Rehabilitation of injuries in the posterior leg

Abstract

The proper rehabilitation of posterior lower leg injuries is critical in achieving optimal clinical outcomes. Successful rehabilitation requires collaboration between all parties involved in the care of the patient and an injury-specific program that is tailored to patient goals. Although each case is unique, following fundamental principles of rehabilitation and evidence-based approaches should be the basis for development of the rehabilitation program. This chapter reviews the literature and provides recommendations for the rehabilitation of the following structures and injuries: distal hamstring tendon, proximal gastrocnemius and soleus, musculotendinous junction of gastrocnemius and soleus, popliteus, neurovascular entrapment, tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), Achilles tendon, retrocalcaneal bursa, posterior impingement, and Sever’s apophysitis.