What is commonly referred to as tennis leg?

Tennis leg is a term used to describe a specific injury characterized by a tear of the gastrocnemius muscle at the musculotendinous junction. This particular muscle is located in the calf, and injuries typically occur during activities that involve sudden starts, stops, or changes in direction, which are common in sports like tennis.

The mechanism of injury often involves a rapid push-off or explosive movement, leading to an overstretching or tearing of the muscle. Patients usually present with sudden pain in the back of the leg, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. The distinct nature of this injury helps to clearly identify it as tennis leg, differentiating it from other possible injuries listed.

Understanding this terminology not only aids in proper diagnosis and management of the injury but also emphasizes the importance of conditioning and flexibility in athletes to prevent such muscle strains.