What are symptoms of a torn calf muscle?
Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include:
- No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg.
- Snapping or popping sensation in your calf.
- Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf.
- Swelling and bruising in your calf muscle.
How long does a grade 3 calf strain take to heal?
Grade 3: A severe tear where most of the muscle fibers are torn and can cause a complete rupture of the muscle. This usually takes 8-12 weeks recovery depending on the severity.
How do doctors tell if you tore a muscle?
During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage.
Why does my calf muscle keep tearing?
Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains. This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly.
What is a gastrocnemius tear?
A gastrocnemius muscle tear is a severe, sudden injury to your calf muscle. This muscle helps flex the lower leg. It also helps you do quick movements, such as jumping and sprinting. An injury to this muscle is sometimes called “tennis leg.”
What does a Grade 2 calf strain feel like?
Grade II: A second degree or moderate injury is a partial muscle tear halting activity. There is a clear loss of strength and range of motion. with marked pain, swelling and often bruising. Muscle fibre disruption between 10 and 50%.
What is a grade 3 calf tear?
A grade 3 calf strain is a severe injury involving a complete tear to half or all of the calf muscle. Crutches or even a moon boot may be required to enable walking due to severe pain and weakness. Immediate swelling and bruising will be present within 24 hours.
When does a muscle tear need surgery?
Most muscle strains do not require surgery, and a full recovery is expected. If there is a partial tear then the athlete can return when they are pain free and have normal strength and motion. This usually occurs following anywhere from a few weeks to a few months of appropriate treatment and therapy.
What are the symptoms of a tear in the calf muscle?
This is about 1/3 high in the calf. These tears most commonly involve the inside portion (medial head) of the gastrocnemius muscle as this region is under the greatest amount of tension. Patients with calf muscle tears usually describe a sudden, sharp pain on the inside aspect of the calf.
What is calf strain and muscle spasm of the leg?
Calf Strain and Muscle Spasm of the Leg 1 Overview. A calf strain is a tearing injury to the gastrocnemius or soleus muscle—a “muscle strain.” When a muscle is over-strained, the muscle fibers can tear. 2 Symptoms. An acute calf strain can be quite painful, depending on the severity of the injury. 3 When to See a Doctor. 4 Treatments.
What is a pulled calf muscle?
A pulled calf muscle happens when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. It’s a common injury with athletes that do a lot of stop-and-go movements, but it can also affect older, active individuals. Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery.
How to get rid of a cramp in the calf?
Treatment for cramp. 1 Stretching. If you are suffering from a bout of calf muscle cramp, stretch the muscles. Hold the stretch for as long as is necessary. Sometimes it is 2 Massage. 3 Pinch your top lip. 4 Professional advice. 5 About The Author.