Exercise Associated Leg Pain
This is a common condition seen and managed by Sport and Exercise Physicians. It is characterised by pain occurring in one or both legs with exercise.
Common Causes
Medical tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
Bone stress (reaction or fracture)
Exercise-induced compartment syndrome
Less Common Causes
Popliteal Artery Entrapment
Referred pain- lumbar spine, nerve impingement
Why does it occur?
Overuse injuries like medial tibial stress, bone stress and exertional compartment syndrome often arise due to biomechanical overload of the lower legs with weight-bearing exercise. The lower legs are overworked, often as a result of weakness or imbalance in the lower limb muscle function for example poor functioning gluteal muscles. A person’s walking and running gait also affects how different parts of the body are loaded.
Who can it affect?
Most commonly affects endurance weight-bearing exercise like running, walking (and marching in the armed services). It can also affect cyclists, dancers and can be seen in footballers.
Why see a Sport and Exercise Physician?
These injuries can be difficult to diagnose and treat. An assessment by a SEM Physician can guide appropriate treatment after confirming the diagnosis.
What investigations may be required?
These will be based on the clinical assessment and may include:
Xrays – looking for stress fracture and bony lesions
MRI – useful for bone stress or structural muscular pathology
Bone Scan – is also useful for bone stress but has a radiation dose.
Compartment Pressure testing – may be considered for exertional compartment syndrome
Vascular Ultrasound – to assess for popliteal artery entrapment
Management
This needs to be specific to the patient’s diganosis, including assessment of their exercise training and individual biomechanics. If you are suffering from exercise associated leg pain, make an appointment with our Sports Physician to help manage your symptoms.