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The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) was formed in 1991 to fill a void that has existed in sports medicine from its earliest beginnings. The founders most recognized and expert sports medicine specialists realized that while there are several physician organizations which support sports medicine, there has not been a forum specific for primary care non-surgical sports medicine physicians.
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- Spinal Injuries
- Hip Injuries
- Forefoot Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Heel Injuries
- Midfoot / Arch Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Calf & Soleus
- Upper Leg Injuries - Hamstring
- Medications
- Shoulder Injuries
- Ribcage / Chest Injuries
- Abdominal Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Elbow Injuries
- Hand Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Achilles
- Ankle Injuries
- Upper Leg Injuries - Quadriceps
- Groin Injuries
- Lower Leg Injuries - Shin
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Member Case Study: Sore Tendon Behind the Knee
I have a marathon scheduled for Dec. 4th but I woke up this morning and the tendon on the back of my leg (behind the Knee) is really sore.
Question from verve5000
"Hi, I need some advice... I have a marathon scheduled for dec. 4th and I am attempting to break 3 hours... Yesterday I had a tune-up race and i ran really hard... I woke up this morning and the tendon on the back of my leg (behind the Knee) is really sore... its the outside tendon (there are two large tendons back there and I don't know the name of them - sorry). Does anyone know what type of injury it is and treatment for it... will rest affect my fitness between now my upcoming marathon? Is cycling an ok alternative to maintain fitness and will my tendon heel if I cycle?
Thanks in advance for any information!
Answer:
The hamstrings muscle group forms the large tendons in the back of the knee. The outside tendon is from the biceps femoris muscle, but other important structures exist near the area, such as the IT band, bursa and ligaments. You likely have inflammation and irritation in one or more of the above structures. Striving to beat 3 hours likely means you have ramped up your intensity, which can cause overuse injuries.
Regardless of the exercise you choose, if you are feeling pain, you are irritating the area and it will not heal well. Cycling may be a good choice, but it stresses soft tissues more than swimming, which you may want to consider as an alternative. Your cardiovascular fitness level will not change as long as you sustain your heart rate in the proper training zone. Icing and stretching the area 3 times per day will help decrease inflammation and pain. Prudent use of anti-inflammatory medications for a short time may help you continue to be active. If you decide to run the marathon, you should be relatively pain-free while running before you try, especially since you have an aggressive goal.
Ken Bielak, MD
Knoxville, TN
Member AMSSM
Dawn Mathern, MD
Trinity Sports Medicine: Minot, ND
Member AMSSM
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