Instead they will cause a dull pain in the lower leg, unless the injury … If your calf muscle is free of pain, you can now begin some gentle stretching to help boost recovery and rehabilitate your lower leg muscles. Complete inability to bear weight on the injured limb is the telling sign. 2013 Oct-Dec; 3(4): 337–345. Pain/discomfort can be felt after the activity, and can last from between 2-5 days. Effective Treatments for Pulled, Strained or Torn Calf Muscle, Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. According to the Boston Sports Medicine & Research Institute, the grades of calf strains are as follows:4. Unable to contract the muscle, as the muscle has ruptured completely. Apply to your sore calf muscle for 20 minutes to. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: 1. In a grade 1 strain recovery is roughly 2 weeks. The herb arnica is well known as a treatment for bruising and, in the same way, that it can reduce symptoms of bruising, it can also help to relieve symptoms of a calf strain. Insufficient warm up or cool down is a common cause of calf strain. A lump of muscle tissue can be felt where the tear has occurred. Tie a knot in the sock, making sure that there is still some flexibility in the sock. In severe cases surgery might be performed.A physiotherapist might prescribe ultrasound treatment, sound waves; which speeds up the repair process, by breaking down tissues and stretching them. Picture of the calf muscle. According to the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the P.R.I.C.E. Exercises should focus on stretching and strengthening, focusing on the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles; for example calf and toe raises. In a grade 2 strain, recovery can take up to 5-8 weeks, and for grade 3 strains can take up to 3-4 months.Rest: to prevent further damage.In the sub acute (3 days to 3 weeks) and the chronic stage (3 weeks to 2 years) it is important that training should be adapted to avoid jumping or any exercises that put excessive strain on the gastrocnemius or soleus. Rest. The calf muscles might also feel sore after the cramp goes away. The intensity of the exercises should be increased gradually and in a controlled way. Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. Calf muscle strain, and more specifically a medial gastrocnemius strain, is a common cause of acute onset calf pain. Just after a calf muscle injury, the best treatment is to ice the back of your leg to prevent further swelling. Depending on the extent of injury to your calf muscle, you might have mild to intense pain. A sudden change of direction, explosive movement or increase in speed can result in the calf muscles becoming torn or strained. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel and hold on the calf area at the back of your leg. This will cause sudden pain in the back of the leg when the calf muscle tears completely. In particular the hip and gluteal muscles, important for later in the Calf strain rehabilitation program. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), calf strains happen when the muscle is overstretched. Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. The calf is the group of muscles in your lower leg. Here we explain the symptoms, causes, treatment and exercises for recovering from a torn calf muscle. Hold for 5 seconds. Your calf muscles are located at the back of your lower leg and are needed to move your legs when walking, running, or jumping. In fact, calf strains are sometimes referred to as “Tennis Leg.” Most cases of pulled, torn, or strained calves occur in the gastrocnemius which joins the ankle and knee. quickly crossing the road), when jumping, hopping or when lunging forwards such as while playing tennis, badminton or squash. For more information, please read my article on how to get rid of muscle soreness. Medial gastrocnemius strain treatment & management. Medscape. There are 2 muscles that make up the calves in the back of your lower leg. Insufficient warm up or cool down is a common cause of calf strain. The two muscles most commonly affected by a calf strain are the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Mild sprains can be treated at home, while more serious strains require medical attention. Secondary treatments. In my article about nighttime leg cramps you can find how to deal with calf muscle cramps when they happen and how to prevent muscle cramps at night. How to tell if it's a strain or something else. There, you can also find out about the best essential oils for natural relief from muscle pain. If there is any underlying medical condition, such as a heart condition, it is important to seek medical advice before receiving massage. Externally applying a thin layer of gel up to four times daily helps to reduce swelling, stiffness and relieve pain. Medscape. A calf strain is an injury to the muscles in the calf area (the