what is the best treatment for a pulled calf muscle

How long should I rest a pulled calf muscle for?

Management and Treatment How are pulled calf muscles treated? Immediate treatment for pulled calf muscles usually includes RICE, which stands for: 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.

Should I apply heat or cold to a pulled muscle?

Jul 23, 2018 · Treating a pulled calf muscle A mild calf muscle strain may resolve within in a few days. In the meantime, you can use the following home …

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

Jun 22, 2018 · Just after a calf muscle injury, the best treatment is to ice the back of your leg to prevent further swelling. As the pulled calf muscle heals, a warm heating pad, exercises, and stretching can all help to speed up the healing process. Advertisement In this article, you will find out what can cause you to strain, pull, or tear your calf muscle.

Should I put Heat on a pulled muscle?

Dec 19, 2021 · In most cases, people can treat a pulled calf muscle at home with rest, cold and hot packs, compression, and elevation. A person may find over-the-counter pain medications helpful as well. If the...

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.

How do you know if you pulled a calf muscle?

Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include: No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf.Aug 24, 2021

Should you stretch a pulled calf muscle?

As healing gets underway, it is important you begin a series of exercises to gently stretch the calf muscle. This will help your knee and ankle joints to get back into their normal position. This helps to reduce the risk of further injury.

Can you walk with torn calf muscle?

With a minor calf injury, symptoms will be mild with minimal swelling, you will be able to walk unaided with slight discomfort but sudden movements that stretch or work the calf may cause an increase in pain.Sep 30, 2012

Is it better to rest or exercise a pulled muscle?

“The most important treatment for acute muscle strain is rest,” he explains. “Continuing to stress a pulled muscle could result in further damage to muscle and a much longer healing time.Nov 15, 2021

Should you massage a 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

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

Why is my calf strain not healing?

0:525:44Why is My Calf Strain not Healing? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhy is my calf strain not healing. And by far the most common reason has been because they've justMoreWhy is my calf strain not healing. And by far the most common reason has been because they've just not strengthened it to a high enough level to be able to do their sports.

Do compression socks help calf strains?

Although compression socks cannot cure your calf strain, they can significantly help reduce and alleviate pain and help further prevent calf injuries. Copper-infused compression socks can reduce calf pain and swelling, prevent damage, and treat the issues that are causing calf pain.Feb 19, 2021

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

How do I know if my calf injury is serious?

Signs and SymptomsSwelling in the area of the strain.Bruising in the affected area(s).Weakness in the calf when trying to walk, climb stairs, or stand.You limp when walking.You can't do daily activities that require standing and walking.You can't run, jump, or put weight on the affected leg.Nov 2, 2019

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....8. Compartment syndromesevere pain that doesn't improve after rest or medication.numbness.trouble moving the affected area.a noticeable bulge in the affected muscle.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

What are the muscles in the back of the leg called?

These calf muscles are called the gastrocnemius and soleus. Dr. Carol DerSarkissian on WebMD says that the gastrocnemius is a diamond shape muscle that forms the bulge at the back of your leg.

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.

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.

What is the best treatment for calf muscle strain?

Make sure you get the doctor to clearly explain the diagnosis, especially the cause (if possible), and provide you with various treatment options for your condition. Rest and home care modalities (such as ice) are appropriate for mild-to-moderate calf muscle strains.

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 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.

What is the best way to diagnose calf muscle pain?

X-rays, bone scans, MRI, CT scan and ultrasound are modalities that specialists may use to help diagnose your lower leg pain. Calf muscle injuries are relatively common among those who play tennis, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball, as well as those who run track and field.

How long does it take for a calf muscle to recover?

Calf strains are most common in men between the ages of 30 and 50 years.

How to know if calf strain is serious?

1. Identify the seriousness of the injury. 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.

How to heal a calf muscle?

Resting the injured leg and keeping it elevated can help speed up the recovery process. People should wait until their calf muscle heals completely before resuming their regular physical activities. Using a muscle before it heals can result in the initial injury taking longer to heal.

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

Depending on the severity of the injury, a pulled calf muscle can take several weeks or months to heal. A doctor may recommend surgery to treat a severely strained or torn calf muscle.

How to treat a calf sprain?

People can use a cold compress to reduce inflammation and relieve muscle pain during the first 2 days, when they should apply a cold compress to the calf for 20 minutes up to eight times a day.

What muscle is pulled in the back of the lower leg?

