TENNIS LEG

TENNIS LEG - The term Tennis Leg refers to an acute medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle tear in the older athlete characterized by sudden onset of severe calf pain and significant disability. The injury is invariably associated with extensive bruising and swelling, and can be mistaken for a deep venous thrombosis. The most common site is the medial head of gastrocnemius, but occasionally the plantaris muscle is involved. Symptoms are a sudden, sharp or burning pain in the leg, sometimes accompanied by an audible sound. In most cases, the player is unable to continue play because of the severe pain. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery may take between a few days and six weeks.

NOCTURNAL LEG CRAMPS

NOCTURNAL LEG CRAMPS - Nocturnal leg cramps are pains that occur in the legs during the night. They usually cause awakenings from sleep, but they may also occur while awake at night during periods of inactivity. These cramps mostly happen in the calf muscles but can also occur in the thighs or feet. Nocturnal leg cramps are quite painful and cause the affected muscles to feel tight or knotted. Symptoms may last from several seconds up to several minutes. There might also be muscle soreness after the cramp goes away. Nocturnal leg cramps are more common in adults over age 50, but they also do occur in younger adults and children. Both men and women seem to be equally affected.

The cause of nocturnal leg cramps is often times unknown, but some cases have been linked to:

• Sitting for long periods of time 
• Over-exertion of the muscles 
• Standing or working on concrete floors 
• Sitting improperly