Condition guide
Calf Muscle Injury - Overview
Calf muscle injuries refer to partial or complete tears of the gastrocnemius or soleus muscles, commonly resulting from sudden propulsion or deceleration.
Symptoms
- Sudden sharp pain in the calf
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe
- Pain while walking or stretching the leg
Causes & Risk Factors
- Sudden jumping or sprinting
- Inadequate warm-up or conditioning
- Tight calf muscles
- Previous injury or muscle fatigue
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination and Thompson test
- Palpation for muscle gaps or tenderness
- Ultrasound or MRI for grading the tear
Effective Treatment Options
- RICE and protected weight bearing
- Progressive range of motion and strengthening
- Manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization
- Functional retraining and proprioception
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I massage a torn calf muscle?
Massage may be helpful after the acute phase, but should be guided by a physiotherapist.
Is it safe to stretch a strained calf?
Gentle stretching can help recovery, but should be introduced progressively.
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