The Deep Calf Strain (most common 2010 injury).

By Frank Astri of Chiropractic Clinic on Cundles Rd.

Triathlon season is in full swing. Everyone is training hard and sometimes this leads to injury. Epidemiology studies note that the majority of triathlon-related injuries occur during run training and affect the lower limb "The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998 Jan;27(1):42-50. This is thought to be a result of poor running mechanics and/or training errors which may involve increasing mileage too rapidly, speed training, and hill training. "The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998 Jan;27(1):42-50.

So, the winner for the most common injury treated this year has been tibialis posterior strain “deep calf strain”.

The Tibialis posterior raises the instep and rotates the foot medially such that the toes are pointing inwards ("pigeon toed stance"). Tibialis posterior strains can present as pain in the calf or ankle and may have swelling around the inner potion of the ankle. In the first 72 hours this should be treated with ice, compression and elevation. Training should be halted or decreased until examined by a medical professional. Treatment may include, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory, rehabilitation exercises, massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture or any form of soft tissue techniques.

Injuries to the lower leg/ankle are common in triathletes due to overuse mechanisms. These injuries are commonly reported during running and rarely reported during swimming. So the lesson is, be careful with your training programs and have your injuries looked at quickly. It is always better to miss a few training sessions than it is to miss a whole season.