CALF STRAIN

 The Injury

The term 'pulled muscle' comes from the description of how the injury takes place. Usually the muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue becomes torn. Depending upon its severity it is classified as a first, second or third degree strain:

• a first degree strain is damage to a few muscle fibres,
• a second degree strain is damage to a more extensive number of muscle fibres,
• a third degree strain is a complete rupture of the muscle itself.

The calf muscle group consists of the gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles, situated at the back of the lower leg. Their function is to pull up on the heel bone and these muscles are most active during the push-off phase of walking and running.

 Signs and Symptoms

• With a grade 1 calf strain the signs may not be present until after the activity is over.
• There may be a sensation of cramp or tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted.

• With a grade 2 calf strain there is immediate pain which is more severe than the pain of a grade one injury.
• It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle.
• A grade 2 calf strain is usually sore to touch.

• A grade 3 calf strain is a catastrophic injury.
• There is an immediate burning or stabbing pain and the athlete is unable to walk without pain.
• The muscle is completely torn and there may be a large lump of muscle tissue above a depression where the tear is.
• After a few days with grade 2 and 3 injuries a large bruise will appear below the injury site caused by the bleeding within the tissues.

 Treatment & Prevention

- see Muscle Strains