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 [...]
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Tennis 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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
What is Golfer’s Elbow? Golfer’s elbow, formally known as medial epicondylitis, is similar to tennis elbow except that it affects the other side of the elbow. The primary symptom is pain at the inside of the elbow (i.e., the medial epicondyle) which can increase with the flexing of the wrist, and can also radiate down [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Please see golfer’s elbow for a description of, symptoms associated with, and treatment options for Little League elbow.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
What is a Stress Fracture? The term stress fracture refers to an incomplete bone fracture resulting from overuse, such as repeated jumping or long distance running. Stress fractures, which occur most commonly in the weight bearing bones of the feet and legs, can also result from bone weakening due to osteoporosis. Symptoms of a stress [...]
What is Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow, formally known as lateral epicondylitis, is similar to golfer’s elbow, except that it affects the other side of the elbow. The primary symptom is pain at the outside of the elbow (i.e., the lateral epicondyle). Tennis elbow ranks as the number one reason that people seek medical help for [...]
What is a Torn Rotator Cuff? The term ‘rotator cuff‘ refers to the muscles that support and stabilize the arm, allowing it to move up and down as well as rotate. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles — the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapulairs, and teres minor. Injuries to these muscles can cause pain [...]