How long does it take for a torn calf muscle to heal?
Nov 07, 2019 ¡ In more severe cases it could take a month to 6 weeks to fully heal an injured calf muscle, so just be sure to listen to your body before resuming sports activities. Torn Calf Muscle Recovery Time Symptoms of a torn calf that don't improve after a few days or start to worsen could be a sign of a more severe tear or a gastrocnemius muscle rupture.
Can you walk with a torn calf muscle?
Jul 20, 2016 ¡ If treated properly, it can take up to three weeks to heal Grade 1 calf pulls, four to six weeks to heal Grade 2 muscle strains, and three to four months to heal Grade 3 tears. Though this type of injury can heal on its own, itâs important to get a medical evaluation from a trained professional first before beginning treatment.
What should I do if I have a bad calf muscle?
Depending on how bad the torn calf muscle is, the recovery time could be between 3 weeks and 4 months. If youâre after the fastest way to heal a strained calf muscle, then physiotherapy may be âŚ
What is a torn calf muscle?
Nov 17, 2021 ¡ From there, a physical therapist can help you optimize your recovery with appropriate exercise and activity modification. If youâre looking for a program to teach you how to rehab calf strains immediately, check out our calf rehab program! References. Fu, F. H., & Stone, D. A. (2001). Sports injuries: Mechanisms, prevention, treatment ...
How long should you stay off a torn calf muscle?
In the less severe cases it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. In the most severe cases that don't require surgery a full recovery may take up to six weeks. In the case that the injury requires surgery the recovery period may extend up to six months to a full year.
How do you rehab a torn calf muscle?
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...â˘Jun 3, 2021
When should I stretch my torn calf?
Stretches should not be started until three weeks after an injury, according to the Boston Sports Medicine and Research Institute. It's common to feel a pulling sensation in your calf when stretching, but if you feel pain, you're stretching too far.Feb 24, 2020
Should you walk on a torn calf muscle?
Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time. If you have to have surgery for a severe pull in your calf muscle, it may take several weeks or months before you fully recover.
Why is my calf tear not healing?
0:585:44Why is My Calf Strain not Healing? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhy is my calf strain not healing. And by far the most common reason has been because they've justMoreWhy is my calf strain not healing. And by far the most common reason has been because they've just not strengthened it to a high enough level to be able to do their sports.
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
Is cycling good for calf strain?
Heel lifts in both shoes can help for a couple of weeks as they ease the load on the calf muscles as you walk. Swimming or gentle cycling is a good way to increase the flow of blood to the muscles to promote healing.Mar 9, 2018
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
How long does a Grade 2 calf tear take to heal?
A grade II injury will heal in about four to six weeks. A grade III calf strain may take about three months. The most common injury is a grade II calf strain. These take about six weeks to completely heal.Dec 29, 2021
Should you wear a boot for a torn calf muscle?
You may have been given a boot, possibly with heel wedges. It is not needed to aid healing but it will improve your symptoms. You may walk on the foot as comfort allows. You will find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages.
Is it OK to massage a torn calf muscle?
The No HARM Protocol should also be applied â 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
Can you exercise with a torn calf muscle?
Initial rest helps prevent further injury and enables the healing process to begin. For a few days reduce the amount of walking you do and gently exercise your calf regularly within pain limits to avoid stiffness. Avoid forceful and stressful activity such as running and jumping at this stage of your recovery.
How to treat a torn calf muscle?
In addition, you can also treat your calf injury by: Taking an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Wearing a brace or use crutches. Doing rehabilitating exercises, such as calf stretches and heel lifts.
How to treat a calf injury?
For most cases, make sure youâre following the PRICE treatment. In addition, you can also treat your calf injury by: 1 Taking an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or naproxen 2 Wearing a brace or use crutches 3 Doing rehabilitating exercises, such as calf stretches and heel lifts
Why does my calf tear?
Calf Muscle Tear Explained. Muscle tears or strains are caused by undue pressure that usually occurs during physical activity. This damage results in a partial or full tear of the muscle fibers and attached tendons.
What are the grades of calf strains?
There are three grades of a calf muscle strain: Grade 1 Pull: Damage to a few muscle fibers. Grade 2 Strain: Damage to a larger number of muscle fibers. Grade 3 Tear: Complete tear in the muscle.
How to tell if you pulled a muscle?
