Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy (View our Main section on Knee Pain,Knee injury and inflammatory conditions.)
Heel/Arch Pain
Heel and arch pain are a common type of injury which may vairy from tightness at the bottom of the foot to an intense heel pain. An X-ray will sometimes reveal the “heel spur” on the bottom of the heel bone. This may be due to an overpronation that will respond well to the use of orthotic. (Orthotics can be used to prevent a large number of heels and arch injuries).
Heel Spurs.Heel Injury.
Heel spurs will cause pain in the arch of the foot and in the front of your heel. The pain will likely be most acute when you first rise in the morning and try to take a step. The pain can also be more acute after sitting for extended periods. The pain is felt at the front part of your heel, where the arch and the heel meet.
The heel spur is likely caused by straining the fascia, which forms the arch in the foot. With this strain, the fascia have literally been ripped off of the bone of the heel. This will cause some blood to remain in the area. With time, these drops of blood calcify while sitting on the bone. This calcification has caused an extra little bone to form. This little bone is known as a heel spur. This pain that is felt is not to the heel spur itself, but to the fascia and flesh that surround it.
Plantar Fasciitis.Heel injury.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the single most common heel pain complaints. Its unwelcome arrival is signalled by acute pain at the front of your heel or along the arch. There may be significant pain when you initially get out of your bed. It hurts a lot to walk on it first thing in the morning. Expect the same thing to happen after you have been sitting for a long time.
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are almost the same and often used as synonyms for each other. To determine if you are actually experiencing plantar fasciitis, press really hard with your thumb on the centre of the heel. If the pain is felt at the centre, it is indeed plantar fasciitis.
In the foot, the arch is formed from fascia. Fascia connects the ball of the foot to the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis occurs as a result of your body weight moving through the arch in such a way that the arch is flattened or overstretched.
In the most extreme of cases the arch will lose its flexibility completely and will no longer spring back. This resulting condition is known as fallen arch or flat feet. Plantar Fasciitis can be aggravated by excessive running or running on the balls of the feet.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis to relieve the condition cut back on the running or stop running for a while. Since plantar fasciitis is really inflammation in the fascia, anti-inflammatory medication will likely reduce the swelling. Immediately after you finish running apply ice to the area; 15 minutes on and then 15 minutes off, repeating this one more time.
Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy is used in the accelerating the healing process and used by ourselves at this clinic with superb results.
Another way of treatment is corticosteroid injections. These give longer relief. It is a good idea to provide added support to the arch. First, try arch strapping. If this does not help, use arch supports. This will reduce some of the burden on your heel. It will raise the arch, providing the fascia with some needed slack. That way the arch won’t have to stretch very far.
COLD/LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY CAN BY VERY EFFECTIVE IN TREATMENT OF ABOVE CONDITIONS BY ACCELARATING THE HEALING PROCESS