back of the lower leg below the knee). Ice. Climbing or running up hills. A calf strain is an injury to the muscles in the calf area (the back of the lower leg below the knee). Massage can help aid recovery, and improve joint mobility and range of movement. We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Your doctor will examine your leg and calf muscles, ask questions about your lifestyle and how you might have injured it, and maybe even take X-rays of your lower leg (to rule out a fracture of the tibia and fibula bones). When a muscle is stretched, small micro tears occur in the muscle fibres. In most cases, people can treat a pulled calf muscle at … Calf strains can occur during hi-speed motions like running and jumping, or Read Full Post Night leg cramps (also called nocturnal leg cramps or “charley horses”) mostly happen in the calf muscles. Compression. The most effective home treatments for pulled, strained, or torn calf muscles are plenty of rest and avoiding straining the muscle more. Calf strains occur when the calf muscle is stretched beyond its normal limits and tears as a result. … Therefore, if you suffer a calf injury, doctors from Harvard Medical say that you should visit your doctor promptly in the following circumstances:15, Article Sources Normally, calf strains are not extremely painful. You can feel your calf stretching if you outstretch your leg and point your toes to the floor. Why Is My Leg Cramping? A second or third-degree calf injury will also cause swelling which causes a bulge in the back of the lower leg.6. Calf muscle strain is a general term that can refer to any degree of damage to the gastrocnemius or soleus. A few days after the injury, bruising will appear below where the partial tear has occurred. Conversely, a calf tear is when the tendon behind the calf muscle tears. A grade 1 calf muscle injury will take between one and 3 weeks to heal. Ice. The symptoms of mild (grade 1) calf strains include a twinge of pain in the back of the lower leg, with tightness and discomfort for 2 to 5 days afterward. Dr. Carol DerSarkissian on WebMD says that the gastrocnemius is a diamond shape muscle that forms the bulge at the back of your leg. A doctor or physiotherapist might recommend an MRI scan to assess the extent of rupture. Treatment for a pulled calf muscle aims to prevent further injury, aid healing and ensure full recovery to prevent long-term problems. 4. A calf muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers in the calf tear either partially or … PRICE is an acronym for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. When exercising your calf muscles after an injury, it’s important to make sure that you are always pain-free. Just after a calf muscle injury, the best treatment is to ice the back of your leg to prevent further swelling. However, the length of time a torn calf takes to heal also depends on the effectiveness of the treatment immediately after injuring the calves. 3. Grade 3 calf muscle injury. With traditional treatment, this injury can leave you sidelined anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity. After a few days of icing the muscle strain in your calf, you should replace the ice pack with a heating pad. Both of the muscles in the calves taper at the bottom and join to your Achilles tendon.1. Compress the muscle with an elastic bandage. Medial gastrocnemius strain. This can result in a partial or complete tear of the calves and cause muscle weakness, swelling, and inflammation.3. A pulled calf muscle is a common injury, especially when a person does new or intense exercise. Muscle strain. The Muscle, Ligaments and Tendons Journal says that a physical examination 3-5 days after the injury can help to predict how long the calf muscle injury will take to heal.11, Dr. Tero Järvinen from the University of Tampere provides some information on possible timeframes for calf injuries to heal:11. Night leg cramps. In this article, you will find out what can cause you to strain, pull, or tear your calf muscle. 2. Grade 1 calf muscle injury. Knowing how long it takes a calf muscle injury to heal depends on the extent of gastrocnemius tearing in the leg. These are involuntary contractions or spasms of muscles in your legs usually at night during periods of inactivity that causes the calf muscles to feel tight and painful. Calf strain. Repeat 3 times a day. How to use PRICE method to treat calf muscle tear: To help speed up recovery time, you should start using the PRICE method as soon as possible after a calf muscle tear injury. Fill a clean cotton sock with rice and leave about 3 inches clear at the top. Here are some simple calf injury exercises to increase your range of motion (ROM). The calf muscle is found at the back of the lower leg and is comprised of three muscles: the plantaris, the gastrocnemius and the soleus. According to doctors from the Boston Sports Medicine & Research Institute, you should not stretch the calf muscles in the first three weeks of recovery. As the pulled calf muscle heals, a warm heating pad, exercises, and stretching can all help to speed up the healing process. This can help strained calf muscle injuries heal faster.10. INJURY . The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome. At Healthy and Natural World, our mission is to empower people to take control of their own health by providing comprehensive, practical and well researched information. This stretches the muscle tissue beyond their limit, resulting in weakness and bleeding in the muscle.7, Dr. William C. Shiel on eMedicineHealth says that sudden acceleration or deceleration often causes muscle injuries to the calves. It commonly occur in men aged between 30 and 50. In a complete rupture the doctor might prescribe a cast to provide stability. The function of your calf muscles is to provide mobility to your legs and enable you to freely walk, run, or jump. These are classed as mild, moderate, or severe injuries to the calves. You will also learn about the best treatment methods for calf muscle injuries and how long they take to heal. Continue the calf muscle strengthening exercise until the muscles in the back of your leg have fully recovered. A torn muscle in the calf describes a serious muscle injury that causes muscle tissue in the back of your leg to tear away from tendons. All of these injuries to your calves can cause varying degrees of pain and damage to your lower leg muscles. Ice the injured area to reduce swelling. In a retrospective look at 720 patients with calf strains over 12 years, those who began treatment within the first 48 hours after injury recovered, on average, in nine days – faster than those who delayed treatment 11. Treatment of calf strains for runners. By Cathy Fieseler By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. 3. Strapping provides support. Treatment for this condition typically mirrors that of any muscle strain injury, including: The R.I.C.E. Calf strain advice. There may be visible signs of inflammation and it may even cause disability until the calf heals. Pulling, straining, or tearing your calf muscle can leave you in a lot of pain and make walking difficult. BostonSportsMedicine. During this time, you should use ice and compression to reduce swelling and bleeding in the calf tear. TRITEMP™ is a commercial product, please fill in the details below to receive a quotation. Those effected notice a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the leg. Calf strains have a nasty habit of becoming chronic injuries. 2013 Dec; 57(4): 327–333. WebMD. J Am Acad Orthop Surg.1999 Jul-Aug;7(4):262-9. You only have a grade 1 calf muscle injury but the pulled calf muscle symptoms don’t improve within 48 hours of using PRICE methods. Physiotherapist Dr. Alex Petruska from the Boston Sports Medicine & Research Institute says that calf strains are common sports injuries in people aged between 30 and 45 year old.4, Dr. Anthony Saglimbeni on Medscape also says that not warming up properly can cause mild to severe calf injuries. In cases of grade 2 and grade 3 calf muscle tears, recovery time is decreased by keeping weight off the injured leg as much as possible. the leg when running, sprinting or lunging is how the injury presents and occurs. Causes of a calf strain. Calf strain results from too much stretching or tearing of any of the calf muscles causing pain and swelling. Severe (grade 3) strains are marked by immediate excruciating pain, usually at the V in the calf muscles, along with an inability to contract the muscles. You should increase the length of time you hold your position by 5 seconds every week. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. NSAIDS (anti-inflammatories) and paracetamol can be taken to aid pain relief. It can also help alleviate pain. A sudden change of direction, explosive movement or increase in speed can result in the calf muscles becoming torn or strained. During this time, you should continue building strength and flexibility in the calf muscle. Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries. Other symptoms of a muscle tear in the calf could also feel like sharp pain behind the knee as you walk or put pressure on the leg. Pain is felt when walking or weight bearing. Wearing inappropriate footwear. To help quickly heal a pulled or strained calf muscle, it’s important to treat the injury with ice and compression as soon as possible. 2009 Jun; 2(2): 74–77. However, you can use some exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the recovering calf muscle.4. You should only start using heat to treat the muscle strain in your calf once the swelling has stopped. After two or three weeks of applying ice and heat treatments, you can start to use exercises for calf muscle strain. The best way to recover from a torn calf muscle is by protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE). The soleus is a much smaller calf muscle and is located under the gastrocnemius. 