Acute lower leg injuries include fractures and strains of the muscles or tendons. Fractures are a crack, break, or complete shattering of one or both bones of the lower leg. Fractures occur in sports where falls or direct impacts are likely. Seek medical help right away. Splint and apply ice gently over the area until help arrives.
Strains are a stretch, tear, or rupture of the fibers of muscle or tendons.
Strains are often seen in sports that require powerful contractions of the calf muscles. Use crutches or wear half-inch heel lifts in BOTH shoes if the pain is bad. Seek medical care for severe strains. Overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis and shin splints are more common than fractures and strains. Constant stress applied to an affected area causes overuse injuries.