What does it mean when you pop your calf muscle?
The pop you feel in your calf muscle when you walk, run, or jump, usually means that you’ve torn a part of the muscle. It’s the sudden tearing of the muscle fibres that can make it feel like a pop, but some people even report hearing a “pop” when this happens.
Can you run with a pulled calf?
Management and Treatment How are pulled calf muscles treated? Immediate treatment for pulled calf muscles usually includes RICE, which stands for: Rest: Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging the calf. Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin.
How to deal with calf muscle strain?
Sep 30, 2012 · Rehab any deficits that exist after the healing process (this might include calf strength, power, endurance or bulk, reduced calf flexibility, altered movement control etc etc.) With a minor calf injury, symptoms will be mild with minimal swelling, you will be able to walk unaided with slight discomfort but sudden movements that stretch or work the calf may cause …
What happens when you pull a muscle in your calf?
Mar 15, 2022 · The primary treatment when a mild or moderate calf strain occurs is rest. Only in severe cases when the majority of the muscle is torn are other interventions, like surgery, necessary. The initial treatment in mild or moderate strains is controlling the pain and limiting any bleeding that is present.
How do you rehab a popped calf?
How are pulled calf muscles treated?Rest: Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging the calf.Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours. ... Compression: Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.More items...•Jun 3, 2021
What happens if your calf muscle pops?
Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include: No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf.Aug 24, 2021
How long does a popped calf take to heal?
Healing of a calf muscle usually takes about 6-8 weeks however everyone recovers from injury at different rates. The rate of healing of your muscle will depend on how severe your injury is as well as any other medical problems you may already have.
When should I start rehab after calf strain?
With a first-degree injury, you can expect to be back to sports within 1 to 3 weeks. Second Degree (Moderate). This injury consists of a more significant, but still incomplete muscle tear. This a partial muscle tear and requires 3 to 6 weeks of rest and recovery before you can return to full activity.
Why does my calf keep popping?
Most often these are caused by sudden explosive motions in someone that is not used to them. Common examples include a sudden dash or jump or even a landing after jumping from an elevated platform. Often when a gastrocnemius is pulled or strained, a person hears an internal “pop” sound.
Can a pulled muscle make a pop sound?
A tell-tale sign of a severe muscle strain or tear is when you hear a “popping” sound and experience a significant amount of pain when making a certain movement. For all other minor muscle strains, the R.I.C.E method is one of the best things you can do to make your strain feel better.Aug 3, 2021
Should I massage a torn calf muscle?
The No HARM Protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.Aug 10, 2017
How do you know if you tore a tendon in your calf?
A feeling of tightness, tenderness, or weakness in the calf area. Spasms (a gripping or severe tightening in the calf muscle). Sharp pain in the back lower leg when trying to stretch or move the ankle or knee. A pulling sensation at the time of injury.Nov 2, 2019
Should you walk on a torn calf muscle?
With a minor calf injury, symptoms will be mild with minimal swelling, you will be able to walk unaided with slight discomfort but sudden movements that stretch or work the calf may cause an increase in pain.Sep 30, 2012
Will a torn calf muscle heal itself?
Though this type of injury can heal on its own, it's important to get a medical evaluation from a trained professional first before beginning treatment.Jul 20, 2016
What does a grade 3 calf strain feel like?
Someone who experiences a grade three calf strain will experience immediate and excruciating pain. They will be unable to continue the activity, and may not be able to move their calf muscle at all.Feb 3, 2016
Can you walk with a grade 3 calf strain?
A grade 3 calf strain is a severe injury involving a complete tear to half or all of the calf muscle. Crutches or even a moon boot may be required to enable walking due to severe pain and weakness. Immediate swelling and bruising will be present within 24 hours.Apr 13, 2019
How to get rid of calf muscle?
Once the initial aggravation has calmed down, you can start heating and foam rolling the area a few times a day to loosen up any tight muscle tissue. This is also when you should start doing strength exercises to rehabilitate the muscle.
How to treat calf strain?
Once you have suffered a calf strain, you should treat it with two strategies: reduce stress on the calf to allow it to heal, and work to strengthen the calf muscle so that it’s more resilient in the future.