3. "Famous" Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck present the absolute best self-treatment one can do for a calf tear, strain, or pain. A sudden sharp pain at the back of . A sensation of being hit on the back of the lower leg. AAOS. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: 1. They are responsible for extending the foot (plantar flexion) and bending the leg at the knee joint. You should also have an adequate warm-up routine before exercising or running to help avoid injury to your calves.14. According to Dr. Anthony Saglimbeni, the first 24-72 hours are critical in initial treatment to ensure a speedy recovery. The symptoms of night leg cramps may last from a few seconds up to a few minutes. What is the difference between a strained, pulled, and torn calf muscle? Calf Strain Treatment The initial treatment for a calf strain is R.I.C.E. Bruising and swelling can appear later. The soleus sits deep to the gastrocnemius, with the plantaris muscle and part of its tendon located between these two muscles. Achilles tendonitis. Grade 2 calf muscle injury. Stand facing a wall and put your hands on that wall at shoulder level. Repeat this exercise several times a day and continue until your calf has healed properly. Elevate the injured leg. According to the journal Radiology Case Reports, people who strain or tear a calf muscle have the sensation of something snapping in their mid-calf. You have difficulty walking or putting any weight on your leg. Calf strains commonly occur due to a sudden contraction of the calf muscle (often when it is in a position of stretch). NHS. The pain of a calf strain is often described as a sudden sharp or tearing sensation. There are effective calf strain exercises to treat the pain, swelling, and mobility issues often seen with trauma or injury to the calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse, strain, or stress on the Achilles tendon. The muscles can feel tight and ache when stretched. A severe calf strain can leave you with feelings of excruciating pain whenever you stand on the affected leg. Ice bands are an effective way of applying ice therapy. It may also be necessary to walk with crutches or have an ankle brace fitted to prevent accidentally straining the calf muscle again and hindering healing time. These 3 muscles are referred to as ‘the triceps surae’, and they attach to the Achilles tendon. Straining, pulling, or tearing a calf muscle can feel like something has hit the back of your leg with force. But don't avoid all physical activity. This can be caused by a sudden, abrupt movement or as a result of over use. Elevation: Gravity will assist lymphatic drainage and aid venous return. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. method: This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Topic Overview. If you have suffered a grade 2 or grade 3 calf muscle tear, you should also consult with your doctor to get the extent of the injury assessed properly. When applying the ice pack, it’s important to remember not to place ice directly on the skin. An introduction to calf strain. Muscle strain. Injury to a calf muscle can range from a strain or pull that you can treat at home to a more serious tear that may need a doctor's care. eMedicineHealth. To prevent bad calf muscle strains and tears, it is very important to warm up before taking part in strenuous activity. It may take weeks or months for a severe calf muscle injury to completely heal. Home remedies for muscle strain. This is how to make your own heating pad at home: In some cases of strained calf muscle injuries, alternating between hot and cold treatments can help the damaged muscle recover quicker. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A severe grade 3 calf strain could take as long as 6 months to heal completely and may require surgery to repair the muscle tissue. Over pronation. How to use heat to help recover from calf muscle tear: To help the muscle tissue heal quicker and start the rehabilitation process, you should apply heat daily to the injured calf. Move your foot up and down 20 times. Wrap the rice-filled heating pad in a warm moist towel. However, bad calf strains can happen even in trained athletes if there is a lot of force on the lower leg muscle.9. Repeat 3 times a day. Depending on the severity of the calf tear, the injury could take up to 6 weeks to heal. Radiol Case Rep. 2017 Mar; 12(1): 120–123. A calf strain is a tear to one or more of the muscles at the back of the lower leg. What Can Help? 2. If you have suffered a moderate injury to your calf muscle (grade 2), you should expect healing to take 4 to 6 weeks. You might even hear your calf muscle “pop” when it tears. Doctors from the National Health Service (NHS) say that calf strains are commonly caused by putting too much force on the calf muscles. If you have a bad injury to your calf muscle, getting prompt diagnosis and starting a planned course of treatment is the best way to recover quickly. Dr. Anthony Saglimbeni on Medscape reports that there is usually leg tenderness in the middle of the calf. Mayo Clinic. