Calf pain/tear

 

 

 

 

Pain in the calf is very common and is usually a result of a tear. The calf is made up of two muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) which attach to the back of the heel via the achilles tendon. The gastrocnemius muscle is the one that is usually at fault and pain is often located on the back of the calf towards the midline of the body.

A strained muscle has different classifications depending on the severity of the injury. These are:

First degree muscle strain

- Some stretching of the muscle fibres
- Minimum pain or discomfort
- Minimal or no swelling
- Normal range of movement

Second degree muscle strain

-  Considerable proportion of muscle fibres torn
- Moderate to severe pain, sometime unable to weight bear initially
- Swelling and possible bruising
- Pain when contracting the muscle
- Pain with stretching the muscle 

Third degree muscle strain

- Total rupture of the muscle
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Unable to weight bear
- Severe pain when contracting the muscle
- Severe pain with stretching the muscle 

Treatment

Muscle stains are initially rehabilitated following the PRICE protocol:

P rotection
R est
I ce
C ompression
E levation

Very quickly after the initial trauma, treatment is aimed at restoring range of motion, flexibility, coordination, strength and function. This is the time when practitioners should look for reasons why the injury occurred. Obviously in some cases, certain positions or actions will always cause a muscle strain. However, in many cases there are factors pre-disposing to the strain (for more information see muscle pain).

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email