Advice on Calf Strain
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Injury advice > Lowerleg/Ankle Injuries > Calf strain

Calf Strain

What are the calf muscles?

The Gastrocnemius which is the big muscle at the back of the lower leg and the Soleus muscle which is a smaller muscle lower down in the leg combine to form the calf muscle. A calf strain can involve either of these two muscles can be strained (torn).

What are the symptoms of calf strain?

  • A sudden pain at the back of the leg.
  • Standing on tip toe is difficault as is contracting the muscle.
  • The calf muscle may be painful, swollen or bruised

The tendon junction (MTJ) of the Gastrocnemius is the most common place to get this injury. It is situated roughly half way between the knee and the heel. Normally a sudden sharp pain in the calf muscle followed by difficulty using is a clear indiactor that you have suffered a calf strain. If you test by contracting the muscle against resistance with your legs straight and feel pain midway up the calf then a calf strain is likely.

If you have damaged the Soleus muscle you might get pain lower in the leg and also pain when you contract the muscle against resistance with the knee bent. The Gastrocnemius muscle originates above the knee and inserts via the Achilles tendon into the heal. The Soleus originates below the knee and also inserts via the Achilles tendon.

Useful Products:

  • Cold Therapy Wraps - help ease pain and swelling
  • Heel Pads - will raise the heel and shorten the calf muscle, taking some of the strain off of it.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Calf Strain

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