Calf Strain

A calf strain is an injury to the muscles of the back of the leg. The calf muscles span the distance from the knee to the ankle, becoming the Achilles tendon in the lower part of the leg. The calf muscle is made of three major muscles, the two gastrocnemius muscles and the soleus muscle.

What Is the Treatment For a Calf Strain?
Treatment of a calf strain is usually guided by the severity of the injury. Resting a pulled calf muscle is the key to successful treatment. As a general rule of thumb, if you have a calf strain, you can do activities that don't aggravate your injury. You should rest until you are pain free to allow the injured muscle to heal. Resting inadequately may prolong your recovery.

The following are the common treatments used for calf strains:

• Rest
  It is important to rest following the injury to allow the injured muscle to properly heal. Allow pain to guide your level of activity; this means that activities that cause symptoms should be avoided.
• Stretching
  Gentle stretching is helpful, but it should not be painful. Stretching excessively can be harmful and slow the healing process.
• Ice the Injury
  Apply ice to the injured area in the acute phase (first 48 hours after injury) and then after activities. Ice will help calm the inflammatory response and stimulate blood flow to the area.
• Heat Applications
  Before activities, gentle heating can help loosen the muscle. Apply a heat pack to the calf prior to stretching or exercising. As a general rule of thumb, remember to heat the area before and ice after.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications
  Oral anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen, Aleve or Motrin) can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calm the inflammation.
• Physiotherapy
  Physiotherapy can be helpful in guiding treatment that may speed your recovery. Some people find modalities, such as ultrasound, therapeutic massage and specific exercises, particularly helpful. You should see your physician to determine if these would be appropriate for your condition.

For more information please call 020 8455 7809 or email us on info@igophysio.co.uk

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