Rhabdomyolysis is a serious but often under-recognised condition that can occur in athletes following extreme exercise, heat stress, or muscle injury. Understanding the symptoms, risks, and management of rhabdomyolysis is crucial for athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals. How do we recognise rhabdomyolysis and how do we manage it? What Is Rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis occurs when [...]
Statins are widely prescribed medications used to lower cholesterol. However, one of their best-known side effects is muscle-related symptoms, ranging from mild aches to severe weakness. This is often referred to as statin-induced myopathy, and it is a critical reason why patients may stop taking their medication. As a sports doctor, I regularly see [...]
Unexplained muscle pain, cramping and tiredness in active people can be due to many conditions that affect energy production, such as anaemia, diabetes or hormone abnormalities. One rare muscle condition that affects physical performance is McArdle's disease. What is McArdle's disease, how do we diagnose it, and what are the management strategies? What is [...]
A dead leg, or quadriceps contusion or corked thigh, is a common injury in contact sports such as rugby, football and basketball. We also see it after falling onto the thigh or colliding with a hard object. What is a dead leg, and how do we manage it? What is a dead leg? Often, [...]
A soleus muscle strain is a common but frequently unrecognised cause of calf pain in active individuals. Even though the soleus muscle covers a large area of the lower leg, soleus tears are often misdiagnosed as calf tightness or gastrocnemius tears. How can you tell if you've developed a soleus muscle tear, and what [...]
Buttock pain is complex. There are many causes of buttock pain, such as sciatica, sacroiliac joint arthritis, piriformis syndrome, and hamstring tendonitis. However, a less common cause of buttock pain is ischiofemoral impingement. We think that abnormal contact between the long bone of the leg (femur) and the pelvic bone leads to pinching and [...]
Wrist pain and popping or clicking are common complaints. Generally, wrist injuries with popping can result from overuse during activity or sport, or from trauma from a fall. The anatomy of the wrist is complex and consists of many bones, joints, tendons, and sprains. So, many structures can be damaged. What are the possible [...]
Chest pain is always thought to be related to heart disease. Although a heart attack should always be excluded, a common cause of chest pain is chest wall and rib pain, such as costochondritis. So what are the causes of chest and rib pain, and how should we treat it? Diagnosis of chest and [...]
Morel Lavallee lesion is a common swelling resulting from trauma. Common sites include the outside hip and thigh. How do we manage a morel-lavallee lesion, and do you need it drained? What is a Morel Lavallee lesion? Morel Lavallee lesion is swelling between the bottom part of the skin dermis and the [...]
Myositis ossificans is an uncommon complication after a muscle tear or acute trauma. Generally, bone forms in the muscle after a muscle injury, causing pain and swelling. So, what is myositis ossificans, how does it happen, and how do we treat it? What is myositis ossificans? In this condition, bone forms in the [...]
