It can be minor or severe.
Symptoms vary depending on how bad the injury is, and treatment also depends on severity.
This article outlines types of calf muscle injuries and how they are treated.
Verywell / Kelly Miller
Types of Calf Strains (Tears)
Muscle strains and muscle tears are the same thing.
These injuries can be mild or severe and can affect muscles and/or tendons, which attach muscle to bone.
Strains are different from sprains, which are injuries to the ligaments that attach bone to bone.
A calf strain shows up when fibers of themuscles of the lower legare overstretched.
Full recovery takes about two weeks.
Grade 2 Strain
This strain involves a partial tear of the muscle fibers.
You’ll need to limit activity, but full recovery takes approximately five to eight weeks.
Full recovery can take three to four months and, in some instances, surgery may be needed.
A grade 3 strain may make a popping sound when the injury occurs.
Your risk increases if you haven’t had much conditioning prior to engaging in higher risk activities.
Research suggests that you are more likely to experience a calf strain as you get older.
Having a calf strain in the past also puts you at higher risk for experiencing future calf strains.
Treatment for Calf Strains
Minor calf strains can be managed at home.
RICE Treatment
The initial treatment for a calf strain isR.I.C.E.
Depending on how bad your injury is, you may need rehabilitation with a physical therapist.
The goal of rehabilitation is to return to normal activity as quickly as possible without long-term effects.
If you return too soon, you risk developing a chronic injury.
Keep in mind that everyone recovers at a different rate.
Your rehab needs to be tailored to your needs and your progress, not the calendar.
In severe cases, your healthcare provider might recommend a walking boot.
Rarely, surgery is needed to repair the muscle.
Other Causes of Calf Pain
Not all acute calf pain is due to muscle injuries.
Sometimes, the pain can indicate something more seriouslike a blood clot.
Below are other potential causes for calf pain that occurs suddenly.
This is why it’s so important to have an accurate diagnosis.
What causes calf muscle pain at night?
Most muscle bruises are mild and can be treated with the R.I.C.E protocol and NSAID pain relief.
A blood clot requires immediate therapy with a blood thinner.
It may cause swelling or achiness, or no symptoms at all.
A large or ruptured Baker’s cyst can cause calf pain or swelling.
Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body.
It connects the heel of the foot to both the gastrocnemius and the soleus.
In some cases, an audible “pop” or “snap” may be heard.
If you believe you may have injured your Achilles tendon, apply ice and elevate your leg right away.
Summary
For athletes, calf muscle strains are commonbut treatableinjuries.
If you believe you may have strained your calf muscle, remember to use the R.I.C.E.
protocol and to contact your healthcare provider.
They will help to determine whether additional treatments are necessary to help you recover from your injury.
They can also rule out serious conditions that may be causing your calf pain.
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