Tennis leg is a common cause of calf pain in professional athletes and weekend warriors. Although ‘tennis leg’ occurs in middle-aged tennis players, it also occurs in elite athletes and weekend warriors in other sports.
A recent study co-authored by Dr. Masci shows that the site of the muscle tear is an essential factor in the time to return to sport. A simple ultrasound scan easily and quickly sees this site of the calf strain.
What is a calf muscle?
The calf muscle is made up of two muscle groups. First, the more superficial gastrocnemius muscle consists of two heads – medial and lateral. Second, the deeper and larger soleus muscle sits under the gastrocnemius. Both muscles join together in the middle to form the Achilles tendon. Between the muscles sits connective tissue that joins the two muscles together.
What happens in tennis leg?
A Tennis leg or calf strain occurs after the muscle fails in the face of too much force. This failure causes tearing of the muscle. However, tearing does not occur at the same site. The site of the tear will determine the severity of the injury.
How does ultrasound help with a tennis leg?
Ultrasound allows us to see the structure of muscles, tendons, and joints. In short, the technique uses sound waves to relay a detailed picture of the area in question. One of the most critical advantages of ultrasound is that it does not expose the patient to radiation.
Ultrasound can see the exact location of the calf strain. See the following image below to understand the different sites of tearing. The areas of calf strain include the muscle, the muscle aponeurosis junction, and the Achilles tendon. In addition, ultrasound can see bleeding between the muscles.
How does the site of the calf strain affect healing?
This study, co-authored by Dr. Masci, found that tears in the calf muscle heal quicker and require less time away from sport. However, tears of the aponeurosis mean that the injury will last longer. Finally, the worst outcomes occur if the tear extends into the Achilles tendon. Also, recovery is longer if the tear is more extensive, meaning the muscles stop moving correctly together. The difference in recovery between the different tears can be up to 2 months.
What does this mean for a tennis leg?
This study shows that an ultrasound scan can help doctors decide how long it will take to return to sport. An ultrasound is a quick and easy test that can be done in a doctor’s room simultaneously as an assessment.
Dr. Masci is a Sports Doctor with expertise in tendon and muscle injuries, including tennis leg.
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