Lower Leg

Lower Pain is most often caused by:
Traumatic incident(i.e. landing from height, bruising, trip or a fall, sporting accident).
Without trauma (repetitious walking / running, poor foot posture, muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, degeneration).

Knee pain is usually caused from one of the following:

  • Compartment Syndrome
  • Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction
  • Flexor Hallicus Longus Tendonitis
  • Nerve Irritation/ Compression / Referred Pain (Femoral, Peroneal, referred pain from the back, knee, ankle or hip)
  • Poor Foot/ Hip or Functional Biomechanics (dynamic stability)
  • Muscle Tears/Spasm (Muscular- Calves)
  • Tendonitis (Peroneal, Tibialis Posterior/Anterior, Flexor / Extensor Hallicus)
  • Bone fracture (tibia, Fibula, tibial) / cartilage damage
  • Tibial Stress Fracture
  • Shin Splints
  • Avulsion Injury (pulling off a piece of bone)

leg

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious cause of lower leg pain. This is a medical emergency and should be suspected by sharp localised pain in the calf muscle with associated redness and warmth. This usually occurs after prolonged air travel, other travel involving prolonged sitting. Other risk factors include increased aged, oral contraceptives, obesity and blood clotting disorders.

If your lower leg hurts, don’t ignore it. Physiotherapists are well trained to give an accurate diagnosis and treatment the problem. We can refer for MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound or blood test as required. We are able to provide a proven, safe and effective treatment.

Physiotherapy Aims
1) Treat the pain and other symptoms
2) Help identify the causes to prevent recurrence
3) Provide self-management strategies

Treatment: Strong Evidence in Literature
1) Specific knee, hip, foot, back strengthening and general exercise programs
2) Mobilisation, Manipulation and Hands On Therapy – Myofascial Release (Manipulation is traumatic and should only be used for certain conditions)
3) Acupuncture / Dry Needling
4) Electrotherapy (TENS)

Treatment: Others
1) Postural Modification (taping, innersoles, orthotics, body awareness exercises)
2) Hydrotherapy (great supportive environment)
3) Supportive Taping / Bracing
4) Use of Gels, Creams, Hot & Cold
5) Sports Specific Rehabilitation

Leg pain is very individual due to the large number of structures and factors that contribute to your condition. What works for others may not work for you and you will have to trial various treatments under the guidance of your Physiotherapist to find what works for your particular condition.