A torn calf muscle (gastrocnemius) is similar to an Achilles tendon tear or rupture, but occurs higher up in the back of the leg. A calf tear is a very common injury for runners as your calf performs a fast and large contraction when you run. When one or both of these muscles are overstretched, the muscle fibers can tear, resulting in various symptoms, including pain and swelling. Keeping calf muscles strong so they can absorb the energy of sudden physical stress. This is an often painful injury that will require immediate medical attention. When a person says, “I tore a ligament in my calf,” he really means that he tore his Achilles tendon, as this is the primary ligament that controls the calf. Especially if you heard or felt a pop at the time of injury, you should call your doctor right away. In such a case, the symptoms last for only a few days. He also leads his team of caring reception staff and expert physiotherapists with the same degree of passion, which is why Sydney Physio Solutions has built the outstanding reputation it has. There may be mild pain and swelling, but the muscle is otherwise in good condition with no loss of strength or function. Also known as "tennis leg," calf ruptures may require surgical intervention and/or physical therapy. A sudden change of direction, explosive movement or increase in speed can result in the calf muscles becoming torn or strained. Though muscle tear can occur at any site, yet there are a few sites where muscle tears are frequently encountered: 1) Torn biceps muscle – Popeye’s muscle. Home » Blog » Muscle tears » Calf Muscle Tears. Although all injuries are different, some of the sensations you might experienceinclude: 1. Leg Muscle Tear or Injury can also be called as Leg Muscle Strain. Drinking water before, during and after play. Bruising. Torn Calf Muscle. Limited motion 4. Learning the proper technique for exercise and sporting activities. Spasms, or sudden involuntary contractions, of the calf muscle. Even if you have not spoken to your doctor yet, you can begin RICE until your doctor gives you further instructions. Pain and swelling or bruising in the calf muscle. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, The Pain in My Right Calf Hurts More When I Squat, Knee Pain in the Medial Collateral Ligament When Running, some of the sensations you might experience. A sudden pain at the back of the leg, particularly at the muscular tendinous junction. Problems walking or putting weight on the injured leg 2009;2(2):74-77. The area around the injury may be tender, and rising up onto the toes or stretching out the calf may be painful. Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions is trusted for the knowledge and experience of it’s staff members. It can come as a surprise to many, but there are actually three different muscles within the calf muscle, … All our clinics are staffed by highly qualified and expert physiotherapists whose motivation is to find the cause of your problem & return you to pre-injury fitness as soon as possible. Symptoms of a gastrocnemius muscle tear. Typically a torn calf muscle refers to a complete tear, rather than just a muscle strain. Problems walking or putting weight on the injured leg. Swelling. Picture 3: Mallet finger (source: Wikimedia) 3) Torn calf muscle Treatment depends on how severe the muscle tear is. Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle injuries. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Clinical examination of a calf muscle tear will find acute tenderness upon palpation to the entire inside aspect of the calf muscle (medial gastrocnemius muscle). A calf muscle with a grade III strain will be quite painful, swollen and discolored. Your calf muscle is referred to as a single muscle, but it is actually two separate muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Symptoms. It is comprised of two muscles: gastrocnemius (main part) and the soleus. Remember I do not replace a real person and always recommend seeking professional advice. Calf muscle strains are graded from 1 to 3, with grade 3 being the most severe. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area. Even then, return to your former level of activity slowly. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. There may be bruising or swelling that develops over the following 24 hours. Most of the injuries that occur to the calf are actually injuries to the gastrocnemius, the largest of the three. It is often confused with an achilles tendon rupture. What Are the Treatments for Calf Muscle Pain? A ruptured calf muscle occurs when a muscle is put under too much strain and the muscle fibers tear completely away from themselves or from the tendons that secure the muscles to bone. This may be accompanied by a popping sound or sensation at the time of injury. Tearing your calf muscle is an injury often sustained when you are building up speed when running or through a sudden change to the direction you are running in. Calf strain may be minor or very severe. The No HARM protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. Grade 3 calf muscle injury. Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include: 1. Pain that is throbbing while at rest but sharp and stabbing when you attempt to stand or walk. Calf muscle tears usually occur during acceleration or changes in direction (e.g. In this case, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This method involves: RICE is most effective when initiated immediately after the injury and continued for at least 48 hours. She studied creative writing at the American University of Paris and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland. Understand what can get injured in your calf. A grade I strain is mild. All Rights Reserved. A mild strain can leave you with pain and feelings of pulling within the lower half of your leg. Further Info Pain on resisted plantar flexion or contracting the muscles against resistance. Privacy Policy. Symptoms of a gastrocnemius muscle tear. Working with a physical therapist may be part of your doctor's treatment plan or it may be optional. Copyright ©2019 sydneyphysiosolutions.com.au. Sharp pain when you move or stretch the ankle or knee. The most common symptoms from a bruised muscle is pain. Grade 2 calf muscle injury. The severity of the symptoms and the course of treatment depend on the extensiveness of the tear. When this occurs and the injury involves the deeper calf muscle, it is known as a calf strain of the soleus muscle. Typically a torn calf muscle refers to a complete tear, rather than just a muscle strain. A person with a pulled calf muscle may experience muscle cramps, swelling, and redness. Your doctor may also recommend that you use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and swelling. Your recovery will depend on your individual injury. Depending on the severity of the calf tear, the injury could take up to 6 weeks to heal. A partial tear of the calf muscle results in a moderate, or grade 2 calf muscle injury. How to Care for a Torn Calf Muscle. At the time of injury, you may hear a popping sound or feel a tearing sensation in your calf. Calf strain symptoms. RICE protocol should be followed for 48–72 hours. A muscle strain refers to the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers. Full recovery can take 3-4 months and, in some instances, surgery may be needed. Depending on the severity of the damage to the muscle, symptoms of a torn calf can vary. Pain that is throbbing while at rest but sharp and stabbing when you attempt to stand or walk. Insufficient warm up or cool down is a common cause of calf strain. There may be some bruising as well as muscle weakness. Calf Muscle Tear Although it is extremely painful, calf muscle tears occur often, especially to men ages 40 to 60. Symptoms of a calf injury are usually a sharp pain, followed by swelling or bruising. tennis, squash). Gradually including weights or additional resistance over time. Symptoms of a torn calf muscle include pain, swelling, bruising and weakness or loss of function. A strained calf can range from a small partial tear whereby there is minimal pain and minimal loss of function, to a complete rupture of the calf which may require surgical reconstruction. A calf strain occurs when the calf muscles are over stretched. Your doctor will want to know what you were doing when you were injured. Your recovery will depend on your individual injury. Other symptoms include: Pain. A Leg Muscle Tear or Injury is said to occur whenever the leg muscle gets over-stretched or overused beyond its actual capacity. The immediate treatment of any soft tissue injury consists of the RICER protocol – rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral to a sports medicine professional. Then you’ll experience pain, swelling or bruising in the calf muscle, and you’ll have difficulty walking properly or standing on your toes. Wrap the lower leg in an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and provide support for weakened muscles. You may think you’ve just been hit in the leg and potentially hear a “pop.” There is sudden pain at the back of the calf. Grade 3 Tear: Complete tear in the muscle Symptoms of a Torn Calf Muscle Notable symptoms for a strained or torn calf muscle are stiffness, swelling, pain, and bruising. Depending on the degree of bruising and swelling, a palpable defect in the muscle may be evident. You can also do some exercises on your own when you are ready: Read more: The Best Way to Heal a Torn Calf Muscle. Your “calf muscle” is actually made up of three muscles that are attached to the Achilles tendon in the posterior lower leg. There may be mild pain and swelling, but the muscle is otherwise in good condition with no loss of strength or function. Calf pain felt in your calf muscle belly is often the result of a pulled or torn calf muscle.A torn calf muscle can sometimes be confused with an Achilles tendon rupture, significant Achilles tendinopathy, leg cramps or even sciatica or referred pain from your lower back. However, we have known people to tear their calf muscle by simply walking across the road. Typically there is bruising associated with this pain and normally the maximum tenderness or location of tear is higher than the bruised area.