What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and the soleus muscles of the lower leg to the heel. While tendons are strong, they are not particularly flexible, and thus can only be stretched so far before becoming inflamed, or even tearing/rupturing. An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the force [...]
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Running Injuries
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and the soleus muscles of the lower leg to the heel. While tendons are strong, they are not particularly flexible, and thus can only be stretched so far before becoming inflamed, or even tearing/rupturing.
Achilles tendonitis refers to inflammation of the Achilles tendon as [...]
What is a Calf Pull, Strain, or Tear?
The “calf muscle” is actually comprised of two muscles — the gastrocnemius and the soleus — located on the back of the lower leg. These muscles are together known as the triceps surae. A strained/torn calf occurs when the calf muscle is separated from the Achilles tendon. This [...]
What is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
The term delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is used to describe the discomfort that is often felt 24-72 hours after exercising. While DOMS is often attributed to a buildup of lactic acid, there is little empirical support for this view.
Rather, it seems more likely that DOMS is a byproduct of [...]
What is a Groin Pull, Strain, or Tear?
A pulled groin occurs when the adductor muscles of the inner thigh are stretched beyond their limits. This stretching can result in small muscle tears that cause pain/swelling. In severe cases, these muscles can be completely torn or ruptured.
The adductors are muscles in the upper thigh that run [...]
What is a Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear?
The hamstring consists of three muscles that run down the back of the leg from the pelvis to the lower leg bones — the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. Hamstring injuries can range from minor strains to a total rupture of the muscle.
Hamstring pulls are caused by excessive [...]
What are Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are bone growths on the bottom of the heel where muscles and other soft tissue attach to the heel bone. Early signs of heel pain are typically due to plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs can develop when this pain is ignored and the chronic inflammation increases the stress on the fascia [...]
What is Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)?
The iliotibial band (IT band) is a long, flat sheath of connective tissue that extends from the outside of the pelvis, running over the hip and knee, and ultimately inserting just below the knee. The IT band plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee during running.
Repeated rubbing of the [...]
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic foot injury that is common in athletes that perform repetitive flexion/dorsiflexion of the toes. The plantar fascia is the tough, fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. With each step, the plantar fascia is stretched, and the arch flattens [...]
What is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee, formally known as chondromalacia patellae, is a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage along the back of the kneecap (i.e., patella). Runner’s knee, which causes dull pain or discomfort around or behind the kneecap, is common in cyclists, rowers, runners, soccer players, and tennis players. Women are more commonly affected by [...]
What is Sever’s Disease?
Sever’s disease, also know as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common source of heel pain in young, growing athletes. The most common symptoms are pain or tenderness in one or both heels, discomfort when the heel is squeezed, and more severe pain when walking, running, jumping, or playing sports.
The pain associated with Sever’s [...]
What are Shin Splints?
The term ‘shin splints‘ refers to generalized pain in the front of the lower leg along the shin bone (tibia). Shin splints are the result of trauma to either the muscles or bones of the lower leg. Muscle trauma can result from things such as over-training or excessive running on hard surfaces.
Overuse [...]
What is a Sprained Ankle?
The term sprain refers to the stretching and/or tearing of ligaments. The most common ankle injury is a sprained ankle, which can occur when the ankle is forced into an abnormal position. Sprained ankles are most commonly caused by ‘rolling’ of the foot in (inversion; as in the case of a [...]