What happens if your calf muscle pops?
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 do you treat a popped calf muscle?
How are pulled calf muscles treated?
- 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.
- Compression: Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.
Should I see a doctor for a torn calf muscle?
In most cases, people can treat a pulled calf muscle at home with rest, cold and hot packs, and elevation. If the injury is severe or pain does not improve over time, it is best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Should you stretch a pulled calf muscle?
As healing gets underway, it is important you begin a series of exercises to gently stretch the calf muscle. This will help your knee and ankle joints to get back into their normal position. This helps to reduce the risk of further injury.
Should I walk with a torn calf muscle?
You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling. redness.
What is the fastest way to heal a torn calf muscle?
How do you treat a calf muscle injury?
- Rest your injured leg.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the sore muscle for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling.
- After 2 or 3 days, you can try alternating cold with heat.
- Wrap your lower leg with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap) to help decrease swelling.
Is it OK to massage a torn calf muscle?
The No HARM Protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.
How to know if you pulled your calf muscle?
Pulled calf muscle: Symptoms and what to do Symptoms. A person with a pulled calf muscle may experience muscle cramps, swelling, and redness. Causes Diagnosis. A doctor can diagnose a pulled calf muscle by carrying out a physical examination, during which they will check for swelling, bruising, and redness. Treatment. Stretches. Recovery. When to see a doctor. Summary.
What is the recovery time for a torn calf?
Torn Calf Muscle Recovery. The best way to recover from a torn calf muscle is by protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE). If treated properly, it can take up to three weeks to heal Grade 1 calf pulls, four to six weeks to heal Grade 2 muscle strains, and three to four months to heal Grade 3 tears.
What are the symptoms of a torn muscle in the calf?
Notable symptoms for a strained or torn calf muscle are stiffness, swelling, pain, and bruising. However, depending on the severity of the injury, it can result in more specific symptoms based on grade: Grade 1 symptoms include a cramping sensation, tightness, and slight pain when the calf muscles stretch and contract.
What are the best exercises for pulled calf muscle?
Running, walking, and hiking are excellent calf-strengthening exercises, especially when you go uphill. The steeper the climb, the more your calves have to work. Running sports such as soccer, basketball, and tennis demand that you run, jump, and push off your calf muscles to accelerate or change direction quickly.