Low back pain and calf pain in a recreational runner masking peripheral artery disease: A case report
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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Fabrizio Brindisino1,2, Denis Pennella1, Giuseppe Giovannico1,2
1Department of Medicine and Health Science "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise C/da Tappino c/o Cardarelli Hospital, Campobasso, Italy.
Abstract:
Background: Running is one of the most popular sports worldwide due to its low costs and its beneficial impact on health. Recent evidence suggests 11% to 85% of recreational runners experience at least one running-related injury each year and most of these are related to musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of this case report is to describe the clinical decision-making process that guided a physiotherapist to suspect a non-musculoskeletal cause in a recreational runner presenting with low back pain and calf pain secondary to Peripheral Artery Disease.Case Presentation: This case report describes the clinical history, clinical exam, laboratory and imaging tests, and surgical procedure of a 65 y.o. amateur runner suffering low back pain and left calf pain for 3 months. The patient's clinical findings suggested that referral to another health-care provider was required to explore potential non-musculoskeletal sources of pain. An angioplasty was necessary to solve the patient's clinical situation.Discussion and Conclusion: In this patient case, clinical findings along with a comprehensive family and personal history, ruled out a musculoskeletal condition and implicated a vascular condition.
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