calf strain symptoms, calf strain recovery, calf exercises, gastrocnemius muscle, soleus strain

Calf strain is a common and a typical phenomenon which may occur when a person indulges in sports after a gap or even otherwise during one’s regular practice. It can become serious if not treated at an early stage. Initially it is essential to go through the sequence of rest, ice treatment, compressing the muscles and finally keeping the leg at an elevated position. This allows it to heal at a faster rate and avoids the possibility of it occurring again. Applying ice helps in reducing swelling and allows the blood to flow away from the area of injury. This helps stop internal bleeding. The muscles are bandaged in such a way that they are compressed, thereby reducing swelling in the bruised area.

Our calf muscles are made of two muscles called gastrosnemius and soleus. Gastronemius forms the upper portion of the calf muscle and soleus forms the lower portion. Gastronemius assists in bending of the knee. If it is injured then pain may occur in the upper portion and if soleus is damaged then the lower portion may be affected. There may be times when both the muscles that is, the entire calf muscle may get damaged. In such cases deliberate attention towards rest and treatment becomes essential.

Such strains are typically divided into 3 grades depending on the severity of the injury. Grade 1 describes minor tears and swelling or pain which may take lesser time to heal compared to grade 2 or 3. In grade 2 and 3 the muscles may be torn to a great extent and bleeding also may occur. In grade 2 the injury may be moderate. The duration of pain and swelling may differ in each. In grade 1 swelling and pain in the lower back of the calf muscle may last for less than a week, while it may last longer than that in grade 2. Grade 3 is the most severe one in which swelling or even bleeding may last for weeks together. It is possible to continue playing in grade 1 or 2 kind of injury but in grade 3 rest is very important otherwise it leaves a possibility of recurrence.

Any sports specialist will advise anti-inflammatory tablets or an ultrasound to gauge the seriousness of the case. Sports massage may be helpful and will enable the injury to heal faster. For grade 3 injuries a rehabilitation process may be prescribed. This is required so that the muscles become strong and fully recover, so as to not leave chances of it occurring again.

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Tags: calf exercises, calf strain recovery, calf strain symptoms, gastrocnemius muscle, soleus strain

Calf Strain

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