GRADE TWO CALF STRAIN

How bad is my calf strain?

A calf muscle tear is graded from one to three. A grade one is a minor tear with up to 10% of fibers involved. A grade two tear involves approximately 10% of muscle fibers up to 90% and a grade three is over 90% of fibers torn, or a full rupture. The injury is at the muscular tendinous junction, where the muscles meet the Achilles tendon.

Symptoms of a grade two calf strain is a sharp pain at the back of the lower leg usually felt when walking. There is swelling in the calf muscle, with mild to moderate bruising. Pain will be felt on resisted plantar flexion or pushing the foot downwards against resistance. There may be tightness and aching in the calf muscle for a week or more.

Initial treatment should be the conventional RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) technique to stabilize swelling and help circulation. Ice to moderate pain and inflammation. Apply ice 15 to 25 minutes, every two hours, up to five days. A wrap or brace adds compression to balance circulation and reduce swelling. The wrap support should be two inches around the calf muscle injury. Loosen wrap support if there is pain or increased inflammation.

Also helpful is wearing a heel pad to raise the heel and shorten the calf muscle helps relieve strain off it. Use heel pads in both shoes to avert an imbalance, that can perpetuate other injuries like back injuries.

Applying RICE is essential. Cold therapy should be applied as soon as possible to quickly stop any internal bleeding. As soon as swelling and inflammation are stabilized attempt strengthening and stretching exercises to help regain stability and retain muscle flexibility. Some relative calf strain exercises are

  • Ÿ  baise calf stretch
  • Ÿ  towel stretch
  • Ÿ  isometric contraction
  • Ÿ  heel lift

Only attempt rehabilitation exercises without pain.

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