If you’d like to learn more about calf strains and their treatment, our latest blog is for you!
Our calf muscles support us through many movements, including day-to-day actions like standing, walking, and flexing our feet. But when you strain a calf muscle, the pain you experience may be severe and it may even temporarily stop you from doing the things you love.
Below we explain more about calf strains, including what they are, how they vary in severity, and how you might benefit from seeing one of our trusted Brisbane physios during your rehabilitation. (We have clinics in Ashgrove, Moorooka and Samford for your convenience!)
What is a Calf Strain?
There are two main muscles which make up the calf, and a strain occurs when one of those muscles is overstretched or torn.
Strained muscles are commonly referred to as pulled muscles.
There are three grades of calf muscle strain, with grade 1 being the mildest and grade 3 being the most severe.
- Grade 1 calf strain – You can function fairly normally as only a few muscle fibres are torn.
- Grade 2 calf strain – Loss of function is moderate with a grade 2 strain as numerous muscle fibres are torn.
- Grade 3 calf strain – Function is impacted greatly as all fibres have been ruptured. You may not be able to weight bear on the injured leg.
Possible Calf Strain Causes
This type of soft-tissue injury frequently happens when the muscle contracts abruptly, for example when pivoting, jumping, charging, or lunging.
Therefore, our team of health professionals regularly see athletes with calf strains who participate in sports which consist of these kinds of actions – like tennis, netball, basketball, soccer, athletics, and rugby.
While the injury is often the result of sudden movements, it can also be associated with overuse of the muscle over a longer period.
Calf Strain Symptoms
Your symptoms will differ depending on the severity of the calf strain. Oftentimes, when the injury occurs, people experience aching in the calf, or a pulling, snapping, or tearing sensation.
Other symptoms may include:
- Stiffness in the calf
- Limited mobility – so normal movements, like raising up onto your toes and flexing your feet, may be difficult
- Feeling of weakness in the muscle when walking or moving
- Bruising may appear in the days immediately after the strain
- Tenderness at the injury site
- Swelling
In some of the most severe calf strain cases, the injured person may not be able to weight bear or walk properly, and may even develop a visible deformity at the injury site.
Calf Strain Treatment
**It’s vital to seek advice from a qualified and reputable health professional before beginning any treatment program**
Following a soft-tissue injury, many health professionals agree that rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) should be carried out immediately and then continued for the first few days following the strain.
When your pain begins to subside, you can begin further treatment under the guidance of qualified a health professional.
Physiotherapy is often a beneficial part of a rehabilitation program and can help to reduce the chance of the injury happening again.
Physio treatment for a calf strain could include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Stretching
- Strengthening and gradual loading exercises
- Electrotherapy
Preventing Calf Strains
While it can be difficult to prevent injuries, it’s important to undertake activities that assist with minimising the risk.
For example:
- Warm up with dynamic stretches before a game or training
- Work on your fitness, balance, and strength. Build them up gradually and continue to maintain them.
- Ensure your shoes fit well
- Only play or train in a safe environment
- Factor in rest days and adequate recovery time
Physio for Calf Strains
If you have strained a calf muscle and you’re ready to begin a rehabilitation program, the trained physiotherapists at one of our Brisbane clinics will be able to help.
To make a booking with our friendly Ashgrove team, click here or call (07) 3366 7566.
If you’d like to see our physios at Moorooka, you can book online here or phone (07) 3892 5287.
And for appointments at our Samford clinic, please click here or call (07) 3289 6122.