Exertional Leg Pain in Athletes

Abstract

Exertional leg pain is a relatively common condition that can negatively impact athletic performance and may pose a diagnostic and management challenge for the sports medicine physician. A comprehensive clinical evaluation is important to narrow the broad differential associated with exertional leg pain and focus the selection of the most appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment modalities in the care of these individuals. This article will provide an update on recent literature regarding the etiologies, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, workup/diagnosis, and treatment of exertional leg pain in athletes with a focus on vascular etiologies, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, and bone stress injury.