calf pain treatment how long does it last

How long does it take for a calf strain to heal?

Calf strains are tears to the muscle tissue, and very by how severe they are. In some cases, strains will not impact your daily activities, but some require surgery and can take months to heal. This video has been medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD.

What is the best treatment for calf pain?

Treatment methods for calf pain vary depending on the cause, but most causes can be addressed at home. For calf pain caused by overuse or mild-to-moderate trauma, here are a few tips: R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Icing and elevating the leg are two common principles of R.I.C.E. that are useful for calf pain.

When should you go to the doctor for calf pain?

If you have any of these symptoms in addition to calf pain, you should visit your doctor. Calf pain can result from a number of causes, including overworking the muscle, cramps, and foot conditions. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, other causes may require immediate medical attention. 1. Muscle cramp

What are the symptoms of severe calf pain?

Numbness, cramping, and calf pain worsens with activity, but can also be severe when the body is at rest with the progression of the disease. There are times when the pain in the calf indicates a serious underlying condition and requires emergency medical attention. The following signs and symptoms can be experienced with or without calf pain:

How long does it take for calf pain to go away?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. A typical grade I calf strain will heal in seven to 10 days. A grade II injury will heal in about four to six weeks. A grade III calf strain may take about three months.

How fast do calf muscles recover?

As a rough guide we find that: Mild calf strains take about 4 weeks to heal. Moderate tears take between 6 to 12 weeks before they are back to normal. Severe calf tears can take more than 12 weeks before you can do your regular training.

How do you get rid of calf pain fast?

Care and TreatmentRest: Avoid walking or running with calf muscle pain. ... Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours. ... Compression: Apply a compression bandage or wrap to your calf. ... Elevation: Lift your leg into an elevated position, preferably above the level of your heart.

How long do muscles take to repair?

After a relatively light workout, your muscles may be able to recover in 24 hours, whereas a more challenging workout might take two to three days. Very intense workouts might take even longer.

Why is my calf strain not healing?

1:185:44Why is My Calf Strain not Healing? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReally it means that a part of your calf muscle has torn. So some of the fibers have torn and nowMoreReally it means that a part of your calf muscle has torn. So some of the fibers have torn and now the muscle as a whole is not as strong as it could be. So in order for you to get back to your sport.

Can a leg cramp last for days?

Nocturnal leg cramps are a tight, knotted feeling in your legs that happens at night. They can last several seconds to several minutes. If the cramp is severe, your muscle may be sore for days. Leg cramps are different from restless legs syndrome.

How do you treat a calf muscle?

Management and TreatmentRest: Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging the calf.Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours. ... Compression: Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.More items...•

How do I know if my calf pain is serious?

Symptoms that might indicate a more severe condition include:swelling.unusual coolness or pale color in the calf.tingling or numbness in the calf and leg.weakness of the leg.fluid retention.redness, warmth, and tenderness of the calf.

How to help calf pain?

Stretching. Stretching the muscles and tendons of the calf can help with some causes of calf pain. It's important to stretch regularly and use proper technique to prevent further injuries. Consult with a physical therapist to learn a stretching routine that suits your injury.

What is calf pain?

Calf pain can be broken up into two categories: pain that is related to the muscles, and pain that is not. Muscular pain often results from acute or chronic physical strain. These are the types of injuries that commonly happen in sports or other types of physical activity.

What causes calf muscle cramps?

Calf muscle cramps can be intensely tight and painful, and there may even be a visible knot or a twitching sensation. It is not exactly clear what causes them, though there are some theories: 1 1 Calf cramps may be linked to muscle fatigue following high-intensity exercise. 2 Some medications may induce them, such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Celebrex (celecoxib), Ambien (zolpidem), and Naprosyn (naproxen) 3 Certain conditions are associated with increased leg cramping, including coronary artery disease and cirrhosis.

What does it mean when your calf pops?

It is one of the most common types of calf muscle strain. 2. Some people hear a "pop" when the injury occurs, and you may not feel pain in the moment. Usually, pain sets in after you take a few steps, and it can be described as a sharp or tearing sensation. If the strain is severe, there may be swelling and bruising.

How to diagnose calf pain?

To diagnose your calf pain, a doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sometimes, blood tests are also needed. 5

Why does my calf hurt?

Calf pain can be caused by injuries to muscles, bones, or tendons as well as infections or conditions that affect blood flow. Your doctor may diagnose the pain using imaging tests or blood tests. Depending on your diagnosis, they may suggest medication, rest, or physical therapy.

What muscles are in the back of the calf?

Prevention. Your calf—located in the back of your leg just below the knee—is made up of three muscles: the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles. An injury to any of these can cause calf pain. But conditions that affect the blood vessels, nerves, or tissues that surround your calf muscles can be painful as well.

