Calf Strain/Tear
What is it?
A strain to the calf is a tear to one or more of the muscles at the back of the lower leg. Symptoms vary greatly but there is usually a history of a sudden sharp pain in this area. Swelling and bruising may appear and the calf will feel tender to touch. There may be discomfort on walking or you may find yourself unable to walk, this depends on the severity of the injury.
There are two main muscles in the calf complex, the gastrocnemius and soleus. Either of these muscles can be injured in a calf strain, or less commonly both may be injured. Injury usually occurs through a sudden pushing off motion e.g. acceleration or through an over stretching of the muscle such as jumping or falling off a kerb.
What we do?
At The Physiotherapy Academy we will be able to diagnose your calf strain, locate the injury to the specific muscle and grade the severity of the injury.
We will be able to ascertain if there were any physical issues, training or biomechanical factors that predisposed you to this injury and advise accordingly.
What the benefits are?
Early physiotherapy intervention reduces the risk of further injury to the muscle and speeds up the healing process and subsequent return to normal activities including work, social and sporting activities.
How can we help?
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis we can start on treating the injury to reduce pain and improve mobility and function. As sports injury professionals we can devise a full calf strain rehabilitation program involving stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as sport specific exercises and drills to aid a quick return to sport and reduce the likelihood of the injury re-occurring.
We may also apply soft tissue techniques to the calf to help improve tissue healing, promote normal muscle mobility and prevent re-injury. Acupuncture may sometimes be used to help relieve pain or promote tissue healing.
What should you do?
Apply the PRICE principle to the injury as soon as possible (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation).
To arrange an appointment or speak to a physiotherapist, call or email on:
Southend on Sea: 01702 521 042 or info@physioacademy.co.uk
Chelmsford: 01245 254 069 or chelmsford@physioacademy.co.uk
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