What to do with a pulled calf muscle?

You might have a pulled calf muscle if you have swelling or bruising on the lower back part of your leg. You’ll probably have noticed pulling it with a sudden feeling of pain and a snapping or popping sensation in the area. This will be followed by a difficulty to stand on your toes, point your toes or bend your knee. The body can confuse and give us false signals. To be sure, and to have a professional check the severity of your injury, book an appointment with Cairnhill’s team of physios today. So, what else do you need to know?

How does a pulled calf muscle occur?

It happens when the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in your calf get overstretched. A more serious outcome is a torn calf muscle which could require surgery and rehabilitation. Pulled calf muscles are common when exercising or playing sports. Running can be a common cause whether jogging or playing rugby/football/tennis/netball, etc. They are most likely to occur when someone moves or overstretches suddenly in a quick movement and are quite common. 

Should I see a physiotherapist?

If you are experiencing some discomfort and limited physical movement, yes you should seek out a physio. They will perform a physical examination and work to diagnose the severity of your injury before considering a treatment and rehabilitation plan. Immediate treatment may include the R.I.C.E. method.

• R is for Rest. Refrain from further physical exercise.
• I is for Ice. This will decrease inflammation and numb pain in the area. 
• C is for Compression. Help prevent and reduce swelling, as well as support the area, with compression.
• E is for Elevation. Lifting the leg above the heart will also reduce pain and reduce swelling as well as help drain excess fluid.

Age, muscle quality and lack of conditioning can be contributing factors in suffering injuries. Speak to a physio today about expert ways to prevent injuries. 

Allow us to assess your injury and provide a timeline for recovery. From here, we will manage your road to recovery and help you return to full fitness whether you are an elite athlete or just enjoy keeping fit. It is common to experience muscle, joint and ligament injuries. The important thing is to treat them early and treat them well.