The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and the soleus muscles of the lower leg to the heel. While tendons are strong, they are not particularly flexible, and thus can only be stretched so far before becoming inflamed, or even tearing/rupturing. An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the force on the tendon is greater [...]

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) and the soleus muscles of the lower leg to the heel. While tendons are strong, they are not particularly flexible, and thus can only be stretched so far before becoming inflamed, or even tearing/rupturing. Achilles tendonitis results from overuse of the Achilles tendon. Soreness or aching of [...]

Not to be confused with a shoulder separation, a dislocated shoulder refers to removal of the ball of the humerus (upper arm bone) from the shoulder socket. Partial dislocation refers to the case in which the upper arm bone is partially in/out of the socket. Dislocation of the shoulder can potentially result in the tearing [...]

A pulled groin occurs when the adductor muscles of the inner thigh are stretched beyond their limits. This stretching can result in small muscle tears that cause pain/swelling. In severe cases, these muscles can be completely torn or ruptured. The adductors are muscles in the upper thigh that run for the pelvis to the femur. [...]

The hamstring consists of three muscles that run down the back of the leg from the pelvis to the lower leg bones — the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. Hamstring injuries can range from minor strains to a total rupture of the muscle. Hamstring pulls are caused by excessive stretching of these muscles resulting in [...]

Runner’s knee, formally known as chondomalacia patellae, is a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage along the back of the kneecap (i.e., patella). Runner’s knee, which causes dull pain or discomfort around or behind the kneecap, is common in cyclists, rowers, runners, soccer players, and tennis players. Women are more commonly affected by runner’s knee than [...]

Not to be confused with a shoulder dislocation, the term shoulder separation refers to the stretching/tearing of ligaments where the clavicle (i.e., collarbone) meets the scapula (i.e., shoulder blade), which is referred to as the acromioclavicular joint (AC). Such an injury is usually caused by falling forward onto an outstretched hand, or by an impact [...]

Tennis elbow, formally known as lateral epicondylitis, is similar to golfer’s elbow except that it affects the other side of the elbow. The primary symptom is pain at the outside of the elbow (i.e., the lateral epicondyle). The term tennis elbow is itself somewhat of a misnomer, as a wide variety of activities can cause [...]

The term ‘rotator cuff‘ refers to the muscles that support and stabilize the arm, allowing it to move up and down as well as rotate. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles — the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapulairs, and teres minor. Injuries to these muscles can cause pain and reduce range of motion. Symptoms [...]