Calf Strain: What is It and How did it Happen?
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What is Calf Strain?
The calf is made up of two main muscles: the gastrocnemius muscle, which is the larger outside muscle, and the soleus, which connects to the foot via the Achilles tendon. Calf strain, or medial gastrocnemius strain, happens when the calf muscle become partially torn or, in severe cases completely ruptured.
Calf strain is common in “weekend warrior” athletes, and is often called “tennis leg” because it happens so frequently to tennis players. Men suffer calf strain more often than women, and athletes between the ages of 40 and 60 are more prone. While most medial calf injuries seen are acute cases, there are more frequent reports from athletes who experience calf tightness for several days before the injury suggesting that the injury may incrementally worsen.
Calf strain occurs when extra force is applied to the calf muscle, usually when the knee is extended, the foot pointing up, and the calf muscle tries to contract in this position. As an example, this is a common position for the back leg in a tennis stroke, but it can also happen to athletes who push or lift heavy objects.
Symptoms of Calf Strain
There are three levels of severity of calf strain. Symptoms of Grade 1 calf strain include:
• Twinge of pain in the back of the lower leg
• May be able to continue playing
• Tightness and soreness in the area for two to five days following
Symptoms of a Grade 2 calf strain include:
• Sharp pain in the back of the lower leg
• Pain when walking
• Swelling in the calf
• Mild to moderate bruising
• Pain when the angle between the front part of the foot and the shin is greater than 90 degrees
• Tightness and aching longer than a week
Symptoms of a Grade 3 calf strain include:
• Severe immediate pain
• Sudden (acute) pain at the back of the leg
• Inability to contract the muscle
• Lots of swelling and bruising
• Muscle bunched up towards the top of the calf (in full rupture cases)
Many athletes report a popping sound during activity and a feeling as if a stick has struck the calf.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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