How are pulled calf muscles treated?
After confirming you have a torn calf muscle, your healthcare provider may recommend a home treatment known as RICE:
- Rest: Once you feel calf pain, stop doing physical activity and rest your leg. Don’t push through pain, which can make the problem worse. You might be required to use crutches or wear a boot for several days.
- Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin.
- Compression: Apply a compression wrap or sleeve to your calf. Compression helps reduce blood flow to the painful area and minimize swelling.
- Elevation: Lift your leg into an elevated position, preferably above the level of your heart. Support the entire length of your leg with pillows, blankets or cushions.
Until you receive clearance from your healthcare provider, do not:
- Apply heat to the injured area.
- Massage your calf.
- Walk, exercise or perform physical activity.
You may also need to keep your injury immobilized and protected by wearing a soft cast or boot. Some people need crutches or an assistive device to move around as their injury heals.
After several weeks of RICE, your provider may recommend physical therapy. Therapy can help you regain strength and flexibility in your calf muscle. It can also help you get back to everyday activities, such walking up stairs or pressing down on the gas pedal in your car, with less pain.
Will I need surgery for a calf muscle tear?
You may need surgery for a calf muscle tear if you:
- Are young and want to return to competitive sports and high-impact activities.
- Continue to experience calf pain several months after trying nonsurgical treatments.
- Have a complete muscle tear with serious swelling or internal bleeding.
During surgery to repair a calf muscle tear, you receive general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision (cut) in your calf and reattaches the two ends of the ruptured muscle with stitches. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after your procedure.
Most people wear a cast on their entire leg for about three weeks after surgery. You might also wear a cast below the knee for an additional three weeks. Once the cast is off, your healthcare provider will tell you when you can resume light physical activity and start physical therapy.
FAQs
A torn calf muscle is a painful injury in the muscles behind your shin bone. Athletes and people over 40 are especially prone to this type of muscle injury. Calf muscle tears usually heal after a few weeks of conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, compression and elevation. In rare cases, you may need surgery.
How can you tell if your calf is torn or torn? ›
A pop, snap or tearing sensation may be felt. Occasionally, with a severe tear, it may feel like you have been shot in the back of the leg. Afterwards, the calf may swell and it will be difficult to rise up onto the toes. The calf will be painful and tender and will feel weak and stiff.
How long does a torn calf muscle take to fully heal? ›
Most people who have a calf muscle tear will need about 6-8 weeks to recover. However, this can vary depending on the severity of your injury. If you have a more severe tear, it may take longer to heal.
Is it okay to walk on a torn calf muscle? ›
You may walk on the foot as comfort allows. You will find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages.
What not to do with a torn calf muscle? ›
Avoid walking on the injured leg, use crutches or a stick if provided. When resting elevate the leg to discourage swelling. Frozen peas or crushed ice in a damp tea towel can be applied to the injured area. For maximum effect apply for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
Is it OK to massage a torn calf muscle? ›
Massage should not be applies to recent muscle strains. During the first 24 to 72 hours following a strain applying massage will make the injury worse, increase bleeding and prevent healing.
What to do immediately after a calf tear? ›
Immediate treatment for pulled calf muscles usually includes RICE, which stands for: Rest: Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging the calf. Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours. Don't apply ice directly to your skin.
Should I go to the ER for a torn calf muscle? ›
However, if you notice the pain hasn't gone away after a week, there is blood coming from the injury or the injured area is numb, you should see a provider as soon as possible. You should also seek medical attention immediately if you are unable to walk or move your arms or legs.
Will a calf tear heal on its own? ›
Yes, a torn calf muscle can heal on its own. Healing time will depend on the severity of the injury and the correct rehabilitation process. However, seeing a physiotherapist can help in managing this injury successfully and avoiding prolonged pain and dysfunction.
What is the best exercise for a torn calf muscle? ›
Calf wall stretch (knees bent)
- Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Put your affected leg about a step behind your other leg.
- Keeping both heels on the floor, bend both knees. ...
- Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication – or recommend an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen – to help reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, your health care provider will prescribe rehabilitation therapy.
What does a grade 3 calf tear feel like? ›
The calf muscles in a grade 3 strain may be completely ruptured. This is a more severe injury that can result in severe pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Putting weight on the injured leg may be difficult or impossible.
Should I go to the ER for a torn calf? ›
If your pain or the symptom is mild, a walk-in clinic is your best bet. However, a total tear of a ligament, tendon, or muscle (a severe sprain or strain) or a severe fracture will instantly be debilitating, and this warrants treatment at an emergency room.