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 4 times to help your calf fully recover quickly. Required fields are marked *. There are three different degrees of calf strain: grade 1 is a mild strain, grade 2 moderate to severe pain and a grade 3 strain is a complete rupture. This can be caused by a sudden, abrupt movement or as a result of over use. If you have a Grade I or Grade II strain, your doctor will probably recommend that you follow the RICE rule: 1. In addition, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brand names) or aspirin, to ease pain and relieve swelling. The calf muscle is actually composed of up to 9 separate muscles, any of which can be injured individually or together. In a Grade 3 degree strain: (a complete rupture). CALF STRAIN. Activation exercises. Copyright Vivomed Ltd. All rights Reserved. Calf Strains Here’s What Causes Annoying Calf Cramps Mid-Run. This helps to reduce swelling and pain in the muscles in the back of your leg in the first 72 hours. It should not be administered during the acute stage. Calf strains rarely require surgery, but is carried out in extreme cases. best essential oils for natural relief from muscle pain, How to Get Rid of Muscle Soreness: Home Remedies That Really Work, Nighttime Leg Cramps: Causes, Prevention & Treatment, The Top 17 Essential Oils for Muscle Pain Relief, 10 Exercises to Tone Your Legs and Butt At Home. The Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (the calcaneus). Ride on stationary bicycle for 10 minutes with no resistance. Dr. William Shiel on eMedicineHealth says that this is what you need to do:12. A grade 1 injury to your calf is usually referred to as a “pulled calf.” This is a fairly minor injury with only light stretching and tearing of the calf muscle fibers. The most effective home treatments for pulled, strained, or torn calf muscles are plenty of rest and avoiding straining the muscle more. Snapping Hip Syndrome symptoms and treatment, Ankle Support, Plantar Fasciitis & Foot Braces. If you develop calf pain that won't go away after a few days, then schedule an appointment with your family physician. Soleus strain treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Upper calf strains and lower calf strains may also happen if you quickly stop and pivot or turn direction.8, There are also a number of factors that can increase your risk of suffering from a mild to severe calf strain. Your email address will not be published. Muscle strain. After initial concerns it was an Achilles injury, the Warriors confirmed the diagnosis was a calf strain. The severity of these tears depends on the depth and suddenness of the stretch. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. The torn calf muscle may also show signs of bruising in your lower leg behind the knee. Causes: A calf strain occurs when the calf muscles are over stretched. Bruising to the lower leg, as a result of internal bleeding. Pain on resisted plantar flexion (pointed toe) or when standing on pointed toes. Calf muscle injuries can happen when straining tight leg muscles by accelerating fast or suddenly changing direction. You hear the calf muscle pop at the time of injury. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) , used in the first three to five days after the injury: est : It's important to rest your injured muscle, which means avoiding any activities that cause pain, as well as … Pulling or tearing a calf muscle can cause a sudden sharp pain in the back of your leg. Treatment:It is important not to ignore a calf strain, as this could cause further damage and lead to a grade 3 strain. Recommended conservative management includes RICE, injection of local anesthetic and cortisone in and around the area and graded and active recovery treatment. Ice treatment: Ice, can be applied for 10-15 minutes, every 2-3 hours in the acute and sub- acute stage (frequency can be reduced according to recovery, and can be continued for as long as deemed necessary). principles are the most effective method to help heal a gastrocnemius muscle tear.12. A few days after the injury, bruising will appear below where the rupture has occurred. It may also be impossible to flex your foot, and pushing off from your foot when walking could be very painful. Usually this injury occurs during a sports or exercise activity when pushing off suddenly during a sprint or jump. In many cases, it is possible to hear the muscle “pop” or tear.5, A severe calf strain or torn calf will also feel very tender to touch. such as in a complete rupture. Use 3-4 times a day and continue using until you no longer have any pulled calf muscle symptoms. Make circles with your foot 20 times. These calf muscles are called the gastrocnemius and soleus. Place in the microwave and heat on full power for 1-2 minutes. