Calf strain recovery

A calf strain occurs when the tendons or muscle fibers in the calf tear or rupture from overextending the muscle during running, jumping or other forms of exercise. Calf strains are a common sports injury. Full recovery is usually possible.

Types

• There are three grades of calf strains. Grade-one strains cause damage to a few muscle fibers and usually aren't painful until after exercise is finished. Grade-two strains tear more muscle fibers, are painful immediately and sore to the touch. Grade-three strains happen when the calf muscle ruptures completely and produce immediate, stabbing pain.

Prevention/Solution

• Resting the calf is the first course of treatment prescribed for grade-one and grade-two strains. It is important to rest the muscle until it heals to avoid the progression to a higher grade strain.

Other Strategies

• Other treatments for mild and moderate strains include ice packs every four hours, wrapping an elastic bandage around the calf, elevating the leg to control swelling, and short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Grade-Three Strains

• For some grade-two strains and most grade-three strains, physical therapy, crutches and rehabilitation exercises might be required.

Time Frame

• Most grade-one tears heal within a few days. It can take up to three weeks to recover from a grade-two strain and up to six weeks for full recovery after a grade-three strain.