How to treat calf pain?

Apply a cold or ice compress to the affected calf to treat the inflammation, pain, and swelling. Once the swelling has gone down, apply heat compresses to the calf to continue pain management. If you apply the heat too soon, it can cause the pain and swelling to increase.

Where is the pain in the calf?

This discomfort can be felt anywhere between the knee and the ankle along the backside of the lower leg. Here you will find the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles as well as tendons, blood vessels, and ligaments.

What muscles are involved in calf pain?

There are two major muscles essential to the movement of the leg—the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle.

Why does my calf hurt?

Pain in the calf muscle is a common result of straining the medial gastrocnemius muscle during physical activity such as with sports . This type of strain is often called tennis leg, originating from a 1883 reported case of a tennis injury.

What causes calf pain and swelling?

Calf pain, swelling, and muscle weakness can result from automobile accidents, poisoning, immobility over time, severe burns, excessive use of recreational drugs, medications, and infections and diseases. 8. Fibula Stress Fracture. This type of fracture is a tiny crack in the fibula bone.

What is grade 1 calf?

Grade I: Refers to overstretching or a minor-sized tear of a calf muscle. There is a slight pain, but it does not affect. Grade II: Medium-sized tearing or stretching of the muscle fibers. Limping may be visible, along with possible bruising, as pain increases and strength decreases.

How to help a calf that is swollen?

Resting the calf muscles can alleviate the pain, reduce any swelling, and speed up the recovery time whether it is a mild or major calf issue. Use crutches when walking is required to avoid placing weight on the affected leg.

How long does it take for calf strains to heal?

This type of injury causes pain, but usually doesn't interfere with activity. Full recovery takes about two weeks.

How long does it take to recover from a calf strain?

Grade 3: This is the most severe calf strain, and involves a complete tear or rupture of the affected muscle fibers. Full recovery can take three to four months and, in some instances, surgery may be needed.

Why does my calf feel like it's snapping?

You may feel sudden, severe (acute) pain in the middle of your calf and you may feel a snapping sensation and/or hear a snapping sound. It is usually a tear of the gastrocnemius muscle, and it can also occur due to a fluid collection between the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle. 6.

What to do if you have a DVT in your leg?

If your doctor suspects a DVT in your leg, they will order an ultrasound of your leg to confirm the diagnosis. A blood clot requires immediate therapy with a blood thinner. It can be tricky to tell the difference between a muscle or tendon injury, which is why it is important to see a doctor for acute calf pain.

How to heal calf injury?

Use of a foam roller : Performing gentle self-massage with a foam roller as your calf injury heals may help reduce scar tissue formation and improve blood flow to the area. Muscle strengthening : Your physical therapist may recommend exercises to help build muscle strength and coordination, which may help you avoid future strain injuries.

How to reduce swelling in calf?

Ice: Applying ice to your calf for 20-minute intervals, several times a day is recommended to reduce swelling. Avoid directly placing ice on your skin by placing a thin towel between the ice and your calf or by using a cold pack.

Why does my calf hurt?

Calf strains and pulls are common injuries, especially in athletes. If you develop sudden pain in your lower leg during activity, it could be due to a torn or pulled calf muscle. However, there are other reasons for calf pain, including serious conditions like blood clots. 1 If you have pain in your calf, it's important to get it properly checked ...

How long does it take for a pulled calf muscle to heal?

In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. But a full recovery may take up to six weeks, according to Oxford University Hospitals. Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time.

How to treat a pulled calf muscle?

In the meantime, you can use the following home treatments: Ice or cold compresses. Wrap these in a soft cloth and place on your calf for 10 minutes.

What does it mean when your calf is pulled?

A pulled calf muscle happens when your internal muscles are overstretched from exercise. This is a common injury, especially among athletes and runners. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling.

How to tell if you pulled your calf?

Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injury. A mild strain can leave you with pain and feelings of pulling within the lower half of your leg. You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling. redness.

What is pulled calf?

Pulled calf muscle. A pulled calf muscle refers to strains within the two muscles in the lower back of your leg that make up your calf. They’re called the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. When a strain occurs, muscle fibers are torn to some degree. A pulled calf muscle happens when your internal muscles are overstretched from exercise.

How to prevent calf muscle strains?

You can help prevent muscle strains and pulled calf muscles by: warming up for at least five minutes before exercise, including deep stretches. stretching your legs before exercising. cooling down for five minutes after you work out. stretching your muscles again for five minutes after you’ve cooled down.

How to tell if calf muscle is pulled?

A pulled calf muscle is diagnosed with a symptom check. Your doctor will also look for signs such as swelling and bruising. They may even have you do mild stretches while they look at your calf muscle to see if it’s pulled.

