Calf Strains

What are Calf Strains?

Calf strains are really common muscle injuries particularly in sports that involve running. The calf muscle is a big, powerful muscle at the back of the leg which is used to push off with the leg when running and walking. When the muscle is torn this can lead to severe pain and swelling in the calf and can lead to several weeks of rehabilitation being needed.

When muscles are torn or strained they are classified in the following way:

Grade 1 – a few fibres of the muscle are torn. Likely recovery time 2-6 weeks

Grade 2 – a lot of the muscle fibres are torn. Likely recovery time 6-12 weeks

Grade 3 – the muscle is completely ruptured. Surgery likely to be needed.

Common Causes

Common sports that cause calf strains:

• Running – particularly sprinting
• Football
• Squash
• Tennis

Common Signs & Symptoms

Following this injury the common signs and symptoms are:

• Severe pain in the calf muscle
• Swelling in the calf muscle
• Inability to walk on the leg properly

Condition Management

What should be done following this injury:

• Attend A&E if you think the injury is severe or your GP
• Consult a chartered physiotherapist - they will give you advice and exercises to aid your recovery
• Use ice or a reusable cold pack to reduce the swelling (the recommended time is 10 minutes on with 1 hour off) Never apply ice directly to the skin.
• When returning to sport use a support to help provide stabilization

Leg Supports

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The content on this website is provided for general information and reference purposes only and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. All exercises and information featured on this web site should only be reviewed/practised under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Products suggestions linked to injuries may be provided on the site but you must always refer to the product page for full product details and always consult a physician before use as the indications outlined may not always be relevant to your particular injury/condition.