Your gastrocnemius crosses your knee and ankle joints. It is also made up of many fast-twitch muscle fibers. This combination puts it at high risk for straining and tearing because it is constantly subjected to rapid stretching and contraction. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Your soleus crosses your ankle joint. It is mostly made up of slow-twitch muscle fibers. Because of this combination, it is less likely to be injured than your gastrocnemius. However, treatment is often different for injuries to the soleus. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source The plantaris doesn’t do much in your calf. It is considered a largely vestigial muscle. If it is injured, treatment is the same as for a gastrocnemius injury. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Your Achilles tendon connects these calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon can also be injured and cause calf pain. Common injuries to the Achilles tendon include tendinitis or tendon rupture.
Contraction (sudden onset). Sudden bursts of speed from a completely stationary position are a common cause of a calf tear. Short track sprinters are very susceptible to torn calf muscles. [8] X Research source Sudden changes in direction, such as those occurring when playing basketball or tennis, can also cause tears. [9] X Research source Prolonged degradation. Over-work and overuse are other common factors that can eventually lead to a tear. This is seen in runners and football players. Football players have both contraction and prolonged running. Both of these factors combined leave them very vulnerable to a calf tear. “Weekend warriors,” or people who are only intermittently very physically active, often experience calf muscle tears. Men are more likely to experience these injuries than women. [10] X Research source
feeling like you have been struck or kicked in the back of the leg an audible “pop” or “snap” in your leg sudden, severe pain in the calf muscle (usually throbbing) tenderness and swelling in the lower leg bruising and/or color change limited range of motion in the ankle trouble walking or standing on your toes limping
If you hear a “pop” sound or see swelling in your calf, visit an emergency room immediately. Your injury requires immediate medical attention. [14] X Research source Swelling or bleeding in an area can lead to a condition called compartment syndrome, where not enough oxygen or nutrients can reach the muscles and nerves in the area due to increased pressure. [15] X Research source It can happen after a fracture or badly bruised muscle, so if you think your injury is severe, get medical attention as soon as possible. You may end up needing surgery if you develop acute compartment syndrome.
If you try to diagnose and treat a torn calf muscle on your own, you could cause further, more severe injury.
An MRI will use magnetic waves and computer imaging to take 2-D and 3-D images of an area. It is used to diagnose internal injuries that simpler techniques such as X-rays cannot pick up. [18] X Research source Your doctor may also order a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan. This is a type of MRI that examines your blood vessels, often using a contrast dye to make them appear more clearly. The MRA can help detect if there is any damage or entrapment of your blood vessels, which could lead to conditions such as compartment syndrome. [19] X Research source
Usually, immediate treatment involves rest, ice, compression, and immobilization (with a splint etc. ). Recovery treatment will usually involve physical therapy exercises, massage, and use of crutches.
Hard, tight calf muscles Sudden, sharp pain in the muscles “Lump” or bulge in the muscles
Stretch your affected calf muscle. You can do this by putting your weight on the leg that is cramping. Bend your knee slightly. Alternately, you can sit with your affected leg stretched out in front of you. Use a towel to gently pull the top of your foot towards you. [23] X Research source Apply heat. Use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm towel. Taking a warm bath or shower may also help. Heat can help relax tense muscles. [24] X Expert Source Jason Myerson, DPT, DMT, OCS, FAAOMPTPhysical Therapist & Certified Orthopedic Specialist Expert Interview. 15 April 2020. Apply ice. Applying an ice or cold pack may help relieve the cramp. Apply ice for no longer than 15-20 minutes at a time, and always wrap the ice pack in a towel to prevent frostbite. You can also try massaging the cramping muscle. [25] X Expert Source Jason Myerson, DPT, DMT, OCS, FAAOMPTPhysical Therapist & Certified Orthopedic Specialist Expert Interview. 15 April 2020.
Dull, aching pain that is worse when you move the joint A feeling of “crunching” or grating when you move the joint Tenderness or redness Swelling or lumps
Tightness or stiffness in the calf muscle Pain that gets worse over the course of a few days, or even weeks Pain that gets worse after walking or jogging Mild swelling
an audible “pop” or “snap” in your heel (often, but not always) pain, often severe, in the heel area that may extend into the calf swelling inability to bend your foot downward inability to use the injured leg to “push off” as you walk inability to stand on your toes using the injured leg
Those between 30-40 years of age Men (5x more likely than women to develop a rupture) Those who play sports that involve running, jumping, and sudden bursts of movement Those who use steroid injections Those who use fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Try a towel stretch to gently stretch your calves. Sit upright with your leg extended in front of you. Place a towel around your foot and hold the ends. Gently pull your toes toward your body until you feel a stretch in your calf muscle. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat 10 times. Repeat for the other leg. [33] X Research source Use a resistance band to strengthen your calves. Sit upright with one leg extended in front of you. Point your toes up towards your head. Wrap a resistance band around your foot and hold the ends. While maintaining tension on the band, push towards the floor with the top of your foot. You should feel your calf muscle tighten. Return to the starting position. Repeat 10-20 times for each leg. [34] X Research source
Try a brisk walk, either outside or on a treadmill. Walking lunges, leg swings, and other movements that get your blood flowing are a good warm up. You can also do some exercises on an exercise ball, such as light stretches.