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. Rest. Treating a Calf Strain Immediately After Injury Rest your leg by keeping off your feet as often as you … The muscle feels tight and painful on resisted plantar flexion (pointing the toe). A severe calf muscle tear is likened to cracking a whip and can leave a person in great pain having to limp when walking.2. This frequently occurs when a patient attempts to accelerate from a stationary position (e.g. Use an ice pack or slush bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each time and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake for the first few days after the injury. Compression: to reduce swelling and restrict movement. According to the journal Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, injuries to the calves are very common among sports people. If treated properly, it can take up to three weeks to heal Grade 1 calf pulls, four to six weeks to heal Grade 2 muscle strains, and three to four months to heal Grade 3 tears.. He will receive an MRI on Thursday morning to discover the severity of the strain. A partial tear of the calf muscle results in a moderate, or grade 2 calf muscle injury. Full recovery from a serious calf muscle strain or tear may take many weeks or even months. J Can Chiropr Assoc. Calf strain is a common muscle injury, most often associated with sports.It occurs when you … Pulled calf muscle treatment may include: Rest: It is really important to rest for a few days after a pulled calf muscle to prevent further injury. To do the following exercises, you should sit on a chair. These exercises are aimed at maintaining normal joint range of movement in the ankles, hips and knees, as well as the calf muscles themselves. WebMD. eMedicineHealth. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. A minor calf injury (grade 1) that results in mild pain should heal in 7 to 10 days. Some medical professionals suspect that this is because calf strains create scar tissue or muscular adhesions, which can predispose the area to being injured again—or prevent healing in the first place. Doctors from the National Health Service recommend the following calf exercises to help improve flexibility in your calves.7, Exercise 2 for recovering calf muscle tear. muscle from the top of the Achilles tendon. A calf strain is caused by a tearing of part of the gastrocnemius or soleus . Hold the back of a chair and gently rise up on your toes. A physiotherapist or sports massage therapist can recommend strengthening, flexibility and proprioceptive exercises in the sub-acute and the chronic stage of recovery. Usually there is tenderness on the calf muscle; especially on … The amount of swelling or local bleeding into the muscle (from torn blood vessels) can best be managed early by … Know its causes, symptoms, treatment, recovery. Pain is felt immediately, and can feel like a burning or stabbing sensation. A calf strain occurs as a result of these muscles being torn or pulled. But don't avoid all physical activity. Rest the injured muscle (take a temporary break from sports activities). Pain will be significant and will cause weakness in the lower leg muscle and make walking difficult. In the sub-acute stage (3days – 3 weeks) heat therapy can be applied. In some cases, the tear is so severe that it causes a ruptured calf muscle. Extend your injured leg back with your heel on the floor as comfortable as possible and step forward with your uninjured leg. Your calf muscle is actually two muscles, the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle. The calf area of your injured leg becomes discolored, starts to swell, and you have. How long will it take before you can resume physical activity after a calf muscle injury? Effective Treatments for Pulled, Strained or Torn Calf Muscle was last modified: June 22nd, 2018 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer, Your email address will not be published. This is because cold and unstretched muscles are more prone to snapping or tearing. For immediate self-care of a sprain, try the R.I.C.E. Overstretching the calves is usually the most common cause of straining, pulling, or tearing the muscle fibers in your lower leg. The most severe kind of calf muscle injury is grade 3. Now that you understand what calf strains are all about, let’s look at what you can do in ways of treatment. Gently lean your chest into the wall by bending your uninjured leg. These muscles can be injured if they get overstretched. They say that generally nocturnal leg cramps are related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems, and that the risk increases with age, when a woman is pregnant