How to distinguish soleus strain from gastrocnemius strain?
Soleus strains can be distinguished from a gastrocnemius strain by comparing the pain elicited from a traditional straight-legged calf stretch to the pain from a bent-knee calf stretch. Since the gastrocnemius muscles cross the knee joint, but the soleus does not, a “gastroc” strain will not be as painful with the knee bent, ...
What muscle is the calf muscle?
In medical circles, the calf muscles are referred to collectively as the triceps surae, because there are three of them. Two of the three are the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius, which is the muscle that most people think of when they hear the term “calf strain.”. But the triceps surae also include the soleus, which is a shorter, ...
How long does it take to run a bungee jump?
10 minutes easy warm up, 90 seconds easy (slowly moving out and stretching the bungee), 5 minutes medium (focus and concentrate, just like during the hard part of a race), 30 seconds sprint, 2 minutes rest. Repeat 4 times. 10 minutes easy col down
How to reduce stress on calf?
When it comes to reducing stress on the calf, you probably already know what to do—stop running, cross train for a while, and if you do run, avoid high speeds, steep hills, and shoes with an aggressive heel-to-toe drop.
Can you walk with a soleus strain?
Depending on the severity of the strain, you may or may not have pain while walking. Soleus strains are a little more difficult to diagnose, because they can sometimes masquerade as Achilles tendon problems if they occur low enough along the muscle. Like a gastrocnemius strain, you’ll have soreness, tightness, and pain in the soleus muscle.
How to prevent calf muscle pull?
You can reduce your risk of a pulled calf muscle by: Keeping your calf muscles strong and conditioned. Stretching routinely. Not pushing through pain. Resting and recovering between workouts. Using proper technique when playing sports. Warming up and stretching your calf muscles before physical activity.
How to treat calf pain?
Rest: Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging the calf. Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin. Compression: Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.
What does it mean when your calf is pulled?
A note from Cleveland Clinic. A pulled calf muscle happens when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. It’s a common injury with athletes that do a lot of stop-and-go movements, but it can also affect older, active individuals. Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation.
What age group is most likely to pull calf muscles?
Other risk factors for pulled calf muscles include: Age: People over 40 may be more likely to get strains during physical activity. Sex: Some studies suggest that men are more likely to get calf muscle injuries.
What is pulled calf muscle?
What is a pulled calf muscle? A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when the muscles in your calf — the soleus and gastrocnemius — get overstretched. The calf muscles are in your lower leg behind your shin bone and extend from the base of your thigh down to your heel. They help you flex and bend your foot, ankle and knee.
Why do I have calf strains?
Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains. This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly.
How many lower limb injuries are caused by calf strains?
One study estimated that calf strains make up about 1.3% of all lower limb injuries in runners. Another study of soccer players identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12% of all muscle injuries.
How to reduce the load on your calf?
Instead, feel free to cross-train for a while, opting for exercises that put minimal to no weight on your calves.
How to tell if calf is strained?
Telling signs of a calf strain depend on the severity of the injury. First degree— the strain may not manifest any symptoms until after running has ceased. You may only feel mild discomfort and tightness when you stretch or contract your muscles.
What are the two muscles of the calf?
The calf muscles are comprised of two major muscles: the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle . The gastrocnemius refers to the largest muscle, forming the visible shape beneath the skin. It’s the more superficial muscle with soleus, a smaller, flat, muscle, sitting beneath it.
What is a calf strain?
Also known as a calf pull, or tear, calf strains occurs when one of the calf muscles is stretched beyond the tissues’ limits, breaking off from the Achilles tendon. When a strain happens, muscle fibers are torn to some degree. You might feel or hear a pop in your calf muscle. Stretching excessively, lack ...
What is the calf muscle?
What’s The Calf Muscle? The calf muscles are one of the most important yet neglected areas of a runner’s body. They extend from the knee to the ankle, turning into the Achilles tendon in the lower part of the leg. The calf muscles are comprised of two major muscles: the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle.
How many times does the calf muscle lift?
