what is the best treatment for a calf strain

How long does it take 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.

Should you massage calf strain?

Getting a massage is also very beneficial right after the initial injury (just not at the site of the tear!) Massage can lengthen the entire posterior chain while increasing circulation around the strain through the whole leg. Rubbing the bottom of your foot over a tennis ball can also ease the pain felt in the calf.Jun 12, 2018

Is it OK to walk with a calf strain?

For the first few days, reduce the amount of walking you do. Gently move your ankle regularly to avoid stiffness. Avoid forceful and strenuous activity such as running and jumping until you can walk without it causing any pain.

How do you know if you pulled a muscle in your calf?

A feeling of tightness, tenderness, or weakness in the calf area. Spasms (a gripping or severe tightening in the calf muscle). Sharp pain in the back lower leg when trying to stretch or move the ankle or knee. A pulling sensation at the time of injury.Nov 2, 2019

Is Deep heat good for calf strain?

Just massage it onto major muscle groups like hamstrings, calves, thighs, shoulders, biceps etc. to build warmth and prevent injuries. The Deep Heat PRO Recovery Massage Oil is best used post-exercise to warm down, loosen tight muscles and help repair muscle tissue by boosting blood circulation.Nov 29, 2018

Should I wrap a strained calf?

Wrap your lower leg with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap) to help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, since this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight.

What is the difference between a calf strain and a tear?

Symptoms. A calf strain usually starts with sudden pain in the back of the lower leg. A pop, snap or tearing sensation may be felt. Occasionally, with a severe tear, it may feel like you have been shot in the back of the leg.Mar 15, 2018

Can a calf tear heal on its own?

Yes, a torn calf muscle can heal on its own. Healing time will depend on the severity of the injury and the correct rehabilitation process. However, seeing a physiotherapist can help in managing this injury successfully and avoiding prolonged pain and dysfunction.

What does a grade 3 calf strain feel like?

Someone who experiences a grade three calf strain will experience immediate and excruciating pain. They will be unable to continue the activity, and may not be able to move their calf muscle at all.Feb 3, 2016

Can you walk with 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.Apr 13, 2019

Calf Muscle Strain vs. Pulled Calf Muscle vs. Calf Muscle Tear

What is the difference between a strained, pulled, and torn calf muscle? All of these injuries to your calves can cause varying degrees of pain and...

Grades of Calf Muscle Injury

All types of calf muscle injuries are graded according to their severity. These are classed as mild, moderate, or severe injuries to the calves. Ac...

What Does Pulled, Strained, Or Torn Calf Muscle Feel like?

Straining, pulling, or tearing a calf muscle can feel like something has hit the back of your leg with force. According to the journal Radiology Ca...

Causes of Strained, Pulled, Or Torn Calf Muscle

Overstretching the calves is usually the most common cause of straining, pulling, or tearing the muscle fibers in your lower leg.Doctors from the N...

Calf Muscle Cramps During The Night

Night leg cramps (also called nocturnal leg cramps or “charley horses”) mostly happen in the calf muscles. These are involuntary contractions or sp...

How Long Do Calf Muscle Injuries Take to heal?

Knowing how long it takes a calf muscle injury to heal depends on the extent of gastrocnemius tearing in the leg. However, the length of time a tor...

How to Treat Pulled Or Strained Calf Muscle

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.

Exercises For Calf Muscle Strain

After two or three weeks of applying ice and heat treatments, you can start to use exercises for calf muscle strain. If you have suffered a grade 2...

How to Prevent Calf Muscle Injuries

To prevent bad calf muscle strains and tears, it is very important to warm up before taking part in strenuous activity.According to the Journal of...

When to See A Doctor For Calf Muscle Injury

Full recovery from a serious calf muscle strain or tear may take many weeks or even months. During this time, you should continue building strength...

How to treat calf pain?

Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel and hold on the calf area at the back of your leg. Depending on the extent of strain in the calf muscles, you may have to apply the ice pack daily for the first few days to help control pain, swelling, and inflammation.

What is a calf strain called?

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. 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.

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.

What happens if you tear your calf?

You might even hear your calf muscle “pop” when it tears. This kind of bad calf muscle injury usually results in swelling, bruising, and a lot of pain.

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.

Where is the calf muscle located?

Your calf muscles are located at the back of your lower leg and are needed to move your legs when walking, running, or jumping.

What is the soleus muscle?

The soleus is a much smaller calf muscle and is located under the gastrocnemius. Both of the muscles in the calves taper at the bottom and join to your Achilles tendon. 1. The function of your calf muscles is to provide mobility to your legs and enable you to freely walk, run, or jump.

