How do you treat a strained calf muscle?
Rest: After the strain occurs, you need to stop vigorous physical activity and rest the strained calf muscle. Continue walking and standing if the pain is not severe. If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend crutches. Ice: Apply ice to the calf muscle to help reduce swelling.
Can you walk with a pulled calf muscle?
You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: A severe pull in your calf muscles can leave you with feelings of sharp pain. It can also affect your mobility, making you unable to walk. A pulled calf muscle is diagnosed with a symptom check.
What happens if you move around with a calf strain?
While it may be difficult to rest your affected leg for a few days, moving around too soon can make the muscle strain worse. There’s also a risk for a recurring calf muscle strain within one to two weeks of the initial injury. About 30 percent of people with muscle injuries end up having repeated injuries.
What to do when your calves are so sore you can't walk?
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.
Is it okay to walk on a strained calf?
Avoid forceful and strenuous activity such as running and jumping until you can walk without it causing any pain. Always try to walk normally, i.e. your heel strikes the floor first, rock forward on your foot and then push off with your toes.
Is walking good for calf strain recovery?
Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time. If you have to have surgery for a severe pull in your calf muscle, it may take several weeks or months before you fully recover.
How long after calf strain can I walk?
This injury consists of a more significant, but still incomplete muscle tear. This a partial muscle tear and requires 3 to 6 weeks of rest and recovery before you can return to full activity.
Should I massage a calf strain?
The No HARM protocol should also be applied which includes no heat, alcohol, running or activity, and no massage. This will help ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.
Can you walk on a grade 3 calf strain?
A grade 3 calf strain is a severe injury involving a complete tear to half or all of the calf muscle. Crutches or even a moon boot may be required to enable walking due to severe pain and weakness. Immediate swelling and bruising will be present within 24 hours.
What is the fastest way to heal a calf muscle?
Management and TreatmentRest: Once you feel calf pain, stop doing physical activity and rest your leg. ... Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours. ... Compression: Apply a compression wrap or sleeve to your calf.More items...•
Can you walk with a Grade 2 calf strain?
Usually minimal or no limits to activity. Grade II calf strain: Moderate discomfort with walking. Limited ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have swelling and bruising.
Can you walk with a Grade 1 calf strain?
Grade 1. A mild or partial stretch or tearing of a few muscle fibers. The muscle is tender and painful, but maintains its normal strength. Leg use is not limited, and walking is normal.
How do I know if I tore my calf muscle?
What are the symptoms of a pulled calf muscle?Difficulty tensing your calf muscles or standing on toes.Muscle pain when flexing your ankle or pointing your toes.Problems bending your knee.Snapping or popping sensation in your calf.Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg.Swelling in your calf muscle.More items...•
What does a grade 3 calf strain feel like?
Grade 3 degree strain Symptoms – a complete rupture Pain is felt immediately, and can feel like a burning or stabbing sensation. The muscle is tender to touch. Inflammation occurs. A lump of muscle tissue can be felt where the tear has occurred.
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 treat calf pain?
Rest: 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. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin. Compression: Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.
How to prevent calf muscle pull?
You can reduce your risk of a pulled calf muscle by: Keeping your calf muscles strong and conditioned. Stretching routinely. Not pushing through pain. Resting and recovering between workouts. Using proper technique when playing sports. Warming up and stretching your calf muscles before physical activity.
What does it mean when your calf is pulled?
A note from Cleveland Clinic. A pulled calf muscle happens when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. It’s a common injury with athletes that do a lot of stop-and-go movements, but it can also affect older, active individuals. Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation.
What age group is most likely to pull calf muscles?
Other risk factors for pulled calf muscles include: Age: People over 40 may be more likely to get strains during physical activity. Sex: Some studies suggest that men are more likely to get calf muscle injuries.
What is pulled calf muscle?
What is a pulled calf muscle? A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when the muscles in your calf — the soleus and gastrocnemius — get overstretched. The calf muscles are in your lower leg behind your shin bone and extend from the base of your thigh down to your heel. They help you flex and bend your foot, ankle and knee.
Why do I have calf strains?
Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains. This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly.
How many lower limb injuries are caused by calf strains?
One study estimated that calf strains make up about 1.3% of all lower limb injuries in runners. Another study of soccer players identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12% of all muscle injuries.
How long after calf strain can you massage?
Massage. Sports massage for calf strains can be used after the initial acute phase has finished. Do not massage in the first 5 days post-injury, longer for more severe injuries. Massage may damage newly formed blood vessels and increase bleeding.
What does a calf strain feel like?
With a more severe strain, you will feel a sudden sharp pain at the back of the lower leg at the time of injury. Calf muscle strains are graded from 1 to 3, with grade 3 being the most severe. If you suspect a grade 2 or 3 injury, we advise seeking professional advice.
Why do my calf muscles get tight?
Tight calf muscles – over time your muscles may tighten up and parts of the muscle may go into spasm, either from congenital reasons (genetics), or poor footwear. Wearing high heels. If you regularly wear high-heeled shoes this increases the risk of a number of injuries including calf strains.
What muscle group is the calf muscle?
The calf muscle group consists of the Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles. The gastrocnemius is the big muscle at the back of the lower leg. The soleus is the smaller of the two and is located lower down and lies underneath the gastrocnemius. Both muscles contract to produce ‘plantar flexion’ at the ankle joint.
What is a DVT in a calf?
A DVT is a blood clot in a vein. It is most common in the calf muscle area, particularly following surgery and long-haul flights. It is very important this is not misdiagnosed as a calf strain because treating it as one can cause life-threatening complications.
What type of support is used for running and agility?
In the later stages, when running and agility exercises are introduced, a heat retainer type support can be worn. This will help keep the muscle warm and improve blood flow. A professional on-field first aider or therapist may apply a compression bandage immediately after injury.
How to treat a swollen muscle?
Use a cold therapy and compression wrap to minimise any bleeding within the muscle. Cold therapy can be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every hour initially, reducing frequency as symptoms allow. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause ice burns. A simple reuseable gel pack with an elastic wrap is ideal.
What is calf strain?
A calf strain occurs as a result of these muscles being torn or pulled. When a muscle is stretched, small micro tears occur in the muscle fibres. The severity of these tears depends on the depth and suddenness of the stretch. There are three different degrees of calf strain: grade 1 is a mild strain, grade 2 moderate to severe pain ...
How to tell if you have a calf strain?
What are the Symptoms of a Calf Strain. A sudden sharp pain in the lower leg. Pain/ache in the calf, usually mid calf. Pain on resisted plantar flexion (pointed toe) or when standing on pointed toes. A sensation of being hit on the back of the lower leg. A burning/stabbing sensation.
What muscles are involved in calf flexion?
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. These 3 muscles are referred to as ‘the triceps surae’, and they attach to the Achilles tendon. They are responsible for extending the foot (plantar flexion) and bending the leg at the knee joint.
Why do my calf muscles strain?
A calf strain occurs when the calf muscles are over stretched. This can be caused by a sudden, abrupt movement or as a result of over use. Insufficient warm up or cool down is a common cause of calf strain. A sudden change of direction.
What is the best exercise for a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist or sports massage therapist can recommend strengthening, flexibility and proprioceptive exercises in the sub-acute and the chronic stage of recovery. Exercises should focus on stretching and strengthening, focusing on the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles; for example calf and toe raises.
How long does it take for a calf strain to heal?
The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome. In a grade 1 strain recovery is roughly 2 weeks.
What does a grade 3 strain feel like?
Grade 3 degree strain Symptoms – a complete rupture. Pain is felt immediately, and can feel like a burning or stabbing sensation. The muscle is tender to touch. Inflammation occurs. A lump of muscle tissue can be felt where the tear has occurred.
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 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.
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.
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 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 to do when calf strain is severe?
Only in severe cases when the majority of the muscle is torn are other interventions, like surgery, necessary. The initial treatment in mild or moderate strains is controlling the pain and limiting any bleeding that is present.
How to treat a muscle strain?
You can safely treat this condition on your own. A muscle strain can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and pain medication.
What does it mean when your ankle hurts when you flex it?
Mild injury: A mild injury only elicits pain when you flex your calf while standing (e.g. standing on “tiptoes” while on one leg) or if you give a small hop on one leg. Moderate injury: A moderate injury may be noticed by simple flexes of your ankle in a downward motion (e.g. pressing the gas in your car).
What is a tennis leg strain?
These strains are commonly referred to as “ tennis leg ” strains as they commonly occur when an individual changes direction suddenly to return a volley in tennis. They are common when an unconditioned individual engages in intense physical activity and damages the muscle fibers of the leg.
What does it mean when your lower leg hurts?
A tearing sensation along the back of your lower leg. Localized: This pain is often localized to the central portion of the calf and stretching the calf muscle can frequently cause the pain to reoccur. Difficulty with functioning: Mild injuries may accumulate and cause difficulty with functioning or limited functioning of the calf.
How long does it take for ice to work on a swollen leg?
For the first two days, ice may be appropriate and useful as a means of limiting pain and swelling in the lower leg. However, after the first two days, it is often necessary to use a stronger pain control agent to control swelling.
Why do my legs tingle?
Tingling in the lower leg can also have the feeling of numbness or a burning sensation in the lower leg. Causes of lower leg tingling include neurological issues of the back, restless leg syndrome, or diabetic neuropathy. Lower Leg.
How to stop calf muscle pain?
Avoid any activities that could strain the muscle further and cause pain. Ice. Apply an ice pack to the calf muscle for up to 20 minutes every hour to reduce inflammation and help get rid of the pain. Compression. Gently apply an elastic bandage around your calf muscle to help prevent swelling in the calf muscle tear.
How to heal a pulled calf muscle?
As the pulled calf muscle heals, a warm heating pad, exercises, and stretching can all help to speed up the healing process. Advertisement.
Why does my calf hurt?
Calf muscle injuries can happen when straining tight leg muscles by accelerating fast or suddenly changing direction. Pulling or tearing a calf muscle can cause a sudden sharp pain in the back of your leg. Depending on the extent of injury to your calf muscle, you might have mild to intense pain.