Your calf muscles perform quick and large contractions during a run. In general, your calf muscle lifts your heels roughly 1400 times every mile, and your shins raise the toes and absorb impact, supporting the arches.
How long does it take to recover from a calf strain?
How long will it take you to bounce back from the injury depends on the severity of the injury. Take two weeks off running for grade one calf strains, three to six weeks for grade two, and as long as possible for grade three. That said, let pain guide your level of activity. Stop running altogether if running causes the symptoms to worsen.
How to treat a calf injury?
Treatment of a calf injury depends largely on severity (timescales detailed below are approximate and may vary considerably between individuals) but I follow these principles of treatment for calf injuries; Maintain calf flexibility and strength where possible but exercise within pain limits.
How to walk with calf pain?
Simply move the foot up and down, first with the knee bent, then with it straight.
What are the symptoms of a calf injury?
Symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling and tenderness in the calf often accompanied by warmth and redness of the skin. Unfortunately these are often common symptoms after a calf injury even without DVT.
What are the muscles of the calf?
Later pieces will examine non-traumatic calf pain and rehab of strength and flexibility. The calf is made up of 2 large muscles – gastrocnemius and soleus and a smaller muscle called plantaris. Gastrocnemius is the more superficial of the muscles with soleus sitting beneath it.
Why does my calf hurt when I run?
The calf is usually injured with sudden movements that dorsiflex the ankle (bend it up) while weightbearing. With the gastroc this often happens with the knee straight as the muscle is then stretched over 2 joints. Activities like rapid lunges (common during racquet sports) or acceleration to sprint when running are common causes of calf injury. It may also occur when the muscle is fatigued after distance running.
How long should I hold my gastroc and soleus muscles?
In which case stretch both the gastroc and soleus muscles, using the techniques above and holding for around 30 seconds for 3-5 reps. You can often progress strength work at this point, if comfortable try single leg calf raises on your weaker side.
How long does it take for a calf to bleed?
This might include going up or down stairs, moving the ankle or pressure on the calf area. The first 2-3 days are likely to involve bleeding within the muscle and significant swelling. In these acute stages you’ll need to be more attentive to rest, elevation and ice and I wouldn’t recommend cross training.
What to do when calf strain is severe?
Only in severe cases when the majority of the muscle is torn are other interventions, like surgery, necessary. The initial treatment in mild or moderate strains is controlling the pain and limiting any bleeding that is present.
How to treat a muscle strain?
You can safely treat this condition on your own. A muscle strain can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and pain medication.
What does it mean when your ankle hurts when you flex it?
Mild injury: A mild injury only elicits pain when you flex your calf while standing (e.g. standing on “tiptoes” while on one leg) or if you give a small hop on one leg. Moderate injury: A moderate injury may be noticed by simple flexes of your ankle in a downward motion (e.g. pressing the gas in your car).
What is a tennis leg strain?
These strains are commonly referred to as “ tennis leg ” strains as they commonly occur when an individual changes direction suddenly to return a volley in tennis. They are common when an unconditioned individual engages in intense physical activity and damages the muscle fibers of the leg.
What does it mean when your lower leg hurts?
A tearing sensation along the back of your lower leg. Localized: This pain is often localized to the central portion of the calf and stretching the calf muscle can frequently cause the pain to reoccur. Difficulty with functioning: Mild injuries may accumulate and cause difficulty with functioning or limited functioning of the calf.
How long does it take for ice to work on a swollen leg?
For the first two days, ice may be appropriate and useful as a means of limiting pain and swelling in the lower leg. However, after the first two days, it is often necessary to use a stronger pain control agent to control swelling.
Why do my legs tingle?
Tingling in the lower leg can also have the feeling of numbness or a burning sensation in the lower leg. Causes of lower leg tingling include neurological issues of the back, restless leg syndrome, or diabetic neuropathy. Lower Leg.
How long does it take to recover from a calf strain?
