LEG PAIN
FRACTURES (BROKEN BONES)
Fractures may involve the outside or inside of the leg.
The signs and symptoms of fractures are pain, swelling and bony deformities.
Diagnosis: X-rays are essential and rapid “reduction” (setting the bones close together for healing) is necessary.
Treatment: In extreme cases, open surgery is necessary to reduce the fracture. Often pins, plates and screws are used to maintain the reduction.
POSSIBLE TREATMENTS
Active Range of Motion (AROM)
Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM)
Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy
Isometrics
Progressive Resistive Exercises (PRE)
Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
Physical Agents
POSSIBLE TREATMENT GOALS
Improve Balance
Improve Function
Improve Muscle Strength and Power
Decrease Postoperative Complications
Improve Range of Motion
Self-care of Symptoms
Improve Safety
Improve Wound Healing
STRESS FRACTURES
These fractures result from repetitive submaximal loads applied to the foot, ankle, leg; they are usually the result of overuse (in athletes, over-training). They are common in long distance runners and female athletes.
Common stress fracture sites include the lower leg (in runners), calcaneus, talus, metatarsals in distance runners, and the big toe.
Pain and point tenderness, often relieved by rest, is typical. X-rays do not always show the fracture. Bone scans and MRI may be useful.
Most fractures heal with rest, immobilization and cross training. Avoid high-impact workouts, and wear good shoes.
POSSIBLE TREATMENTS
Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM)
Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy
Isometrics
Progressive Resistive Exercises (PRE)
Physical Agents
POSSIBLE TREATMENT GOALS
Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
Improve Function
Improve Muscle Strength and Power
Increase Oxygen to Tissues
Self-care of Symptoms
Improve Safety
Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities
GASTROCNEMIUS/CALF MUSCLE STRAIN
This injury is commonly the result of quick sprints while running. With a muscle strain, there is localized tenderness or a “bulge” more commonly at the inner region of the back of the leg.
The pain is aggravated by walking, descending stairs, or raising the heel of the affected leg off the ground.
POSSIBLE TREATMENTS
Aerobic/Endurance Exercise
Active Range of Motion (AROM)
Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM)
Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy
Electrotherapeutic Modalities
Gait or Walking Training
Isotonics
Ice Massage
Proprioception Exercises
Stationary Bicycle
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Stretching/Flexibility Exercise
Ultrasound
POSSIBLE TREATMENT GOALS
Improve Balance
Improve ability to bear weight/stand on the leg(s)
Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
Improve Function
Improve Muscle Strength and Power
Improve Proprioception
Improve Range of Motion
Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities