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I started playing handball last summer. This fall I began to have sharp pain along the inside edge of my lower leg. The pain gets worse when I play handball and better when I rest. Is there any kind of test that could tell me what the problem is?

There are a variety of problems that can affect the lower leg, including tendinitis, muscle injury, or a pinched nerve. Some can be diagnosed with a physical examination.

Sometimes no further testing is required, and treatment can begin right away. Other times, X-rays or other imaging studies may be necessary. For example, lower leg pain caused by a condition called medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) can be diagnosed with a bone scan. This involves an injection of a radioactive substance that is absorbed or taken up by areas in the bone where change is occurring. In the case of MTSS, the bone scan shows an increase in the metabolism of the bone and a decrease in bone density. This is typically present in both legs, even if symptoms only exist on one side.

Other problems are better viewed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or plain X-rays. Don't hesitate to have a physician evaluate your symptoms. Early treatment can make a big difference in swiftly and safely getting you back on the court.

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