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Leg Strain, Calf
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Home :: Leg Strain Calf

Leg Strain, Calf

Injury to muscles and tendons in the lower leg (calf). Muscles, tendons and bone comprise units. These units stabilize the knee and allow its motion. A strain occurs at the weakest part of a unit. Strains are of 3 types:

  • Mild (Grade I) - Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
  • Moderate (Grade II) - Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
  • Severe (Grade III) - Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

  • Tendons and muscles of the calf and lower leg.
  • Leg bones (femur, tibia and fibula).
  • Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Causes

  • Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the calf.
  • Single violent injury or force applied to the calf.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain when moving or stretching the foot or ankle.
  • Muscle spasm in the calf.
  • Muscle spasm in the call.
  • Swelling over the injury.
  • Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).
  • Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers.
  • Difficulty in contracting the muscle or standing on tip toe.
  • If the rupture is very bad you may feel a gap in the muscle

Diagnosis

Your doctor will want to know what activity triggered your leg pain and whether there was a pop in the muscle when you injured it. The doctor also will ask about your symptoms, especially any decreased muscle strength or difficulty walking.

Your doctor may suspect that you have a strained leg muscle, based on your symptoms and the history of your injury. To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination. If the results of your exam point to Grade I or II muscle strain, then usually you will not need any additional testing. However, if the diagnosis is in doubt, X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be necessary. Also, in calf muscle injuries, Doppler studies may be done to check for a blood clot.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

If a cast or splints are necessary ,keep toes free and exercise them frequently.If a cast or splints are not necessary:

  • Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time.Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
  • Apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
  • Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
  • Wrap the injured leg with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
  • Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.
  • Elevate the heels of your shoes to relax the calf. Use 1/2 of a heel pad in each shoe.

MEDICATION

  • For minor discomfort, you may use: Aspirin acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Topical liniments and ointments.
  • Use ultrasound treatment.

Home Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips
  • Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
  • Warm up before practice or competition.
  • Never push yourself too hard, too soon.
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