Sudden Tibialis Anterior Pain

What causes severe pain in the Tibialis anterior that starts suddenly and disappears completely after 30 minute icing.

[DrSylvesterMD]

Hi Alice,
Pain is in the region of the Tibialis Anterior region is not a very common problem. Have you injured the part some times in the past? How old are you? How long have you been having this problem?
Although some patients have reported this type of pain which very often are due to anterior tibial stress fractures, it is a rare cause leg pain. Stress fractures occur as a result of frequent stressing of a bone with compression or stretch. Abrupt increases in the duration, frequency, or intensity of physical activity without sufficient rest is thought to lead to an imbalance between bone resorption and formation. This results in microfractures that can coalesce into stress fractures.
Please do get back to me with the above details or else see an Orthopedic surgeon.
Regards,
Dr Sylvester, MD

[Alice71]

from Alice71 ---Hello Doctor,  20 days ago I injured myself playing tennis.  I was running to my right and turned abruptly to the left to hit the ball.  I couldn't walk.  The pain was  extremely painful below my right front knee (approximately 6-7 inches below knee).  Felt like a severe spasm.  After icing leg with elevation for several hours I was able to walk normally without pain.  This same severe spasm has occured four times  since I injured myself. I am 81 years of age (young)!

[DrSylvesterMD]

Hi Alice,
It amazing that although you are 81 years old ( I beg your pardon, I mean young) you are so active. Its good that you are maintaining your activity but you should realized that as one ages the phenomena of osteoporosis sets in and bones are liable to fracture even with mild or little trauma.
So this very well could be a stress fracture as I had discussed with you earlier. Visit your family physician for this. The treatment of stress fractures is fairly simple.
If you have any further queries do get in touch with me.
Regards,
Dr Sylvester, MD