Related Experiment Videos
Leg pain in the running athlete
Richard F Pell1, Harpal S Khanuja, G Robert Cooley
1United States Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan.
The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
|December 24, 2004
Summary
Leg pain in runners requires a thorough evaluation, considering pain patterns and training changes. Diagnosis involves physical exams and imaging, with rest or training adjustments often leading to recovery.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Leg pain is a frequent issue for athletes in running sports.
- A systematic approach is essential for evaluating athletes with leg pain.
- Understanding pain characteristics and training modifications is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline an organized and inclusive evaluation process for athletes experiencing leg pain.
- To highlight key factors in assessing the etiology of leg pain in runners.
- To discuss diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies for common running-related leg conditions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive patient history focusing on pain duration, intensity, pattern, and relation to injury.
- Detailed assessment of training regimen changes (level, intensity, duration, nature).
- Physical examination to differentiate bony from soft-tissue causes, supplemented by imaging (radiographs, bone scans, MRI) and intracompartmental pressure measurements as indicated.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic studies are guided by the differential diagnosis, with radiographs being standard.
- Imaging like bone scans and MRI are valuable for diagnosing medial tibial stress syndrome and stress fractures.
- Intracompartmental pressure measurements aid in diagnosing chronic compartment syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of leg pain in runners often involves rest or modifications to training regimens.
- Surgical intervention, particularly for chronic compartment syndrome, can facilitate a return to athletic activity.
- A structured diagnostic and treatment approach is vital for optimizing outcomes in athletes with leg pain.