Exertional Leg Pain

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2016 Feb;27(1):91-119. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2015.08.012.

Abstract

Exertional leg pain is a common condition seen in runners and the general population. Given the broad differential diagnosis of this complaint, this article focuses on the incidence, anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of common causes that include medial tibial stress syndrome, tibial bone stress injury, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, arterial endofibrosis, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, and entrapment of the common peroneal, superficial peroneal, and saphenous nerves. Successful diagnosis of these conditions hinges on performing a thorough history and physical examination followed by proper diagnostic testing and appropriate management.

Keywords: Athletic injuries; Compartment syndromes; Iliac artery; Leg injuries; Medial tibial stress syndrome; Nerve compression syndromes; Popliteal artery; Stress fractures.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Leg*
  • Medical History Taking
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Physical Examination
  • Physical Exertion
  • Risk Factors
  • Running / injuries*