Tennis leg: Includes rupture of the metatarsal (zǐ) tendon and injury to the medial head of the peroneal (fěi) muscle, mostly seen in tennis players, hence the name “tennis leg”. In human terms, this is a strain or rupture of the calf muscle, an injury called tennis leg. In recent years, it has been found that this injury is also on the rise among people who do not play sports often, and even among people who do not play sports. This may be related to the degeneration of muscle and tendon function caused by long-term under-exercise or by disease. Tian Hongtao, Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan Union Hospital
Etiology.
1, mostly seen in ball (especially tennis), running, high jump, long jump and other sports, due to the knee joint extension and then suddenly stirring the ground to lift the heel to jump injury.
2, a serious valgus sprain in the knee extension position, can also cause injury to the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
3, direct impact can also cause injury to the medial calf muscle, especially when the violently contracted muscle is suddenly affected by 4, when the calf is overstressed and fatigued for a long time due to standing and other reasons, the muscle stiffens and elasticity decreases significantly, and the sudden external force is very likely to cause muscle injury, especially in the overly obese population.
Clinical manifestations.
1.Strike feeling: the injured person suddenly feels that someone behind his calf “hit the general” or “kicked hard”.
2. Severe pain: After the sensation of blow, the injured person often feels that he or she has been “shot” in the calf and is in severe pain, and is forced to stop the movement he or she is doing.
3.Crippling: Due to the increase in pain when lifting the heel (heel), the injured person will adopt a protective walking posture and limp.
4.Local manifestations: recent injury can appear swelling, deformation and subcutaneous bleeding (blue to purple petechiae) of the calf, if the gastrocnemius muscle is completely broken, a significant depression will be found. If the gastrocnemius muscle is completely broken, a distinct depression will be found. For old injury, a hard scar structure can be felt locally, and pain can be felt at the back of the calf when the ankle is dorsally extended (crossed back of the foot) and the movement is limited.
Treatment and prevention.
Except for large ruptures of gastrocnemius and hallux valgus muscles that require surgery, simple ruptures of metatarsal tendons and small strains of gastrocnemius and hallux valgus muscles can be rehabilitated with conservative treatment.
Early stage of injury: elevate the calf, proper rest, intermittent ice packs (10-15 minutes/time), elastic bandages with pressure to reduce the pain and swelling. If the pain is unbearable, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen) can be used. After about three days of acute treatment, if the swelling disappears, exercise can be performed accordingly. The principle is: the ankle joint should be kept at a normal standing angle and should not be extended or bent.
The normal leg takes a step forward without the heel of the affected leg leaving the ground, and keeps the knee joint straight. The weight is shifted back and forth between the legs so that the heel of the affected foot exerts downward pressure. The hand can be used to support a fixed object to rest. Feel the upper end of the gastrocnemius being pulled and hold for 15-20 seconds (stopping the jumping discontinuous pull), followed by 10-20 seconds of rest. Repeat 3 times.
Start as in Figure 2, but flex the hindfoot at the knee and keep the heel off the ground. Feel the lower end of the gastrocnemius being pulled. Again hold for 15-20 seconds (stopping the jumping discontinuous pull), followed by 10-20 seconds of rest. Repeat 3 times.
Alternatively you can sit in a chair and write letters in the air with the affected foot.
Pull both ends of the towel with both hands and step on the folded towel with the toes of the affected foot. Hold this movement for 15-20 seconds, followed by a break of 10-20 seconds. Repeat 10-20 times.
(Patients should adjust the intensity of the exercise to their own condition, so as not to aggravate the pain)
Usually it takes 10-21 days for the muscle laceration to heal, and although strenuous exercise should be avoided during this period, it does not affect daily life. Early exercise is not only beneficial for functional recovery but also prevents muscle adhesions, as soon as tolerable. In case of persistent swelling, pain and bruising, further diagnosis and treatment should be sought from an appropriate specialist.
Prevention of tennis leg
1, to reduce the occurrence of tennis leg, proper warm-up and stretching exercises are the best prevention method, and at least 5-10 minutes of warm-up before each exercise; and choose clothes adapted to the climate and professional sports shoes.
2, strengthen the rear thigh muscle group and calf muscle group exercise.
Standing heel: keep the natural angle of the feet, do two sets of 6-8 times; feet open significantly, do two sets of 6-8 times; toes inward, do two sets of 6-8 times; before each action, are in the stretch position pause.
Sitting heel: do 10 reps with your toes pointed inward, do 10 reps with your feet at a natural angle, and do 10 reps with your feet spread wide. That means do 30 reps per group, 3 groups in total.
Prone leg curl: the rhythm of the movement is smooth and even, keep breathing smoothly, and in the case of relaxed feet, with the equipment will be hooked upward to the maximum calf, while paying attention to the lower leg down to restore to the starting position, the knee joint do not lock tight.
3, when the movement process of calf muscle stiffness and tension, should be moderate leg muscle massage.
4.Wear sports brace-calf protector, support stable and reliable, reduce the burden on the calf muscles and improve motor function.
Author: Tian Hongtao
Bone external handsome Tian Dad: Wuhan Union Orthopaedic Hospital Tian Hongtao
Title: Associate Professor, Associate Chief Physician
Specialties: artificial joint replacement Joint diseases: femoral head necrosis, knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, joint infections, bone and joint deformities.
Clinic hours: all day every week on 1, 3 and 6.
Contact: Tel: 13908622515