Symptoms wonât be recognized until the individual stops the activity that caused the pull. Grade 2 symptoms include immediate pain (especially when stretched or contracted). Bruises may also appear where the muscle was strained, causing the area to be sore to the touch. Grade 3 symptoms include an immediate burning sensation and stabbing pain ...
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What are the symptoms of a torn calf muscle?
Notable symptoms for a strained or torn calf muscle are stiffness, swelling, pain, and bruising. However, depending on the severity of the injury, it can result in more specific symptoms based on grade: Grade 1 symptoms include a cramping sensation, tightness, and slight pain when the calf muscles stretch and contract.
How long does it take for a calf muscle to heal?
Depending on how bad the torn calf muscle is, the recovery time could be between 3 weeks and 4 months. If youâre after the fastest way to heal a strained calf muscle, then physiotherapy may be able to help.
What is a torn calf muscle?
Tearing your calf muscle is an injury often sustained when you are building up speed when running or through a sudden change to the direction you are running in. It can come as a surprise to many, but there are actually three different muscles within the calf muscle, known as; the soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius. An injury to any of these can be very painful, and to prevent further damage, needs to be taken seriously. In our guide, we cover the key facts, treatment, complications, and recovery time for torn calf muscle injuries.
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 â3 muscles in oneâ, 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 youâre looking for a program to teach you how to rehab calf strains immediately, check out our calf rehab program!
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 âten nis legâ. 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 âenduranceâ 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.
What muscle is the calf muscle?
The âcalf muscleâ 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, ...
Where is the calf muscle located?
Our calf musculature which is situated on the back of our lower legs consists of three muscles, and can often be subject to injury if they are under too much load and/or not appropriately strengthened! Various calf strains are often seen in runners, tennis players, other athletic populations, and even weekend warriors.
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!
How to get rid of a swollen toe?
HOW: In a comfortable sitting position with your feet out in front of you, place a resistance band around the balls of your foot. Keep your foot in a neutral position, with the toes pointed straight up and your ankle at a 90 deg right angle. This is your starting position.
What muscle is more commonly injured when running?
Soleus strains are a bit more difficult to differentiate due to their ânon-specificâ symptoms and gradual onset. This muscle is also more intimately associated with the Achilles tendon, and sometimes the clinical presentation of these two anatomical regions can closely mimic one another. These musculotendinous injuries are more commonly seen in distance runners. In fact, when we run, our soleus is loaded with 6-8 times our body weight! While the gastrocnemius is more commonly injured with the knee in an extended position, the soleus is more likely to be strained with the knee in a flexed position.
How to treat a torn calf muscle?
Once you know that, you'll know how to treat the injury successfully. For minor calf strains, the best approach is rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
How long does it take for a calf muscle to recover?
Calf strains are most common in men between the ages of 30 and 50 years.
How to tell between gastrocnemius and soleus strain?
With a more serious strain, it's important to distinguish which muscle is involved to the greater extent: the deeper soleus or the more superficial "heads" of the gastrocnemius. MRI or diagnostic ultrasound may be needed to best diagnose the location and degree of the injury. Grade II strains involve more extensive damage, up to 90% of the muscle fibers may be torn. These injuries present with more pain (described as sharp in nature), significant loss of muscle strength and range of motion. Swelling is more severe and bruising quickly develops because of the internal bleeding from the torn muscle fibers.
Why does my calf hurt?
Furthermore, some serious medical conditions can cause calf pain or refer pain to that region, such as a bone fracture, bone cancer, bone infection (osteomyelitis), venous insufficiency, sciatica from a lumbar disc herniation or complications related to diabetes. [2]
What doctor can help with calf pain?
As such, medical specialists such as an orthopedist (bone and joint specialist), neurologist (nerve specialist) or physiatrist (muscle and bone specialist) may be needed to rule out the most serious causes of your calf pain.
How long does it take for a calf strain to heal?
Most calf strains are minor injuries and self-heal within a week -- the degree of pain, disability and bruising are good indicators of seriousness. Grade I muscle strains involve micro-tears of up to 10% of the muscle fibers.
Which muscle is the lower leg?
The two muscles that work in conjunction to form the lower leg (or calf) are the deeper soleus muscle and the more superficial (closer to the skin) gastrocnemius muscle.
How long does it take to heal a calf muscle tear?
Depending on the severity, complete recovery from a calf muscle tear can take anywhere from a few days to several months.
How to tell if you have a calf injury?
