Leg and Calf Region Flashcards

Flashcards about the leg and calf region.

Muscles of the Leg and Calf - Deep posterior compartment

Popliteus, Tibialis posterior, Flexor digitorum longus, Flexor hallucis longus.

Muscles of the Leg and Calf - Superficial posterior compartment

Soleus, Gastrocnemius, Plantaris.

Muscles of the Leg and Calf - Anterior compartment

Tibialis anterior, Extensor digitorum longus, Extensor hallucis longus, Fibularis tertius.

Muscles of the Leg and Calf - Lateral compartment

Peroneus longus, Peroneus brevis.

Sites of Stress Fracture

Medial tibia, Anterior tibia, Fibula.

Medial tibial stress fracture: Treatment

Rest, NWB periods if required, once pain-free, gradual return to activity - swimming, cycling, water running. Bracing may be required

Anterior Tibial Stress Fracture symptoms and treatment

Gradual pain aggravated by activity, pain may occur walking, at rest, at night. Local tenderness. Treatment include immediate pneumatic brace, discontinue anti-inflammatory and smoking, if no progress by 4-6 months surgery is required

Tibial fracture: Signs and Symptoms

Pain, Swelling, =/-Deformity, Inability to WB (Tibia), Known MOI, +/- open wound.

Acute fracture: Treatment

Immediate immobilization, pain management, possible surgery to realign bones.

Medial tibial stress syndrome: Risk factors

Excessive pronation of the foot, Training errors, Shoe design, Surface type, Muscle dysfunction, Muscle fatigue, Decreased flexibility, Female sex, Higher BMI, History of MTSS or stress fracture.

Medial tibial stress syndrome: Signs and symptoms

Diffuse pain along medial border of tibia, typically decreases with warm up. (Focal pain may be possible stress fracture)

Medial tibial stress syndrome: Treatment

Rest, ice, analgesics as required, Activity modification – switching to non-impact activities (e.g. swimming, cycling).

Periosteal contusion

Swelling under the periosteum caused by direct force to the bone.

Periosteal contusion: Signs and Symptoms

Pain, Swelling, Bump forms on the shin bone, Known MOI - trauma.

Periosteal contusion: Treatment

POLICE – avoid HARM, STT – anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, Hydrotherapy – aqua walking/swimming, Physical activity – walking, Ensure ROM, Ensure strength (isometric - isotonic), Gradual RTS.

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS)

An increased pressure within a closed fibro-osseous space causing reduced blood flow and reduced tissue perfusion subsequently leading to ischaemic pain and possible permanent damage to the tissues of the compartment.

Compartment Syndrome: Clinical Diagnosis

5 P’s: Pain out of proportion with exertion, Paraesthesia, Pallor, Paresis, Pulse deficit.

Popliteal artery entrapment - Signs and Symptoms

Claudicant-type pain calf or anterior leg, Bought on by exercise, Severity typically related to intensity of exercise.

Atherosclerotic vessel disease - Signs and Symptoms

Claudicant-type pain, Increased symptoms with exercise, Progression of disease results in less time to symptoms.

Deep vein thrombosis - Signs and Symptoms

Pain (throbbing or cramping type), Swelling of the calf or leg, Warm skin and red/darkened around the area, POP to the lower limb.

Medial tibial stress syndrome - Diagnosis

Pain on palpation over medial border of tibia, foot assessment may show pes planus (pronated foot)

Gastrocnemius muscle strain - MOI and symptoms

Rapid knee extension with dorsiflexed foot, medial head is more commonly injured - Bruising, discoloration, limp, pain limited ROM, Palpable defect if its a large tear

Gastrocnemius strain treatment

Involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy and gradual return to activity. Severe cases may require medication or surgery.

Neural entrapment - Tibial nerve - symptoms

Compression of the tibial nerve due to trauma, swelling, or anatomical abnormalities, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the foot and calf - Can be compressed by Baker’s cysts