UAN:222 Article type:--This condition comes about in the lower leg when a sheath containing a muscle bursts and allows the muscle to bulge out.Symptoms There will be swelling over an area of muscle, often with a reduction in pain of the compartment

to heal.What else could it be?There is a long list of possible alternatives, including: stress fractures, muscle pulls and tears, tibial periostitis, nerve and artery entrapment and blockage, referred pain from a lumbar disc, infections, tumours

by synovial fluid, secreted within the joint to give almost frictionless movement. According to the laws of physics and levers, any reduction in a joint’s range or movability will decrease its efficiency, and from our point of view can only slow the runner.MusclesMuscles

.The quadriceps muscles may be torn anywhere from hip to knee. SymptomsThe common acute tear will cause sudden pain, accompanied by weakness which may make you stumble or fall. It is more likely to occur if you are pushing off to jump a hurdle or obstacle

UAN:202 Article type:--Although the quadriceps and hamstring muscles mainly move the knee joint, the hamstring group arise above the hip, too, and play a small part in the movement of that joint. Other tissues also incorporate the pelvis as well

, but, depending on whether the muscle sheath higher up the thigh is breached, there may or may not be visible tracking of blood down the thigh.SignsWhile the knee is bent and the area is not under pressure, there may appear to be little wrong

UAN:229 Article type:--The knee is basically a hinge joint, allowing backwards and forwards motion, but it is also able to rotate slightly in on itself. The bending and straightening is controlled by the hamstring and quadriceps muscles at the back

UAN:234 Article type:--Shinsplints are one of the most common running injuries. They result from tired or inflexible calf muscles putting too much stress on tendons, which become strained and torn. Overpronation aggravates this problem, as can

excessive uphill running, in which the tibialis anterior muscle expands and may produce fluid which stretches the compartment sheath. Signs An experienced sports physician will locate the pain between the tibia and fibula and may sense increased pressure

, it should be at a gentle tempo without any pressure. You can then slowly increase intensity and mileage over time, building up to full training after the six-week mark.—Dr Patrick Milroy, RW Medical Advisor