- Inversion Ankle Sprain – a sudden and forceful inversion of the Figure 4 ankle can lead to sprain and/or tearing of the lateral ankle ligaments. o Symptoms – pain at the lateral aspect of the ankle around the lateral malleolus o Causes – inversion, plantarflexion, or talar rotation or a combination of them o Predisposition – Achilles tendon tightness, tarsal coalition, a history of ankle sprains, decreased strength, or lack of muscular coordination (1) - Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain – commonly referred to as a high ankle sprain, injury to the tibiofibular syndesmosis is estimated to account for up to 18% of all ankle sprains. o Symptoms – pain at the anterior portion of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis o Causes – external rotation of the foot and talus at the ankle mortise or dorsiflexion o Predisposition - a history of ankle sprains, decreased strength, or lack of muscular coordination (1) Figure 5 - Achilles Tendonitis/Rupture – forceful and sudden forces on the Achilles tendon 1. Symptoms – pain at and along the Achilles tendon, a defect may be observable if the tendon is torn but can quickly be masked by swelling 2. Causes – Overuse or blunt trauma to the Achilles tendon 3. Predisposition – hyperpronation or foot rigidity, tightness of calf, deconditioning with age (1) Figure 6 - Gastrocnemius/Soleus Strain 1. Symptoms – pain at the gastrocnemius or soleus and pain/difficulty plantarflexing 2. With plantar flexion 3. Causes – overuse or sudden and forceful contraction of the gastrocnemius or soleus 4. Predisposition – muscular tightness, weakness, lack of coordination, and/or deconditioning (1) - Shin Splints 1. Symptoms – pain along the tibia and anterior lower leg, especially with walking and/or running 2. Causes – “shin splints” is a broad term that describes anterior lower leg pain and could be caused from any of the following conditions: tibialis anterior tendonitis, tibialis posterior tendonitis, periosteitis, tibial stress fractures, anterior compartment syndrome, or inflammation of the interossues membrane 3. Predisposition – pes planus/pes cavus (flat feet/high arches), unconditioned muscle, lack of muscle coordination, change in running surface, change in shoes, chronic stress/overtraining (1) .