Tennis Leg: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Physiotherapy Rehabilitation.
- PHYSIO 360
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
INTRODUCTION;
Sudden calf pain while running or pushing off? Felt like someone kicked the back of your leg—but no one was there? You might be dealing with Tennis Leg, a common yet painful calf muscle injury seen in athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
At Physio360 Chennai, we frequently treat sports-related muscle injuries with advanced physiotherapy and evidence-based rehabilitation programs for fast recovery and safe return to activity.
What Is Tennis Leg?
Tennis Leg refers to a strain or tear of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (calf muscle), often occurring during sudden acceleration, jumping, or a change in direction.
✔ Common in tennis players, runners, gym-goers, footballers, and badminton players
✔ Usually affects middle-aged recreational athletes
✔ Can range from mild strain to partial muscle tear
Causes of Tennis Leg
Tennis leg commonly occurs due to:
Sudden push-off or sprinting movements
Explosive jumping or lunging
Poor warm-up before sports
Muscle fatigue or tight calf muscles
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Previous calf injury
Improper footwear or training surface
At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, we focus on identifying the root cause, not just treating the pain.
Symptoms of Tennis Leg
Patients with tennis leg typically report:
Sudden sharp pain in the calf
Feeling of a “snap” or “tear”
Difficulty walking or weight bearing
Swelling and tenderness in the calf
Pain during ankle plantarflexion
Reduced push-off strength
Symptoms may mimic Achilles tendon injury, hence accurate diagnosis is essential.
Diagnosis of Tennis Leg
Diagnosis is based on:
Detailed clinical examination
Palpation reveals localised tenderness
Pain on resisted plantarflexion
Ultrasound or MRI (if a severe tear is suspected)
Our best physiotherapists at Physio360 ensure a precise assessment to rule out serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or Achilles rupture.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Tennis Leg at Physio360
Acute Phase (0–5 Days)
✅ Rest and activity modification
✅ Ice therapy to reduce pain and swelling
✅ Compression and elevation
✅ Pain-relieving modalities
Sub-Acute Phase (5–14 Days)
✔ Gentle calf stretching
✔ Soft tissue mobilization
✔ Manual therapy techniques
✔ Isometric strengthening
Rehabilitation Phase (2–6 Weeks)
✅ Progressive strengthening exercises
✅ Eccentric calf training
✅ Balance and proprioception training
✅ Gait and running mechanics correction
Return-to-Sport Phase
✔ Plyometric drills
✔ Sport-specific training
✔ Injury prevention education
At Physio360 Sports Physiotherapy Centre, our goal is a safe, pain-free, and quick return to sport.
Why Choose Physio360 for Tennis Leg Treatment?
✔ Best physiotherapy clinic in Chennai
✔ Experienced sports physiotherapists
✔ Advanced manual therapy techniques
✔ Personalised rehab programs
✔ Evidence-based treatment
✔ Fast recovery & long-term prevention
Whether you search for “tennis leg treatment near me”, “best physiotherapist for calf pain”, or “sports injury rehab Chennai”—Physio360 is your trusted destination.
Prevention Tips for Tennis Leg
✔ Proper warm-up before sports
✔ Regular calf stretching
✔ Adequate hydration
✔ Strengthening lower limb muscles
✔ Correct footwear
✔ Gradual training progression
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
If pain persists beyond 2–3 days
If swelling or bruising increases
If walking becomes painful
If you want early recovery and injury prevention
Book Your Consultation Today.
📍 Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Centre in Chennai
Specialised in Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Fast Recovery
Get expert care from the best physiotherapists near you.
Don’t let calf pain stop your game—recover stronger with Physio360.
REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;
1.“Tennis leg”: gastrocnemius injury is a far more common cause than plantaris rupturehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5310238/.
2.Tennis leg: A case studyhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/378111876_Tennis_leg_A_case_study
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