A calf strain refers to a tear in one or more muscles at the back of the lower leg, with injuries ranging from mild to severe. It commonly occurs during activities that involve sudden acceleration, such as running or jumping.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 10th Jan. 2022.
Calf strain symptoms
Symptoms of a calf strain vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury.
- A mild strain may feel more like an ache during or after exercise.
- With a more severe strain, you will experience a sudden sharp pain at the back of the lower leg at the time of injury.
Calf muscle strains are graded from 1 to 3, with grade 3 being the most severe. If you suspect a grade 2 or 3 injury, seeking professional advice is advisable. Proper evaluation and guidance are crucial for these more severe injuries.
What is a torn calf?
A calf strain or torn calf is a tear in one of the muscles of the calf muscle group located at the back of the lower leg.
The calf muscle group comprises two muscles: the Gastrocnemius, a large muscle at the back of the lower leg, and the smaller Soleus, which lies underneath the Gastrocnemius, lower down the leg.
Both muscles contract to perform ‘plantar flexion’ at the ankle joint, akin to standing on your tip-toes. The Gastrocnemius, being more powerful, plays a crucial role in propulsion during dynamic movements like sprinting and jumping.
The most common calf strain occurs as a tear in the medial (inside) part of the Gastrocnemius muscle, often referred to as ‘Tennis leg’ due to its prevalence among Tennis players. The musculotendinous junction (MTJ), where the tendon joins the muscle belly, is a common point of injury in this type of strain.
Calf strain causes
Calf muscle strains often spring from explosive movements or excessive forced muscle stretching. A variety of factors can heighten the risk of this injury.
One key contributor is an inadequate warm-up. When muscles aren’t properly prepared for action, they may become tight and more prone to damage.
Another factor relates to muscle tightness. This can be a product of genetics or unsuitable footwear and can lead to painful muscle spasms.
Lastly, the regular wearing of high heels can play a significant role. Over time, these shoes cause adaptive shortening of the calf muscles. When a switch to flat running shoes occurs, the calf muscles must stretch more than they’re accustomed to, increasing the likelihood of injury.
Calf strain treatment
Quick Guide: First Aid for Muscle Injuries
- P.R.I.C.E. Protocol – Initiate Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation immediately post-injury.
- Cold Therapy – Employ a reusable gel pack for cold compression, lessening frequency as symptoms improve.
- Rest & Controlled Activity – Rest completely until pain-free, then engage in controlled active rest.
- Compression & Support – Use a compression bandage/calf support to manage swelling. Heat supports can be beneficial later.
- Medication – Utilize short-term anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, after consulting a healthcare professional.
- Heel Lift – Wear heel pads in both shoes, removing them when resuming running to prevent muscle adaptation.
- Massage & Foam Rolling – Post-acute phase, use massage or foam roller for blood flow and muscle relaxation.
- Electrotherapy – Consider ultrasound therapy in the early stages to enhance healing through increased blood flow.
