Calf and ankle concerns

Sprained ankle

One of the most common day-to-day injuries, an ankle sprain is stretching and tearing of ligaments often due to the foot suddenly slipping inwards.

Shin splints

Damage and inflammation of the connective tissue joining muscles to the inner shin bone (tibia) which results in pain known as medial tibial tenoperiostitis or shin splints. Common in athletes and can sometimes occur with other injuries such as compartment syndrome and stress fractures.

Muscle strain

Commonly caused by the calf muscle being stretched too far and tearing, it is also known as a pulled calf.

Achilles tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Often affecting track and field athletes, it can be brought on by overuse or not warming up adequately before sudden exertion. Pain may be mild at first but over time may become constant and severe.

Calf tears or calf strain

Calf strain commonly occurs during sudden contraction of the calf muscle during sports such as squash, tennis, football and athletics. Tears to calf muscle can range from a small partial tear with minimal pain to complete rupture requiring surgery.