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Injury advice > Lower leg/Ankle Injuries > Calf muscle contusion

Calf muscle contusion

Damage to a muscle through Impact

What is a contusion?

This type of injury is very common in contact sports. This injury should be taken seriously as further complications can develop and more damage may have occurred than first thought..

Poor treatment or overly aggressive treatment can result in Myositis ossificans (bone growth in the muscle) may result.

There are two types of contusion:

Intra muscular the muscle within the surrounding sheath is torn. The initial bleeding may stop fairly quickly (within hours), this is down to the increased pressure within the muscle however the fluid is unable to escape as the muscle sheath prevents it.

The result is considerable loss of function and pain which can take days or weeks to recover. You are not likely to see any bruising come out with this type - especially in the early stages.

Inter muscular the muscle and part of the surrounding sheath is torn. The bleeding will take longer to stop, particularly if cold is not applied to the injured area quickly. Recovery is often faster than intra muscular as the blood and fluids can flow away from the site of injury. Bruising will probably be evident.

Symptoms of calf muscle contusion

  • Pain at the site of the injury
  • Swelling or bruising
  • There may well be restriction of movement.

After two to three days check:

  • If the swelling has not gone then you probably have an intra muscular injury.
  • If the bleeding has spread and caused bruising away from the site of the injury then you probably have an inter muscular injury.
  • If you are more able to contract the muscle you probably have an inter muscular injury.
  • Can you feel a deformation in the muscle or a gap?

It is important you make the correct diagnosis because if you try to exercise on a complete rupture, or a bad intra muscular injury you can inhibit healing, make things worse or cause permanent disability. If you apply heat and massage in the early stages then you could get Myositis Ossificans (or bone forming within the muscle), then you are in trouble.

Like muscle strains, contusions are grade 1, 2 or 3 depending on the severity.

Grade 1: How does it feel?

  • Tight muscles in the lower back of the leg.
  • Difficulty in walking.
  • There may not be much swelling.
  • Going on tip toes doesn't produce much pain.
  • Full range of motion or thereabouts.

What can the athlete do to treat the injury?

  • Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate (R.I.C.E.) immediately.
  • A sports injury specialist will prescribe a treatment and rehabilitation program.

What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do?

  • Sports massage (very important).
  • Ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
  • Prescribe a rehabilitation programme.

Grade 2: How does it feel?

  • You probably cannot walk properly.
  • You may get occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity.
  • You may notice swelling.
  • Pressing in causes pain.
  • Pushing up on tip toes causes pain.
  • You may have limited range of movement.

What can the athlete do to treat the injury?

  • Ice, compress, elevate, use crutches for 3 to 5 days.
  • Prescribe a rehabilitation programme.

What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do?

  • Sports massage (very important).
  • Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
  • Prescribe a rehabilitation programme consisting of stretching, strengthening and a gradual return to full fitness.

Grade 3: How does it feel?

  • You will be unable to walk properly without the aid of crutches.
  • Severe pain.
  • You will have bad swelling appear immediately.
  • A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle.
  • Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks.

What can the athlete do to treat the injury?

  • Week 1: Crutches, seek medical attention straight away, R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.)
  • Prescribe a rehabilitation programme.

What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do?

  • Sports massage (very important).
  • Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
  • Operate if needed.

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Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Calf Muscle Contusion and other lower leg injuries.