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Chronic leg pain in athletes
M Tyrrell Burrus1, Brian C Werner1, Jim S Starman1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 27, 2014
Summary
This review covers common causes of chronic leg pain in athletes, such as stress fractures and compartment syndrome. It details their diagnosis, non-surgical and surgical treatments, and expected outcomes for orthopaedic surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Chronic leg pain is a frequent complaint among athletes.
- Differential diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of chronic leg pain conditions in athletes.
- To guide orthopaedic surgeons in diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of common causes including medial tibial stress syndrome, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, stress fracture, and others.
- Discussion of diagnostic modalities like imaging.
- Outline of non-surgical and surgical management options.
Main Results:
- Identified multiple sources of chronic leg pain with varied presentations.
- Highlighted the importance of diagnostic tools in differentiating conditions.
- Presented both conservative and operative treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of chronic leg pain in athletes.
- A range of treatments exist, from conservative care to surgical intervention.
- Understanding pathophysiology, diagnosis, and outcomes aids clinical decision-making.
Keywords:
Achillesathletescompartment syndromeleg painmedial tibial stress syndromenerve entrapmentpopliteal arterystress fracturethrombosisMore Related Videos
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