A calf injury commonly is where calf muscles join the Achilles tendon. Calf strain symptoms generally are
- sudden sharp pain at the back of lower leg
- a tender calf muscle with swelling, and bruising may appear. Severe calf injury causes immobilization of regular lifestylealf strain injuries are graded one to three. A grade one is a minor tear. A grade two tear involves 50% torn muscle fibers, and a grade three is a complete rupture debilitating range-of-motion (ROM), usually occurring at the muscular tendinous junction (muscles meet the Achilles tendon).
Grade one calf strain is slight pain in the back of lower leg. Instant pain or mild discomfort when patient is mobile. Regularly there is tightness and aching up to a week after injury.
Grade two calf strain is sharp pain with significant pain walking. Swelling in calf muscle with bruising.
Pain is centralized 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.
Grade three calf strain is severe immediate pain and patient is debilitated from walking. Considerable bruising and swelling appearing and without any contraction of the calf muscle. Muscle deformity at the top of the calf. Commonly, a severe muscle strain requires surgery and physiotherapy for muscle repair.
Basic calf strain strengthening exercises should be started without pain. Restoring regular ROM and flexibility is crucial, with the following relative rehabilitation exercises
- resisted plantarflexion
- seated calf raise
- calf raise
- single leg calf raise
- bent knee Calf Raise
- step back
Immediately after the injury stabilizing swelling and inflammation is done with conventional RICE method. Specially ice and compression (with bandage or wrap). Ice is applied for 20 minutes every two hours, for up to three days. Rest and elevation are still subtleties helpful for healthier circulation.