What is the best treatment for calf pain?

You have a couple of options when treating muscle strains. The first is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID), which helps reduce swelling and pain.

What to do if your calf hurts?

If you have calf pain caused by a mild injury or calf strain then self-care treatments are a great place to start. These treatments can be done in the comfort of your own home, on your own time. Check them out below.

How to heal muscle injuries?

With muscle injuries, one of the best ways to treat it is with rest. It’s so important to give your body time to heal without stressing the muscles with exercise and activity. We know this can be hard for some people who just can’t stop like athletes and busybodies--but you do need to rest.

What is the cure method for calf muscle injury?

A calf muscle injury that has been caused by exercise should start its recovery with the RICE method . This acronym has the gold standard for mild muscle injuries for a long time. Here are all the details:

What can a physical therapist do for leg pain?

They will guide you with a series of stretches and exercises in their office to improve your range of motion and strengthen your leg muscles. Many times you’ll be sent home with handouts to show you how to continue therapy at home.

How to help a calf injury?

While you are resting that calf injury, grab a pillow or two and elevate your lower leg. Elevation is a simple way to help reduce swelling which will in turn reduce calf pain. Your goal should be to raise your lower leg higher than the level of your heart.

How to treat muscle pain?

The cold numbs the pain and helps to minimize swelling in the area by constricting the blood vessels. Use an ice pack or submerge your calf into a cold bath. Keep the ice on for 20-minute intervals for the first couple of days for the best response. Never sleep with ice, it can cause serious skin damage.

How long does sciatica pain last?

Most sciatic pain lasts 4–6 weeks. Acute pain can feel like a stabbing, shooting, or burning sensation, which may subside into a dull ache. Sciatica becomes chronic if it lasts longer than 6 weeks and does not improve. Doctors usually recommend waiting for the issue to resolve without medical treatment unless the pain is excruciating or lasts ...

How long does it take for sciatica to go away?

Some research suggests that 40% of people will get sciatica at some point in their lives, mostly between the ages of 30–50. For most people, sciatica will resolve on its own in a few weeks without any medical intervention. Yoga classes and some lifestyle changes may be enough to remedy the issue.

What is the condition that causes pain in the back of one leg?

Prevention. Outlook. Summary. Sciatica is a condition that occurs when a person’s sciatic nerve becomes irritated, leading to pain along the back of one leg. This article reviews the symptoms of sciatica, how to treat and manage it, how long it lasts, and when to see a doctor.

How to stop sciatica from returning?

People should make sure they have good posture when they plan to sit for a long period of time. Exercise, such as walking, yoga, pilates, and light stretching, will help reduce pain and keep sciatica from returning.

How to relieve sciatica pain?

To relieve sciatic pain, try to avoid sitting or lying down for long periods. Take short walks and stay active. If a person has to sit down for work or school, they should make sure they have a decent chair and good posture. People should also try to avoid driving long distances.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

sitting and standing with good posture. avoiding sitting or lying down for long periods . using good form when picking up something heavy, including lifting from the knees, not the back. exercising and stretching regularly.

Can sitting for long periods cause sciatica?

Sitting for long periods, especially with bad posture, can trigger symptoms or make them worse. Even lying down for long periods can aggravate the sciatic nerve. Another acute cause of sciatica is lifting heavy objects without the proper technique. This can lead to a slipped disk, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

12 Answers

Sorry, I could not find any information on the duration of tendonitis as a Levaquin side effect. Tendonitis is a rare, but well documented side effect of Levaquin.

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What Is DVT?

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of your deeper veins. This condition is most common in the legs. The clot blocks the flow of blood, which leads to uncomfortable symptoms for the patient. If you have a DVT, you may notice redness on the skin near the clot, as well as pain and swelling.

How Long Will the Pain Last?

The pain from DVT will last at least as long as the blood clot remains untreated. After the blood clot resolves, the blood will begin to flow normally and DVT symptoms will usually fade.

How Is DVT Treated?

Some DVTs may resolve on their own. Unfortunately, in other cases, these clots may break off and travel to the lungs or heart, which can lead to serious complications. For this reason, seeking treatment is highly recommended to any patient with the symptoms of DVT.

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If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of DVT, please contact Siragusa Vein & Laser today to make an appointment.

Types of Calf Pain

Muscle-Related Causes

Other Causes

When to See A Healthcare Provider

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Summary

A Word from Verywell

• Treatment for your calf pain depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Some conditions that cause calf pain can easily be confused for others. For this reason, you should visit your healthcare provider for a diagnosis before starting a treatment program on your own. Surgery is rarely needed to treat calf pain, but it may be necessary for more s...

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