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 FEBRUARY 12, 2004 Head-to-Toe Body Part Injuries, Part 2 Lower body parts may also be subject to sports injuries. Here's a rundown of areas you're most likely to hurt, what sports can cause the injury, and a simple treatment. Kneecap Misalignment of the kneecap in its groove can cause pain while jogging or running or doing any sport that requires extensive running, such as soccer, football, basketball, or softball. Strengthening the quadriceps muscle in the front of the thigh helps realign the kneecap and alleviate knee pain. Shin The muscles of the shin (extensor digitorum longus, tibialis anterior, and peroneus tertius) can become painful from overuse or from running or jumping on hard surfaces during jogging, running, volleyball, basketball, tennis, or soccer. Supporting the arch in the foot helps alleviate muscle and shinbone pain. Ankle The ankle sprains most commonly from rolling off the outside of the foot during running or jumping sports such as jogging, tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, or soccer. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) help limit swelling. Range-of-motion exercises and balance training help strengthen ankle ligaments. Achilles Tendon The largest tendon in the body helps propel the body into the air and can become inflamed from overuse in frequent jumping sports such as basketball and volleyball. Icing the tendon and doing exercises to strengthen the gastrocnemius muscle in the back of the lower leg can relieve swelling and pain. Arch The elastic covering on the sole of the foot (plantar fascia) holds up the arch and can become inflamed from overstretching or tearing during jogging or running or other running sports such as tennis, basketball, or soccer. Wear arch supports to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. |
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