Dead legs
Why do I get dead legs ?
It is the worst feeling when you get hit to the leg and can’t feel your leg after! ‘Dead leg’ what does it actually mean? We are often asked this so our founder Rebecca explains:
Dead leg from impact: contusion
Dead leg, also known as a contusion occurs when the thigh muscles receive a direct impact. This is often seen in our muay thai fighters where they get a kick to the thigh. On impact, bleeding can occur within and around the muscle and thigh. This causes bruising and can limit function and mobility. We often treat these with rest and ice and may use acupuncture around the site of healing.
Signs and symptoms of dead leg
Pain after direct impact to the thigh
loss of or altered sensation
Struggling to walk or put weight on your leg
Noticable bruising or swelling at the site of impact
Poor strength or struggling to activate the muscle
How to diagnose a dead leg
Your physiotherapist will take a history of your injury and assess your muscles and joints. They will feel the injured area, they may ask your to form a functional task and or may send you for a scan.
How to treat dead leg
As soon as the injury occurs protect the area, rest it, ice it, apply compression and elevate it to reduce the inflammation and settle the pain. Your physiotherapist will be able to use various treatment methods to help you return to sport in the quickest time possible.
These treatments may include:
Soft tissue massage
Acupuncture/Dry needling
A physiotherapy rehab
Strengthening exercises
Stretches and mobility
