Heritage Medical Equipment, LLC

Calf Strain Treatment

 

How are calf strains treated?  It depends on the grade of the injury.  If the calf injury is a minor strain (Grade 1 or Grade 2) then rest, ice, compression, and elevation are important immediately following the injury.  A doctor, therapist, or trainer should be consulted as soon as possible.  Cold therapy and calf sleeves can be very helpful.  Anti inflammatory medications, sports massage, ultrasound and heels pads may all be prescribed.  

Exercise and stretching are important, but so is rest.  Do not overdue your return to activity.  I know this is hard for you runners, but that's the truth of it. Gentle stretching, listen to what your body is telling you.  Be smart, figure out exaclty what is going on with your calf.  Examine all of your treatment options, then make a well-formed educated decision on how to treat your calf injury.  

Calf Strain

 

There are two muscles that make up the calf.  The Gastrocnemius is the big muscle on the back of the lower leg, and the Soleus is a smaller muscle a bit lower and somewhat under its larger counterpart.

There are three grades of calf strain:

 

• Grade I - This is a minor tear with about 10% of the muscle being torn.  Symptoms include tightness and possibly a twinge in the calf area.
• Grade II -  This is a more severe tear with up to 90% of the muscle fibers being torn.  There will be sharp pain in the back of the lower leg, swelling, bruising, and tightness.
• Grade III - Whoa Momma!  This is complete tear with blinding immediate pain.  The muscle will be visibly torn - all bunched up at the top of the calf.

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are essential immediately post injury.  Then as with all serious injuries go see your doctor.  

When it is appropriate to return to activities a calf sleeve will provide warmth and compression.  This will help patients get back on their feet and on the road to recovery.  Calf sleeves are also a great treatment option for shin splints.