Table 1 Clinical features used for the diagnosis of the four most expected lower limb injuries

Medial tibial stress syndrome

Diffuse pain or oedema along the posteromedial border of the tibia;

Pain spread over a minimum of 5 cm;

Pain occurs with activity and lasts for at least a few hours post activity;

Diffuse discomfort produced with palpation along the posteromedial border of the tibia, with discomfort confined to this region; and

No history of paraesthesia.

Patellofemoral pain

Insidious onset of peripatellar or retropatellar knee pain;

Pain on patellofemoral joint compression or resisted isometric quadriceps contraction at 30 degrees of knee flexion; and

Peripatellar or retropatellar knee pain being provoked by at least two of the following activities: running, hopping, walking, marching, squatting, stair negotiation, prolonged sitting, or kneeling.

Achilles tendinopathy (midportion)

Insidious onset of pain located within 2 to 7 cm proximal to the insertion on the calcaneus; and

Pain is reproducible with palpation of the Achilles tendon within 2 to 7 cm proximal to the insertion on the calcaneus; and

Pain most noticeable after an extended period of rest and aggravated with activity.

Plantar fasciitis/plantar heel pain

Presence of pain in the plantar heel or medial arch;

Pain is worse after rest but eases with mild activity;

Pain is generally worse with prolonged standing or activity; and

Pain is reproducible with palpation of the medial tuberosity of the calcaneus and/or along the plantar fascia.