Calf strain
What is it?
A calf strain is a tear in the muscle(s) at the back of your lower leg. The calf has two main muscles: the gastrocnemius, the large muscle closest to the surface; and the soleus which sits deeper behind the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon.
Symptoms
When you strain your calf muscle you may feel a sudden tearing or stabbing pain. With minor strains you may be able to carry on with your activity, but the muscle will feel tight. If the strain is severe, the pain may be so bad that you can't stand on it.
As you cool down after exercise, the pain may get worse as the muscle swells and bleeds internally. You may feel this as tightening and stiffening in the muscle.
Causes
A muscle strain occurs when the muscle contracts when it is stretched. This can happen when running from a stationary position, for example starting a run up a hill or sprint.
You're more likely to have a muscle strain if your :
- warm-up is too short
- muscles are already tight or stiff
- muscles are tired or overused
- recovery time between training sessions isn't long enough
- muscles are weak
Treatment
A sports medicine professional, such as a physiotherapist or sports medicine doctor, can diagnose a calf strain. He or she will determine exactly which muscle tissues are damaged, the extent of the damage and estimate how long you will take to heal.
You will be given instruction to help reduce pain and swelling, and speed up the healing process. Other medical techniques such as ultrasound, massage and even injection therapy may also be used.
You may be shown preventative exercises designed to increase the range of movement and strength your calf muscle.
Do
- Follow the PRICE procedure.
- Get medical advice if your injury has not improved after one week.
Don't
- Use HARM
Peer reviewed by David Toy, MCSP, Bupa Sports Medicine physiotherapist
Publication date: June 2009
