The Leg is considered the region below the knee. Leg pain or injury can include muscular, tendon and tibia or fibula bones. Your initial exam at OKAPED includes identifying alignment issues in the leg, movement patterns that are caused by the foot and ankle, or knee, thigh and hip region.
Understanding what is at the source of your pain or condition is the first step in finding a solution that is right for you.
Identifying specific issues with your knee, leg, ankle or foot are performed at our clinics to help provide a treatment plan.
Specific orthotics, braces, compression sleeves and socks as well as footwear changes are often used to help treat conditions in the leg.
Leg pain can be due to a problem with bones, tendons, muscles, fascia, nerves, blood vessels, or skin disorders. Your physician may direct you for a Pedorthic evaluation if a biomechanical influence is suspected. Common issues seen are overloading of a muscle or muscle groups trying to counter or stabilize excessive motions. Excessive pronation is commonly attributed to overworked muscles in the leg such as tibialis posterior or tibialis anterior. It’s counter movement is called supination where the foot tends to lean outward. Muscles often overloaded when this motion becomes excessive are the peroneals.
Excessive twisting motions of the large leg bone, the tibia, while walking or running can lead to higher torsional stress. In some cases this may lead to a stress fracture. Sharp intense leg pain in the bone, found commonly in the lower 3rd of the leg, that is irritated with activity may indicate a stress fracture. These symptoms should not be ignored and should be assessed immediately.
Once the cause and contributing factors of leg pain have been identified a treatment plan can be put into place. In certain cases muscle strengthening can improve overall foot and leg function. In cases where weakness is permanent or progressing, braces and orthotics are often prescribed. Compression therapy is often used to help with circulatory issues as well as fatigue in muscles during and post activity. Our Gait Analysis identifies improper footwear or contributing biomechanical issues stemming from foot alignment or motions such as excessive pronation that can cause your leg pain.
Treatment for leg pain may include:
Your doctor may refer you to OKAPED to see a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for Pedorthic management of your leg pain. This may include orthopaedic footwear, shoe selection guidance, orthotics and/or compression therapy. If you know your condition and want to learn about new products and treatments please give us a call.