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- $Unique_ID{BRK01589}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is "Tennis Leg"?}
- $Subject{tennis leg muscle rupture Musculoskeletal System Connective Tissue
- calf calfs muscles leg ruptures torn gastrocnemius soleus}
- $Volume{M-18}
- $Log{
- Leg and Foot Pains Caused by Running*0006207.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- What is "Tennis Leg"?
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-
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-
- QUESTION: As a regular at our local tennis courts, I am aware of a condition
- called "tennis elbow". But I think I have a new one for you. One of my
- friends is now out of action with a condition called "tennis leg". Can you
- tell me about this condition, which I have never heard of before?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: It is not all that new, but it certainly will put your friend out of
- action for several weeks. The name "tennis leg" is applied to a rupture of
- the calf muscle. It usually occurs during a strenuous outburst of exercise,
- perhaps during a violent rush to return a hard hit ball. There is a snap in
- the lower leg, that can be both heard and felt by the patient. A sudden
- intense pain is felt, and the player usually falls to the ground. The calf
- remains tender, and if the doctor tries to flex the foot upwards during the
- examination, the pain is increased. The sudden and violent contraction of the
- muscle as a response to the athletic effort has actually torn the muscle.
- While surgery is usually not necessary, proper treatment is. The ankle is
- strapped firmly in a position that keeps the calf muscles stretched. The
- ankle must be immobilized in this fashion for several weeks, after which
- massage may be used to help the recovery. Exercises are indicated, starting
- with just mild movements and gradually increasing activity until full movement
- is restored.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-