Achilles tendinitis is common in recreational and competitive athletes, especially those who do a lot of jumping, kicking and sprinting.

Achilles tendinitis can range from a mild inflammation around the tendon to complete rupture. Most of these disorders are related to repetitive microtrauma from over training, a direct blow to the lower leg or insufficient stretching. Microtrauma associated with hyperpronation (an excessive inward rotation of the foot), can also damage the tendon. With a complete rupture, you are usually incapacitated.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis include:

• pain
• swelling
• weakness
• restricted motion
• inflammation and tenderness over the tendon

The Calf:

Sports such as tennis that require quick starts and stops can cause calf strain.

Symptoms of a strained calf include:

• pain upon moving or stretching your foot or ankle
• spasms in the calf muscle
• swelling

The Hamstring:

Your hamstring muscle runs from the buttocks over the back of the thigh. It's one of the most common areas to suffer from a pulled or strained muscle. A sudden stop or lunge can strain the hamstring if you're not properly conditioned or warmed up.

Symptoms of a pulled hamstring include:

• mild to severe pain when walking, climbing stairs or bending
• swelling or tenderness across the back of the thigh
• limited range of motion

The Shin:

The shin, lying just under the skin, is exceedingly vulnerable and sensitive to blows or bumps.

Runners and joggers may be familiar with a shin splint (medial tibial stress syndrome). Shin splints can happen when the tough, fibrous membrane surrounding your shin bone becomes irritated or inflamed. The shin bone (tibia) is the large bone in front of the lower leg above the ankle and below the knee. Improper conditioning and running on hard surfaces may cause shin splints.

Symptoms of shin splints include:

• pain in the shin when walking or running
• occasional swelling in the shin area