The support structures of the human leg include the thighbone and the two bones of the lower leg, which interconnect with numerous muscles, tendons and ligaments to enable the complex movements of the lower limbs. Although the legs possess innate strength and sturdiness, leg injuries of varying severity commonly occur. Leg injuries typically trigger sudden, sharp pain at the injury site. Physical examination and X-rays or other imaging studies help doctors determine the nature of the injury and appropriate treatment.
Leg Strain
A leg strain represents tearing of muscle or tendon fibers in response to overstretching or a forceful blow. Sudden, sharp, severe pain typically occurs at the site of the strain, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Bruising, swelling and tenderness commonly accompany the injury. Leg strains, also known as muscle pulls, can occur in the thigh, calf or groin. Recovery time from a leg strain varies, depending on the severity of the injury.
Knee Sprain
A knee sprain involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments that hold the bones of the knee in proper alignment, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This type of injury most commonly occurs when the joint twists beyond its normal limits or sustains a direct blow. Knee sprains prove particularly frequent among athletes who participate in sports that require jumping, sudden turns or forceful physical contact.
A knee sprain may involve one or more of the knee ligaments, which include the medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Symptoms include the sudden onset of pain, swelling and tenderness with accompanying instability and loss of full mobility of the knee joint. A popping sensation may occur at the time of the injury. Treatment and recovery time for a knee sprain vary widely. A severe knee sprain may require surgical reconstruction of the torn ligament.
Fracture
A broken leg, also known as a leg fracture, occurs when an external force overcomes bone strength. A broken tibia, or shinbone, is the most common type of arm or leg fracture, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A broken leg may also involve the smaller bone of the lower leg, the fibula, or the thighbone, also known as the femur.
A broken leg typically occurs with a high-energy blow to the leg or a fall. Symptoms include immediate, severe pain at the fracture site; swelling; bruising; and tenderness. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the patient may be unable to walk. Treatment for a broken leg often involves a cast to hold the bones in place and facilitate regrowth along the fracture line. Certain types of leg fractures require fixation with surgical nails, screws, plates or other devices to keep the bones aligned, enabling healing.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Strains in the Thigh
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Knee Sprain
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Tibia (Shinbone) Shaft Fractures
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Combined Knee Ligament Injuries
