![]() The boot keeps the foot in a position that does not strain the calf muscle. Tall walking boot: Your doctor may prescribe a “tall walking boot” to help with healing.Bed rest or limiting activity: While rest can mean actually staying in bed all the time, it generally means you reduce or stop doing vigorous activities, especially those that flex or lift the ankle like running, jumping, and ballet.Rest means limiting doing any activity that uses the calves for a period of time-and possibly stopping doing any activity if possible. When treating mild or moderate strains, the goal is to control pain and bleeding, if there is any. In severe cases, where the majority of the muscle is torn, you will probably need surgery. ![]() The main treatment for a mild or moderate calf strain is rest. Surgery is only needed when the injury is extremely severe. Bruising is a sign of bleeding, and it means you should not take OTC anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for the pain. Usually, you can treat a calf strain yourself with rest, ice, and pain relievers. Treatment is based on the severity of the strain. ![]() Treatment options and prevention of calf strain A typical scenario is that a person is going uphill at the end of a long run and suddenly has a pain in the deep middle of the calf. And while a strain to the soleus muscle happens less often than a gastrocnemius strain, long-distance runners or anyone who runs frequently is more likely to get it.Ī soleus strain often develops over time from regularly running uphill. This is a common position when running uphill. Soleus strains are caused by the ankle being flexed upward- toes toward the sky-while the knee is also flexed or bent. You can also tell if you have a soleus strain if you feel pain when walking on your tiptoes. Usually, if the injury is to the soleus muscle you will have pain when there is pressure on the Achilles tendon. If the strain is severe, you may also have bruising along the back of the affected leg. Soon after the injury, you may realize that it is difficult to stand on the leg. Often when a gastrocnemius is pulled or strained, you will hear an internal “pop” sound. This can be a sudden dash or jump or even when landing after jumping from an elevated platform. Damage to the muscle fibers of the leg are often caused by sudden explosive motions that you are not used to doing. This type of calf strain is also more likely to happen when you suddenly start doing intense physical activity and are not in shape. Athletes like soccer players and runners are also more likely to strain their calf muscle. Often, you will not be able to flex the calf muscle at all, either because of the pain or excessive damage to the muscle.Ĭauses of calf strain Gastrocnemius strainsĪ strain of the gastrocnemius muscle is commonly referred to as “tennis leg” strain as it often happens when you suddenly change direction, like when returning a volley in tennis. If the strain is severe, you will know it as soon as it happens. If you notice pain when your ankle is flexed and downward-like when pressing down on the gas in your car-then the strain is probably moderate. If the injury is mild, you will only feel pain when you flex your calf while standing (like when going on tiptoes) or if doing a small hop on one leg.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |