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Calf Strain
Calf strain refers to an injury involving overstretching or tearing of muscle fibres or tendons in the lower back of leg. Overuse of calf muscles, sudden stress on calf muscles and blow to calf muscles are the factors behind calf strain.
How does Calf Strain occur?
Any physical activity that involves pushing oneself off forcefully from toes results in calf strain. Running, jumping and lunging are such activities which often result in calf strain. The calf muscles comprise Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles which are located in the back part of the lower leg.
People aged between 30 and 45 years are mostly affected by calf strain. The calf muscles go into spasm as a result of overstretch. Calf strain causes downward flow of blood which in turn results in the development of bruises in the foot and ankle.
Symptoms of Calf Strain:
Treatment of Calf Strain:
- Give rest to your leg and use R.I.C.E. treatment (Rest , Ice , Compression , Elevation).
- Raise your leg on a pillow when you lay down.
- Protect your calf muscle from swelling by wrapping it with an elastic bandage. Don't tighten the bandage too much as it may cut off circulation.
- Use crutches, if it is painful for you to walk.
- Take anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibrobrufen to reduce the swelling.
- After a few days of rest, ice and anti-inflammatories, apply heat on the affected area with a heating pad several times a day. Even before resuming physical activity or exercise, you can apply heat and then ice.
- Go to a sports injury specialist who can guide you for a full rehabilitation program.
After first aid it is necessary for you to make sure that lower leg is fully strengthened in order to avoid reoccurrence of injury to calf muscles that might adversely affect your future performance in sports.
Prevention of Calf Strain:
- Before participating in a match or training it is essential to warm up at least for 20 minutes so as to decrease muscle stretch injuries.
- Stretch out calf muscles after warming up just before participating in a physical activity.
- Keep strengthening calf muscles strong to enable them absorb the energy of sudden physical stress.
- Keep participating in exercise and sporting activities in order to reduce stress on muscles, including calf muscles.
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes if it is possible.
When to See a Doctor?
- See a doctor if the first aid does not bring you much relief or calf muscles have been completely ruptured.
- See a doctor when you feel a sudden pain on the lower back part of the leg.
- If you feel sensation of cramp, tightness and a dull ache when you stretch or contract the muscles you must see a doctor for proper evaluation .
- See a doctor when swelling occurs in calf muscle.
- See a doctor when you have difficulty in standing on tiptoe.
- See a doctor if there is bruising on the calf or blood vessels have been broken.
- When you feel weakness on the calf muscles you should see a doctor to get it evaluated.