Tennis leg refers to lower leg pain caused by a partial rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The partial rupture occurs when an eccentric load is placed across the ankle while the knee is in extension.
Risk factors:
(1) tennis or other sports using a racket
(2) running
(3) jumping
Clinical features:
(1) The pain has a sudden onset and is located in the upper portion of the patient's calf.
(2) The calf is swollen and tender to palpation.
(3) There is a palpable defect over the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
(4) Ankle plantar flexion is painful. Muscle strength is weaker on the affected side compared to the opposite side.
(5) Pain can be reduced by placing a heel lift in the patient's shoe.
The damage to the muscle can be seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Differential diagnosis:
(1) deep vein thrombosis (may coexist with tennis leg)
(2) medial tibial stress syndrome
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