Calf strains have a good prognosis and people often make a full recovery! Generally speaking, strains can vary in recovery times from a couple of weeks up to several months if there is a more significant injury . The first step after this injury is to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis, as the calf muscle is actually ‘3 muscles in one’, and therefore, you must establish which one of these muscles has been insulted. From there, a physical therapist can help you optimize your recovery with appropriate exercise and activity modification. If you’re looking for a program to teach you how to rehab calf strains immediately, check out our calf rehab program!
What type of muscle fibers are used in calf strain rehab?
Progressing to plyometric based movements is vital for calf strain rehab, especially for the gastrocnemius, as this muscle has abundant type II muscle fibers, which are utilized for power-based movements such as jumping or sprinting! Read more about plyometric exercise progressions HERE!
What is the calf injury?
In the text titled Sports Injuries by Dreddie and David, the authors described that the calf injury was first described in the year 1883 as it was associated with the sport of tennis, thus receiving the name ‘ten nis leg’. This particular injury is in relation to the gastrocnemius muscle, with a common mechanism of injury of knee extension (straight knee position) and ankle dorsiflexion. The gastrocnemius is particularly more susceptible to strains due to it crossing 2 joints. In addition, in contrast to the soleus muscle that is more of an ‘endurance’ muscle, the gastrocnemius has an abundance of type II muscle fibers (fast-twitch), which are utilized specifically for speed and power-based activity. Muscle strains are more likely to occur in these types of muscles that are fast-twitch and cross multiple joints.
How to tell if soleus is straining?
Common signs and symptoms of a soleus strain include: Non-specific, gradual onset of a ‘dull ache’ sensation behind the lower leg closer to the Achilles tendon. Pain with resisted plantarflexion (pushing down with foot) while the knee is bent. Pain that becomes worse with activity and subsides with rest.
What muscle is the calf muscle?
The ‘calf muscle’ is actually a complex of 3 muscles, which includes the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris. These muscles each travel down the back of the lower leg and join the Achilles tendon, which then inserts onto our calcaneus (heel bone). The gastrocnemius muscle has two heads: a medial head and lateral head, ...
What is a graded calf strain?
Most calf strains are graded level I through III, with I being a mild strain and level III being complete tearing of the muscle. Most calf strains can be treated conservatively, but with some grade III injuries, these may need to be managed surgically.
Which muscle is most susceptible to strains due to it crossing 2 joints?
The gastrocnemius is particularly more susceptible to strains due to it crossing 2 joints.
How to prevent calf tears?
Before a run always start with slow jogging to get warm and do some mobility drills prior to sprinting or uphill running. Strength training is also a good way to prevent calf tears. Regular strengthening of the calf muscle is often neglected.
How to strengthen calf muscles?
Try and add it to your strength training routine twice a week: 1. Calf raises. With a straight leg squeeze quadriceps muscles and push up on your tiptoes. Keep hips square onto the wall. Push straight up. Aim for 30 repetitions. 2.
How to improve flexibility after running?
Here’s a post-run calf regime to increase flexibility: 1. Soleus Stretch. Heel down and bend bottom knee forwards.
How to stretch your calf?
1. Soleus Stretch. Heel down and bend bottom knee forwards. You will feel the stretch low in the calf. 2. Gastrocs Stretch. Tracking feet in a straight line, back heel pushing into the floor. Lean body weight forwards to feel the stretch in the back of the calf. Hold for 40 seconds then switch sides.
What is the difference between calf tears and cramps?
Calf tears can sometimes be confused for cramps, but the main difference is that cramps are momentary involuntary muscle contractions and therefore, they settle when you stop running and stretch. A tear pain would not ease in this manor.
What is a calf muscle strain?
A common injury to the calf is no other than a strain. A calf muscle strain can range from grade one to a grade three or complete rupture.
What the popping sensation indicates
The popping sensation or sound in the calf muscle can indicate a tear. This injury is often accompanied by pain and bruising. A tear can involve the Achilles tendon and each contraction of the calf muscle; the Achilles tendon and the heel are pulled upwards.
Diagnosis and treatment
It is important to consult a doctor in order to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. In most cases, an MRI is carried out to determine the extent of the injury. When it comes to the pain and swelling, the application of an ice pack can help reduce the inflammation. The individual must avoid activities that can worsen the symptoms.
