Knee and Lower Leg Pain – Orange County
If you are suffering from knee, shin, or calf pain, don’t wait any longer. Contact OC Sports and Wellness today to schedule a consultation. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to doing the things you love.
Pain and loss of full functioning abilities in the knee or lower leg are common in many sports-related injuries. Knee problems can be excruciating and must be treated by doctors with experience working specifically with the knee joint.
Knee and lower leg pain can arise from injury to structures or degenerative conditions that cause degradation. Injuries that don’t receive the appropriate treatment can become chronic complaints, and overuse of the affected area is likely to accelerate the development of the wear and tear that causes conditions like osteoarthritis.
Your knees and lower legs endure a great deal of strain, carrying you around and enabling you to move. They are often one of the first areas to develop degenerative joint disease, even in people who don’t have arthritic problems in other joints.
Knees, shins, and calves are also particularly vulnerable to injury if you play sports or participate in energetic exercise. During these activities, your knees and lower legs are under extra stress and often asked to support your weight as you turn, twist, jump, and stop, sometimes suddenly or awkwardly. Falls and motor vehicle accidents can also cause severe knee and lower leg injuries.
Most likely to cause lower leg pain:
Injuries to the knees, calves, and shins you’re most likely to sustain include:
- ACL tear
- Articular cartilage injuries
- Dislocation of the joint
- Fractures of the tibia, fibula, or patella
- MCL tear
- Meniscus tear
- Patellar tendonitis (runner’s knee)
- Sprained ligaments
- Strained tendons
If you sustain an injury to your knee, it’s important to visit OC Sports and Wellness to get an accurate diagnosis as there are many possible causes, most of which require expert treatment to heal properly.
Collateral Ligament Sprain
The collateral ligaments are in control of the sideways motion of the knee and are used to brace the knee against unusual movement. Direct contact or sudden twisting motions are the most common activities that result in this type of knee injury and pain called Collateral Ligament Sprain.
Gastrocnemius Strain
Gastrocnemius Strain is a calf muscle strain caused when the calf muscle is stretched too far or suddenly. The damage can range from mild to severe; in extreme cases, the muscle may even tear. In most cases, physical therapy and rehabilitation can bring about successful results.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is a leading cause of knee pain in those who run. Symptoms of this syndrome can vary from a stinging sensation felt just above the knee joint to swelling in the knee. The pain, generally felt as the foot hits the ground, is not always immediate but may increase with time.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, often referred to as “Shin Splints,” is often found in athletes and in those who run often. Pain from this syndrome occurs in the lower leg area and can be disabling if it is not treated correctly. Treatment options vary and often include rehabilitation. It rarely requires any surgery, but consultation with sports medicine professionals can be beneficial in terms of learning proper training techniques.
Get relief from lower leg pain.
Whether you’re an avid athlete, a dedicated professional, or simply want to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, knee, shin, or calf pain can be significant obstacles. They can disrupt your daily activities and prevent you from pursuing the things you love.
Meniscal Tear
This type of knee injury is relatively common in sports where turning or twisting of the knee is performed. The menisci (two in each knee) can become injured from a direct impact to the knee, repetitive and frequent deep squatting, or through degeneration from aging. Many treatments and rehabilitation techniques are available for Meniscal Tear based on how the injury occurred.
Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar Tendonitis occurs when the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone is damaged. This tendon is used for running, kicking, and jumping, and as a result, certain athletes may experience this problem more than others. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are commonly used to treat this condition.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is caused by various reasons, such as injury, overuse, excessive weight, or kneecaps that are not aligned properly. The pain from this condition can be felt in the front of the knee, specifically when the person sits with bent knees or tries to squat or jump. This pain can also be significantly evident while going up or down stairs. Treatments for this condition will depend on the cause.
As a sports medicine doctor, Dr. Sunshine digs deeper than a general physician who might only prescribe medication. Our practice employs advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause of your pain, not just mask it with pills. This could involve imaging tests, physical therapy evaluations, or nerve studies.
Dr. Sunshine’s approach focuses on minimally invasive treatments and conservative techniques. He understands the power of strengthening your core and protecting your shoulders for long-term results. Call 949-460-9111 today and take the first step towards lasting relief.