Prevention and treatment of exercise related leg pain in young soldiers; a review of the literature and current practice in the Dutch Armed Forces

J R Army Med Corps. 2017 Apr;163(2):94-103. doi: 10.1136/jramc-2016-000635. Epub 2016 Jul 22.

Abstract

Overuse injuries of the leg are a common problem for young soldiers. This article reviews the literature concerning the prevention and treatment of exercise related leg pain in military settings and presents the latest developments in proposed mechanisms and treatments. Current practice and treatment protocols from the Dutch Armed Forces are reviewed, with an emphasis on the most prevalent conditions of medial tibial stress syndrome and chronic exertional compartment syndrome. The conclusion is that exercise related leg pain in the military is an occupational problem that deserves further study.

Keywords: chronic exertional compartment syndrome; exercise related leg pain; expert opinion; medial tibial stress syndrome; military; review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Compartment Syndrome / prevention & control*
  • Anterior Compartment Syndrome / therapy
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / therapy
  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Leg
  • Leg Injuries / prevention & control
  • Leg Injuries / therapy
  • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome / prevention & control*
  • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome / therapy
  • Military Medicine*
  • Military Personnel*
  • Musculoskeletal Pain / prevention & control
  • Musculoskeletal Pain / therapy
  • Netherlands
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Diseases / therapy
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Physical Exertion