Recovery. Seeing a doctor. Summary. A pulled or strained calf muscle affects the muscles and tendons in the back of the lower leg. A person may feel pain in the: gastrocnemius muscle. soleus muscle. plantaris muscle. Achilles tendon.

What does it feel like to pull a calf muscle?

Symptoms. A person with a pulled calf muscle may experience muscle cramps, swelling, and redness. The symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild muscle strain can cause pain that feels similar to post-workout soreness.

How to help a sore leg after a calf injury?

After this time, hot packs can help ease muscle soreness and stiffness. Wraps and bandages. Wrapping the injured calf in an elastic bandage or compression sock can help prevent swelling and inflammation. Elevation of the injured leg. People can rest their leg on a pillow or a rolled-up blanket or towel.

How to tell if calf muscle is pulled?

A doctor can diagnose a pulled calf muscle by carrying out a physical examination, during which they will check for swelling, bruising, and redness. They may also ask the person to describe any recent changes to their regular physical activity routine.

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.

Which muscle is the most powerful during sprinting?

Both muscles contract to produce ‘plantar flexion’ at the ankle joint. This is the same movement as standing up onto your tip-toes. The Gastrocnemius is the more powerful muscle that produces propulsion during dynamic movements such as sprinting and jumping.

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.

Overview

Your calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus) are in your lower leg, behind your shin bone. They extend from behind your knee down to your heel. These muscles can tear if you perform sudden movements that severely overstretch them. Calf muscle tears can be partial or complete (rupture).

Symptoms and Causes

A ruptured calf muscle can happen if you suddenly overstretch your calf. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops during sports can cause this injury. It’s also possible to develop tears over time if you overwork your calf muscles. People who return to exercise too quickly after a previous calf injury can also develop tears.

Diagnosis and Tests

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms. They may palpate (press) on your calf muscles to check for areas of tenderness or swelling.

Management and Treatment

After confirming you have a torn calf muscle, your healthcare provider may recommend a home treatment known as RICE:

Prevention

Allowing your calf muscles to rest and recover between games, practices or workouts.

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

What to do if your calf is hurting?

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. If you think you or your child have a calf muscle injury, visit your nearest FastMed Urgent Care to have a medical professional evaluate its severity.

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.

What are the three grades of calf muscle strain?

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 long does it take for a calf pull to heal?

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. Though this type of injury can heal on its own, it’s important to get a medical evaluation from a trained professional first before beginning treatment.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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 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 ...

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.

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 ice therapy last?

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). Ice bands are an effective way of applying ice therapy.

What is pulled calf muscle?

Pulled Calf Muscle. A pulled calf muscle is a really common sporting injury that can cause long-term problems if not effectively managed. Other common terms for this injury include a calf muscle strain, calf tear and torn calf muscle. Essentially, what all these terms refer to is one of the calf muscles being pulled beyond its normal elastic limit, ...

How to stop swelling in calf muscle?

Compression: Wearing a compression support or tubigrip also help reduce swelling in the calf muscle and provides some support to help protect from further injury. Elevation: Keeping the leg elevated when resting helps to stop excess fluid and blood pooling in the calf muscle which helps to reduce swelling.

What muscles are in the calf?

The calf is made up of two muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus. They work together to pull the foot downwards into plantarflexion e.g. pointing your toes or lifting your heel up off the floor. The deep soleus muscle arises from just below the knee joint.

What is grade 3 calf?

Grade 3 Symptoms. With a grade 3 there is a large tear where there is complete rupture of the calf muscle i.e . all the fibres are torn, or a complete rupture of one of the heads of gastrocnemius. When suffering from a completely torn calf muscle, pain will be severe and immediate.

How to tell if calf is grade 1?

Grade 1 Symptoms. With a grade 1 calf strain, only a few of the muscle fibres are damaged, up to approximately 10%. Mild pain may be felt at the time of injury or may not develop until after activity has stopped. The calf may feel tight and painful to move and it may be accompanied by cramp .

What is grade 2 calf muscle injury?

Grade 2 pulled calf muscle injuries tend to cause a moderate, sharp pain that is usually felt at the time of injury and there may be resultant swelling and bruising in the surrounding area. The area will be painful when the calf muscles contract or are stretched and the region is often tender to touch.

How many grades of calf muscle strain are there?

There are three grades of calf muscle strain, depending on how much of the muscle is damaged. Here we will look at what muscles make up the calf complex, how they are injured, the common symptoms experienced, what the best treatment options are and how to prevent yourself from suffering from a pulled calf muscle.