A strain can range from a small partial tear with minimal pain and minimal loss of function to a complete rupture requiring surgical reconstruction. Symptoms are characterized by swelling or bruising at the site of the injury, and tenderness to the touch. If the injury is to the soleus, you might notice pain when pointing your toes in a bent-knee position. The severity of your injury will determine how soon you can resume exercise.
What is the function of the calf muscles?
The primary function of both muscles is to point the foot away from the body, an action called plantar flexion. Your calf muscles work together to produce huge amounts of force during rebounding activities, sending you airborne. Advertisement.
Where is the calf muscle located?
Calf Muscle Anatomy and Function. Although it's referred to as a single muscle, your calf is really two muscles located in the backs of your lower legs. The gastrocnemius is the large muscle easily seen just below the knee. It attaches to the femur above the knee joint and inserts via the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, or heel bone.
What are the symptoms of a strain?
Symptoms are characterized by swelling or bruising at the site of the injury, and tenderness to the touch.
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How long does it take to recover from a calf injury?
The timeframe for this varies from around 1-4 weeks depending on the injury and the individual. When you do return to running avoid hill training and speed work initially as this places a greater stress on the calf muscle. Moderately severe calf injuries need to be treated with a little more caution.
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.
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.
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 â gastrocnemius and soleus and a smaller muscle called plantaris. Gastrocnemius is the more superficial of the muscles with soleus sitting beneath it.
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.
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 youâll need to be more attentive to rest, elevation and ice and I wouldnât recommend cross training.
How to get rid of calf pain?
By days 4-7 you may find youâre comfortable enough to start very gentle exercises for the calf. Simply move the foot up and down, first with the knee bent, then with it straight. Move only as far as comfortable â donât push through pain. Little and often is usually best â around 10-15 reps 3 times per day.
How long does it take for a calf muscle to heal?
A grade 1 calf muscle injury will take between one and 3 weeks to heal. Grade 2 calf muscle injury. A partial tear of the calf muscle results in a moderate, or grade 2 calf muscle injury. Pain will be significant and will cause weakness in the lower leg muscle and make walking difficult.
What does it mean when your calf is torn?
Calf muscle tear. A torn muscle in the calf describes a serious muscle injury that causes muscle tissue in the back of your leg to tear away from tendons. The torn calf muscle may also show signs of bruising in your lower leg behind the knee. A severe tear in the calf muscle may even prevent you from walking at all. 1.
Why does my calf hurt?
Calf muscle injuries can happen when straining tight leg muscles by accelerating fast or suddenly changing direction. Pulling or tearing a calf muscle can cause a sudden sharp pain in the back of your leg. Depending on the extent of injury to your calf muscle, you might have mild to intense pain.
What happens if you tear your calf?
You might even hear your calf muscle âpopâ when it tears. This kind of bad calf muscle injury usually results in swelling, bruising, and a lot of pain.
Where is the calf muscle located?
Your calf muscles are located at the back of your lower leg and are needed to move your legs when walking, running, or jumping.
What is the soleus muscle?
The soleus is a much smaller calf muscle and is located under the gastrocnemius. Both of the muscles in the calves taper at the bottom and join to your Achilles tendon. 1. The function of your calf muscles is to provide mobility to your legs and enable you to freely walk, run, or jump.
How to treat calf pain?
Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel and hold on the calf area at the back of your leg. Depending on the extent of strain in the calf muscles, you may have to apply the ice pack daily for the first few days to help control pain, swelling, and inflammation.
How to raise your calf?
Once you're cleared by your doctor or physical therapist, begin calf raises, as demonstrated by ExRx.net, to restore strength in your gastrocnemius muscle. Stand with the balls of your feet on a step, with your heels hanging over the edge. Slowly rise up on your toes as high as possible.
How to stretch calf muscles?
Move 2: Wall Calf Stretch. Stand facing a wall. Place your hands against the wall, at about shoulder height. Step your affected leg back about 2 feet. Keeping your back heel on the floor and knee straight, slowly lean in toward the wall until you feel a stretch in your calf.
What muscle is used to point the toes?
The gastrocnemius muscle plantarflexes the foot â often referred to as "pointing the toes." Range of motion is often limited after muscle tear, particularly if your ankle has been immobilized. Range of motion exercises for a torn gastrocnemius can begin one week after injury.
Who is Rachel MacPherson?
Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT. Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT, is a professional writer with a focus on nutrition, health and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and is a certified personal trainer studying sports nutrition.
