Calf Strain

What are the calf muscles?

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 combine to form the calf muscle. A calf strain can involve either of these two muscles can be strained (torn).

Symptoms of calf strain

• A sudden sharp pain at the back of the leg.
• Standing on tip toe may be painful.
• There may be swelling or bruising at the back of the leg.

Calf strains are graded depending on severity of injury:

Grade 1:

• A twinge of pain in the back of the lower leg.
• May be able to continue exericse.
• Tightness and aching in the 2-5 days after.

Grade 2

• Sharp pain in the back of the lower leg.
• Pain when walking.
• There may be swelling in the calf.
• Mild to moderate bruising.
• Pain on resisted plantarflexion.
• Tightness and aching for a week or more.

Grade 3

• Severe immediate pain.
• A sudden pain at the back of the leg, often at the muscular tendinous junction.
• Inability to contract the muscle.
• Considerable bruising and swelling.
• In the case of a full rupture, often the muscle can be seen to be bunched up towards the top of the calf.

The muscular tendon junction (MTJ) of the Gastrocnemius (roughly half way between the knee and the heel) is the most common place to get this injury. The muscle is tested by contracting against resistance with straight legs. Pain will be felt midway up the back of the lower leg. If the Soleus muscle is injured there may be pain lower in the leg and also pain when you contract the muscle against resistance with the knee bent.

Treatment

• R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is essential. Apply cold therapy and compression to help stop any bleeding.
• A sports injury professional can prescribe treatment and rehabilitation.
• The wearing of a heel pad will raise the heel and shorten the calf muscle, this takes some of the strain off it. When using heel pads try to use them in both shoes so as to avoid imbalances and possible problems due to them.
• Ultrasound and other electrotherapy may be used.
• Sports massage is important once the injury is over the initial acute phase.
• Follow a full rehabilitation programme.

Careful and extensive strengthening of the damaged leg will lessen the chances of the injury reoccurring.

Useful Products:

• Cold Therapy Wraps - help ease pain and swelling
• Heel Pads - will raise the heel and shorten the calf muscle, taking some of the strain off of it.

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