Physio Sessions Online
Dr. online consultation
New Delhi Branch: +91 991 0302 876
+91 (11) 460-62876
+91 9910302876
Timings
Book your Appointment
 

Calf Injury

 

Muscle pulls and tears commonly occur in the major muscles of the calf, the gastronemius and the soleus.

 

These muscles make up the large bulge in the back of the lower leg and are responsible for lifting the heel and driving you forward as you run.

 

A calf strain can be caused by:

 

  • Stretching the calf muscles beyond the amount of tension that they can withstand
  • Suddenly putting stress on the calf muscles when they are not ready for the stress
  • Using the calf muscles too much on a certain day
  • A direct blow to the calf muscles

Need Help?

Just make an appointment to get help from our experts

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.

 

Risk factors for calf muscle strain include:

 

  • Ice can be used at least 3 times a day and is useful for the first couple of days following an injury
  • Hot may be useful after the first few days to help with the pain
  • NSAIDS helpful to help control the pain – speak to your doctor

 

Treatment for an Acute Rotator Cuff Tear

 

  • Apply ice to reduce swelling as above
  • Tight calf muscles
  • Overexertion
  • Cold weather

 

Sports that require bursts of speed, such as:

 

  • Running
  • Hurdles
  • Long jump
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Football
  • Rugby

Symptoms of calf muscle strain include:

 

  • Pain and tenderness in the calff
  • Stiffness in the calf muscles
  • Weakness of the calf muscles
  • Pain when pushing off the foot or standing on tiptoe
  • Bruising on the calf (if blood vessels are broken)
  • Popping sensation as the muscle tears (possibly)

 

The doctor at A+ clinic will ask about your symptoms and medical history, your recent physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will also examine your calf for:

 

For a severe calf strain, professional athletes sometimes have MRI scans to help predict the length of their recovery period.

 

Treatment usually includes:

 

  • Rest
  • Cold
  • Pain Relief Medications
  • Compression
  • Elevation
  • Heat
  • Stretching
  • Strengthening

 

To reduce the chance that you will strain a calf muscle:

 

  • Keep your calf muscles strong so they can absorb the energy of sudden physical stress.
  • After a short warm-up period, stretch out your calf muscles before physical activity.
  • Learn the proper technique for exercise and sporting activities. This will decrease stress on all your muscles, including your calf muscles.