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.

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.

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.

What happens when you pull your calf?

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. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery.

Can a calf tear cause pain?

A calf strain can cause pain and prevent you from running, jumping and doing other activities. A severely pulled calf muscle can result in partial or complete tears. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

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 long does it take to recover from a calf strain?

The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome. In a grade 1 strain recovery is roughly 2 weeks. 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.

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 Achilles tendon?

The Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (the calcaneus). The soleus sits deep to the gastrocnemius, with the plantaris muscle and part of its tendon located between these two muscles. 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.

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.

How long does it take to train gastrocnemius?

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.

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.

How to recover from a grade 3 strain?

Your doctor may schedule surgery if a complete rupture is evident. After surgery, the doctor will recommend a prescribed plan of action for reducing swelling and managing pain. He or she will also assign a musculoskeletal specialist such as a physical therapist, sports chiropractor or physiatrist to assist you with rehabbing your injury, which will follow a slower progression of the graded exercises program mentioned above. Recovery can take several months until you’re able to fully return to activity.

How long does it take for a grade 2 strain to heal?

It will also likely have swelling, and a noticeable loss of strength and range of motion. People with grade II strains generally require 3 to 6 weeks to completely heal and return to full activity.

What is grade 3 strain?

A grade 3 strain is a complete rupture of the muscle. This severe injury results in significant swelling and bruising, as the muscle has pulled away from the connecting tendon, or is torn in two pieces. The muscle has a complete lack of function, and requires a full six months to a year for a complete recovery. In many cases, surgery is required in the case of complete rupture. Grade III strains are quite painful, and can result in a hematoma (a localized pooling of blood due to a torn blood vessel). Such injuries require immediate attention.

What is Radius Clinic?

Radius Clinic serves Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, and El Dorado Counties, providing high-quality sports therapy for patients with all kinds of injuries or performance limitations. Our experts can help you recover from surgery (or avoid surgery), regain strength and range of motion following injuries, manage pain, and prevent recurrent injury. All of our professionals are experts in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and we take great care to make you feel welcome and supported on your treatment journey to recovery. If you are suffering from a calf injury, give us a call or schedule a Telehealth appointment with us! We’ll get you up and running again, safely and as quickly as possible.

How to treat a calf injury?

For most cases, make sure you’re following the PRICE treatment. In addition, you can also treat your calf injury by: 1 Taking an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or naproxen 2 Wearing a brace or use crutches 3 Doing rehabilitating exercises, such as calf stretches and heel lifts

How to treat a torn calf muscle?

In addition, you can also treat your calf injury by: Taking an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Wearing a brace or use crutches. Doing rehabilitating exercises, such as calf stretches and heel lifts.

Why does my calf tear?

Calf Muscle Tear Explained. Muscle tears or strains are caused by undue pressure that usually occurs during physical activity. This damage results in a partial or full tear of the muscle fibers and attached tendons.

What are the grades of calf strains?

There are three grades of a calf muscle strain: Grade 1 Pull: Damage to a few muscle fibers. Grade 2 Strain: Damage to a larger number of muscle fibers. Grade 3 Tear: Complete tear in the muscle.

How to tell if you pulled a muscle?

Symptoms won’t be recognized until the individual stops the activity that caused the pull. Grade 2 symptoms include immediate pain (especially when stretched or contracted). Bruises may also appear where the muscle was strained, causing the area to be sore to the touch. Grade 3 symptoms include an immediate burning sensation and stabbing pain ...

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What are the symptoms of a torn calf muscle?

Notable symptoms for a strained or torn calf muscle are stiffness, swelling, pain, and bruising. However, depending on the severity of the injury, it can result in more specific symptoms based on grade: Grade 1 symptoms include a cramping sensation, tightness, and slight pain when the calf muscles stretch and contract.

How to heal a calf muscle?

Talk to your doctor first. 6. Eat foods rich in nutrients and electrolytes. To help your muscles heal faster, eat a healthy, balanced diet.

What is a calf strain?

A calf strain is a common leg injury that is caused when excessive force is placed on the muscles at the back of the lower legs. A strain usually occurs when muscle fibers in this area are weakened, stretched, or torn. Most calf strains can usually be easily treated at home, but you might need to see your doctor or a physical therapist ...

What can I take for a swollen thigh?

Talk to your pharmacist about over-the-counter medication. You can take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and relieve pain for a short period of time. Your pharmacist will be able to make a recommendation based on your symptoms.

