Cures for a Pulled Calf Muscle
Calf muscles are made up of the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles are located on the back of your lower leg. Pulling a calf muscle is actually a partial tear in the muscle fibers. The function of these two muscles is to elevate the heel with the knee bent and extended. With a pulled calf muscle a lot of activities become challenging and a cure will be needed.
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Risk Factors
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Certain activities will increase your chances for a pulled calf muscle. Sports that demand quick bursts of speed are the most "at risk"; running, hurdles, long jump, tennis, basketball, soccer, football, rugby and baseball. Fatigue and overexertion can contribute to a pulled calf muscled too. Cold weather and tightened muscles are also risk factors.
Causes
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Never stretch any muscle beyond gentle tension. Stretching your calf muscle too far will result in a pull or strain. Sudden and heavy stress on the muscle can create a tear in the fibers. Utilizing the gastrocnemius and soleus too much in one day puts unnecessary strain on the calf. If you take a direct hit to this portion of your leg you will likely strain the calf muscles as well. Strong calf muscles are less likely to be pulled or strained. Strength train these muscles in order to increase the amount of shock they can absorb. Always warm-up and stretch your calf muscles before physical activity. Perform all physical activities and stretches in the proper form. Never compromise form for increased repetitions or weight.
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Prevention
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Strong calf muscles are less likely to be pulled or strained. Strength train these muscles in order to increase the amount of shock they can absorb. Always warm-up and stretch your calf muscles before physical activity. Perform all physical activities and stretches in the proper form. Never compromise form for increased repetitions or weight.
Identification
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Pulled calf muscles are ranked by their severity.
Grade 1 calf strain includes a twinge of pain that you might be able to play on. For the next 2 to 5 days there will be tightness and aching in the lower back portion of the leg. Estimated recovery time is 2 to 3 weeks.
A grade 2 calf strain will manifest with sharp pains and mild to moderate bruising. You will experience pain when walking and swelling in the calf muscle. Tightness and aching will last for a week or more and full recovery can take up to 2 months.
A grade 3 strain will immediately feel like a severe pain in the middle portion of the calf muscle. You will not be able to contract the muscle or walk. There will be a great deal of bruising as well as the muscle bunching up at the top of the calf. A grade 3 pulled calf muscle occurs when there is a complete tearing of the muscle fibers. Recovery can take over 3 months.
Treatment
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For immediate relief implement R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Ice helps to stop any internal bleeding. Another option is to use a compression bandage or sleeve.
Wear a heel pad to inhibit the action of the muscle. Your heel will be elevated when walking and the calf muscles can take a break while injured.
Immediately see a sports injury professional or a doctor who can diagnose the severity. These professionals will be able to prescribe pain medication, use sports massage methods and develop a rehabilitation program.
For continued care be sure to use heat prior to activity and stretching. Strengthen the muscles to prevent future reinjury of the calf.
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