Why do my legs feel tight at night?
Night leg cramps (also called nocturnal leg cramps or “charley horses”) mostly happen in the calf muscles. 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.
How long does it take for a calf muscle to heal?
A grade 1 calf muscle injury will take between one and 3 weeks to heal. Grade 2 calf muscle injury. A partial tear of the calf muscle results in a moderate, or grade 2 calf muscle injury. Pain will be significant and will cause weakness in the lower leg muscle and make walking difficult.
Why do my calves pull?
Doctors from the National Health Service (NHS) say that calf strains are commonly caused by putting too much force on the calf muscles.
Where do pulled calves occur?
Most cases of pulled, torn, or strained calves occur in the gastrocnemius which joins the ankle and knee. 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.
How to tell if calf is strained?
Telling signs of a calf strain depend on the severity of the injury. First degree— the strain may not manifest any symptoms until after running has ceased. You may only feel mild discomfort and tightness when you stretch or contract your muscles.
How long does it take to recover from a calf strain?
How long will it take you to bounce back from the injury depends on the severity of the injury. Take two weeks off running for grade one calf strains, three to six weeks for grade two, and as long as possible for grade three. That said, let pain guide your level of activity. Stop running altogether if running causes the symptoms to worsen.
What are the two muscles of the calf?
The calf muscles are comprised of two major muscles: the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle . The gastrocnemius refers to the largest muscle, forming the visible shape beneath the skin. It’s the more superficial muscle with soleus, a smaller, flat, muscle, sitting beneath it.
What is a calf strain?
Also known as a calf pull, or tear, calf strains occurs when one of the calf muscles is stretched beyond the tissues’ limits, breaking off from the Achilles tendon. When a strain happens, muscle fibers are torn to some degree. You might feel or hear a pop in your calf muscle. Stretching excessively, lack ...
What is the calf muscle?
What’s The Calf Muscle? The calf muscles are one of the most important yet neglected areas of a runner’s body. They extend from the knee to the ankle, turning into the Achilles tendon in the lower part of the leg. The calf muscles are comprised of two major muscles: the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle.
How many times does the calf muscle lift?
Your calf muscles perform quick and large contractions during a run. In general, your calf muscle lifts your heels roughly 1400 times every mile, and your shins raise the toes and absorb impact, supporting the arches.
How to treat a swollen limb after exercise?
Apply Ice. Ice the injured limb in the acute phase—usually 48 hours following injury and then after exercise. Cold therapy helps calm the inflammatory response and increases blood flow to the area, which is a good thing if you ask me.
How to stop calf muscle strain?
Rest: After the strain occurs, you need to stop vigorous physical activity and rest the strained calf muscle. Continue walking and standing if the pain is not severe. If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend crutches. Ice: Apply ice to the calf muscle to help reduce swelling.
How to treat a calf muscle injury?
Ice: Apply ice to the calf muscle to help reduce swelling. Try to do this as soon as possible after the onset of the injury. Continue icing for 20 minutes, three times a day, for 48 to 72 hours. Compression: To help decrease swelling, you can wrap your calf muscle with an elastic bandage.
What are some exercises to strengthen the soleus muscle?
Calf raises on a short step or towel-assisted stretches can also serve as strengthening exercises.
What happens if you strain your calf?
A strain happens when you injure a muscle or tendon — in this case, the calf or lower leg area.
What is the most predictive of future calf injury?
The authors found that increasing age and previous calf injuries are the most predictive of future calf injury or strain.
Can you do light exercise with a strain?
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine says light range of motion exercises and activity modification are acceptable for minor strains. As far as resuming regular activity, once your range of motion and strength are close to normal, your doctor may clear you for sports or more vigorous exercise.
Can calf strains be prevented?
The authors found that increasing age and previous calf injuries are the most predictive of future calf injury or strain. Since so many calf strains occur during physical activity and, more specifically, sports-related events, taking a preventive approach may help reduce the chance of re-injuring the muscle.
What causes calf muscle pain?
calf strain is caused by a tearing of part of the gastrocnemius or soleus muscle from the top of the Achilles tendon. A sudden sharp pain at the back of the leg when running, sprinting or lunging is how the injury presents and occurs. Usually there is tenderness on the calf muscle; especially on the inner side. You may think you've just been hit in the leg. Often, there is an audible "pop," and you may turn around to see what has just hit you. There is a sudden pain at the back of the leg, you may have difficulty in contracting the muscle or standing on tiptoe, and there may be pain, swelling or bruising in the calf muscle. This injury is common in running sports that require quick acceleration of changes in direction. Calf strain is also referred to as "Tennis Leg," because it is so common among tennis players. It usually occurs in people between the ages of 30 – 45.
Which muscle is the calf muscle?
The calf muscles consist of the Gastrocnemius, which is the big muscle at the back of the lower leg, and the Soleus muscle, which is a smaller muscle lower down in the leg and under the Gastrocnemius. Either of these two muscles can be strained (torn).