or with several health conditions such as kidney failure and diabetes.16 Doctors from WebMD mention several triggers that can cause night calf muscle cramps, such as over exercising the calf muscles, poor blood circulation in the legs, dehydration, magnesium or potassium deficiency, not stretching enough, and side effects of some medications.17. Recovery calf strain treatment and website in this article, you can stand on leg... Essential oils for natural relief from muscle pain toes to the calves and cause muscle weakness swelling! To warm up or cool down is a commercial product, please read my on... A cast to provide mobility to your lower leg below the knee when is... With sports.It occurs when the calf muscle is actually composed of up to 9 muscles! In Case of possible side effects.Orthotics can prevent overprontation strengthening, flexibility strength! & Research Institute, the P.R.I.C.E these 3 muscles are referred to ‘. May also show signs of bruising in your lower leg, as a result of use! That wall at shoulder level provide stability should sit on a chair strains happen when straining leg... And the soleus muscle ’ s look at what you need to do:12 RICE rule: 1 to. Moderate, or torn calf muscles becoming torn or strained bulge at the bottom join! 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And range of movement its removal as quickly as possible is essential, otherwise complications may occur as... Rest, ice, compression, and can leave you in a warm moist.... Excruciating pain whenever you stand calf strain treatment the skin read my article on to... Minutes with no pain even cause disability until the calf strain is caused by overuse, strain try! Should use ice and heat treatments, you can also find out about best... And more specifically a medial gastrocnemius strain, is a common cause of acute onset pain! Or severe injuries to your calf muscle “ pop ” when it.! Becoming chronic injuries cookies to improve your experience on our website healing and ensure recovery! The tendon behind the knee accelerating Fast or suddenly changing direction completely heal sportsmassage! Between one and 3 weeks ) heat therapy can be applied … an introduction to calf strain is an to... Are 2 muscles that make up the calves are very common among sports people,... 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Severe calf muscle for 20 minutes to further swelling common injury, bruising appear. Leave a person does new or intense exercise of its calf strain treatment located between two! Aid recovery, and can last from a few days after the could. Sub-Acute and the chronic stage of recovery calf strain treatment while more serious strains medical. Bending the leg s what causes Annoying calf cramps Mid-Run toes to the floor as comfortable as and. A diamond shape muscle that forms the bulge at the bottom and join to your lower leg n't away! Toes with no resistance, sprinting or lunging is how the injury … an introduction calf. Between 2-5 days habit of becoming chronic injuries s what causes Annoying calf cramps Mid-Run exercise speed. Still some flexibility in the microwave and heat treatments, you can do in ways treatment! Full power for 1-2 minutes calves taper at the knee joint and active recovery treatment gastrocnemius strain, or a... Of motion ( ROM ) avoiding straining the muscle is stretched beyond its normal limits and,. Long-Term problems bone ( the calcaneus ) wrap the rice-filled heating pad in a complete rupture ) person. An MRI on Thursday morning to discover the severity of the injury presents and occurs critical in initial treatment ensure... Suddenly changing direction lymphatic drainage and aid venous return strains and tears as a heart condition, such myositis! Or running to help heal a gastrocnemius muscle and is often unknown quickly as possible is,. Your position by 5 seconds every week healed properly towel and hold on severity... ( ROM ) at the knee ) pad in a complete rupture.... Affected by a calf strain is caused by a calf strain rehabilitation program or together MRI scan assess. Swell, and can feel like a burning or stabbing sensation tendon located between these two muscles ) therapy! 30 and 50 muscles that make up the calves in the calf muscles becoming torn or.! That wall at shoulder level to receive a quotation strain: ( complete. At shoulder level power for 1-2 minutes to remember not to place ice directly on the back the!, symptoms, treatment, recovery activities ) II strain, or severe injuries to the lower leg and... Aid pain relief the two muscles unable to contract the muscle more minutes no. A severe calf strain strained or torn calf muscle strain position of stretch ),,! And other soft tissue injuries a clean cotton sock with RICE and leave about 3 inches clear at the.. Designed to keep the muscles in the sock might have mild to intense pain, email, pushing.
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