Need some help with my leg ( tibia pain ) unilateral

[paulmaben]

I played two tough singles matches a few weeks ago. Two days after I started getting some constant dull pain in my tibia about 3 inches below the knee. I rested for two weeks, iced once a day for 10 minutes, took ibuprofen 800mg am and pm and still no improvement. When I put weight on the leg or bend I get a dull very uncomfortable pain in the same area. Kneeling down worsens the pain and pushing off on it when play tennis is aweful too.

Any ideas?

I think it is too far inferior of the patella to be jumpers knee. Shin splints are bilateral when I have had them.

thanks for any help.

 

[charliefedererer]

It's impossible to say for sure, but it could be a strain of the tibialis anterior muscle:

There is a pretty good review of anterior tibial stain at freemd.com:

"What is anterior tibial strain?
A person with an anterior tibial strain has stretched or torn the anterior tibialis muscle. Anterior tibial strain is caused by overuse of the lower legs. This causes irritation and inflammation of the muscles in the front of the lower leg, resulting in pain and tenderness."

"Treatment of an anterior tibial strain usually includes rest, cold compresses, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and splinting.

Treatment for an anterior tibial strain may include:
Rest:
Use a walker.
Use crutches.
Use a cane.
Cold compresses
Stretching exercises for anterior tibial strain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen)
Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve)
Splint for anterior tibial strain"
- http://www.freemd.com/anterior-tibial-strain/treatment.htm



But only with a physical examination can a proper diagnosis be made. So I give the above as a possibility, and maybe as you read the above site's fuller description of symptoms, it may sound like this is what you have. But since this has already gone on for two weeks, don't you think making an appointment to see a doctor is in order? And to rest as much as possible until then?

 

[paulmaben]

thank you very much. Sounds like it might be what is going on. I am going to get an apt. with an orthopedist next week.