What Are the Treatments for a Torn Gastrocnemius Muscle?

Calf injuries are not uncommon, particularly among athletes and active individuals. The calves take a great deal of stress in any activity involving running, sprinting and agility-based movements. Calf strains and tears are common and can be treated with a standard regimen if not fully ruptured.

Anatomy

• The calf is comprised of two different muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The gastrocnemius is the outer muscle most visible at the back of the lower leg. The soleus is an additional calf muscle that rests beneath the gastrocnemius. Both muscles connect from the back of the knee to the heel through the Achilles tendon.

Causes

• Strains or tears usually occur from sudden contraction of the calf muscle. This usually occurs when you accelerate suddenly from a stand still such as in tennis, football or sprinting.

Symptoms

• Symptoms can be mild to extreme depending on the extent of the strain or tear. Injury can manifest as pain in the back of the lower leg, tightness and aching. Symptoms of full rupture include severe pain immediately after injury, swelling, bruising or bunching of the muscle at the back of the leg.

Treatments

• Treatments include rest, ice, compression and elevation for the first 72 hours. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and a physiotherapy program of stretching. Other treatments may include ultrasound, massage therapy and compression bandages or sleeves. Reconstructive surgery may be required to treat full ruptures.

Prevention

• Regular stretching of the calf and leg muscles helps greatly reduce risk of injury greatly. Proper diet, hydration and vitamin intake also help to keep muscles supple and less prone to injury.