Leg. Claudication
Claudication is pain that occurs if muscles receive too little oxygen and blood flow during exercise. Usually, it appears in the legs after a person was walking for a specific amount of time and at a certain pace; it depends on the condition’s severity. As the pain may be not constant but begin during exercising and end with resting, this disease is also called intermittent claudication. However, if a person’s condition worsens, the pain may become constant and appear even during rest. The symptoms of claudication include ache, pain in the hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, and sometimes in forearms, biceps, and shoulders, and fatigue or discomfort in muscles. Treatments focus on preventing damage to tissues, increasing mobility, reducing pain, and lowering the risks of vascular disease.
Knee
Meniscal tears
If a person has torn cartilage in the knee, it is probably a meniscal tear. Between the shinbone and thighbone, there are two rubbery wedges of cartilage – the menisci. They can tear suddenly because of heavy knee strain and during sporting activities or slowly due to aging. If the tear is abrupt, a pop may be felt or heard in the knee. The symptoms of the injury include swelling, pain, and increased tightness.
Bursitis
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs whose purpose is to cushion the knee joints and allow the ligaments and tendons to slide easily over the joint. These bursae can become inflamed and swell because of repeated pressure from kneeling or overuse; this health problem is called bursitis. Fortunately, most of the bursitis cases are not severe and may be treated by rest and self-care. Nevertheless, sometimes this disease may require antibiotics or even aspiration, which is a particular procedure of withdrawing excess fluid with a needle.
Ankle
Achilles tendonitis or tear
The Achilles is the largest tendon in the body that connects the bone in the heel and the two primary calf muscles. Because of overuse, this tendon is especially susceptible to inflammation. This health problem is known as Achilles tendonitis and may be eliminated by ankle treatment. A patient who suffers from this disease is also at risk of getting an Achilles tear or full rupture because of repetitive damage or inflammation. Besides, this injury may occur because of sudden trauma such as falling. If a person experiences heel pain after jumping or hears a sudden popping sensation or noise, it means that there is a rupture of the Achilles tendon.
Ankle sprain
Ligaments are special connective tissue bands that provide strength and stability to joints by binding bones together. As for the ankle, ligaments’ purpose is to stop the joint and do not let it move too far from side to side. If the ankle sprain appears, it means that at least one ligament has been torn or stretched. Among the most common ankle injuries, high ankle sprain impacts the syndesmotic ligament that runs from the ankle up into the knee. In most cases, sprains are not significant and may be healed with ice and rest. However, if pain and swelling persist, the person must seek the help of a physician because untreated severe sprains may weaken the ankle, cause arthritis, and lead to other ankle injuries.
Foot. Plantar fasciitis
If a person suffers from heel pain gradually improves throughout the day, there is a high probability that he or she has plantar fasciitis. The symptoms include a dull or stabbing pain in the arch or heel of the foot. This disease may be caused by significant pressure or a lack of stretching that leads to chronically tight hamstrings and calves.