How to help swelling from a swollen ear?

Icing helps alleviate swelling and temporarily reduces pain. Be sure to wrap the ice pack with a towel to help keep your skin comfortable during treatment. Avoid applying the ice pack directly to your skin as it can become too cold to tolerate. ...

What does it mean when your calf is red?

Intolerable pain or pain beyond a moderate level . A calf that is extremely red, tender, and hot to the touch. Swelling or discoloration in your leg. Tears, rashes, or punctures on your skin.

How to reduce swelling in calf?

Follow the instructions on the package or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to apply the bandage. Elevate your foot above your head. While you’re resting your calf, keep it elevated as often as possible. This is a common technique done to reduce swelling.

What to do when you have a muscle injury?

Standard exercise activities like calisthenics and stretching to rehabilitate and strengthen the injured muscle. Massage therapy to help your muscles heal. Hydrotherapy for those who prefer low impact exercises. ...

How to relieve pain from calf muscle injury?

Wear a heel pad in your shoe for a few days to raise your heel and shorten the injured calf muscle, which will relieve some of the tension / pain. But don't forget about it; if left in place too long can cause a flexion contracture (shortening) of the achilles tendon and permanent stiffness of the ankle.

How to treat a torn calf muscle?

Once you know that, you'll know how to treat the injury successfully. For minor calf strains, the best approach is rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

How to tell between gastrocnemius and soleus strain?

With a more serious strain, it's important to distinguish which muscle is involved to the greater extent: the deeper soleus or the more superficial "heads" of the gastrocnemius. MRI or diagnostic ultrasound may be needed to best diagnose the location and degree of the injury. Grade II strains involve more extensive damage, up to 90% of the muscle fibers may be torn. These injuries present with more pain (described as sharp in nature), significant loss of muscle strength and range of motion. Swelling is more severe and bruising quickly develops because of the internal bleeding from the torn muscle fibers.

Why does my calf hurt?

Furthermore, some serious medical conditions can cause calf pain or refer pain to that region, such as a bone fracture, bone cancer, bone infection (osteomyelitis), venous insufficiency, sciatica from a lumbar disc herniation or complications related to diabetes. [2]

What doctor can help with calf pain?

As such, medical specialists such as an orthopedist (bone and joint specialist), neurologist (nerve specialist) or physiatrist (muscle and bone specialist) may be needed to rule out the most serious causes of your calf pain.

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

Most calf strains are minor injuries and self-heal within a week -- the degree of pain, disability and bruising are good indicators of seriousness. Grade I muscle strains involve micro-tears of up to 10% of the muscle fibers.

Why do calf stretches help?

Practice calf stretches. Mild muscle strains respond well to some light stretching because it relieves muscle tension and promotes blood flow. Following the inflammatory phase of a muscle strain injury, some scar tissue forms, which is not as flexible as muscle fiber.

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 to heal a calf muscle?

A mild calf muscle strain may resolve within in a few days. In the meantime, you can use the following home treatments: 1 Ice or cold compresses. Wrap these in a soft cloth and place on your calf for 10 minutes. You can repeat the process every hour or two for the first three days of your injury if you still have swelling. 2 Heat pads. Make sure the setting is on low and that you don’t fall asleep with a heating pad on your leg. Try not to use a heating pad right away as the heat may cause your calf to swell more. 3 Leg wraps. These can also help reduce swelling and increase mobility. 4 Prop your leg up above heart level. This will decrease swelling. 5 Rest for at least a full day. Only return to exercise and your normal activities after your calf is completely free from pain and swelling. 6 Take over-the-counter pain medications. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Ibuprofen is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces swelling.

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.

What to do if your calf is swollen?

Only return to exercise and your normal activities after your calf is completely free from pain and swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medications. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.

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 strengthen calf muscles?

Ask your doctor about the following exercises you can try at home during your calf muscle recovery: Chair stretches. Sitting in a stable chair, bend and straighten the knee of your affected leg for 10 repetitions at a time. Wall stretches.

How to stretch your toes?

Flex your foot and set your heel firmly into the floor. Gently press your toes towards you for 5 seconds in this position, repeating the stretch up to 10 times. Standing stretches. Grip the back of a sturdy chair and lift yourself on the balls of your feet for 5 seconds.

How to stop swelling in a swollen ear?

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 help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.

How to write a medical list?

You may want to write a list that includes: 1 Detailed descriptions of your symptoms 2 Information about medical problems you've had 3 Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings 4 All the medications and dietary supplements you take 5 Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to check for in a physical exam?

Diagnosis. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage.