How to Treat a Calf Muscle Injury

Calf muscle injuries result when a calf muscle pulls or tears away from the Achilles tendon. People who are involved in sports, especially runners, are most prone to calf muscle injuries. There are three grades of calf muscle injuries, ranging from slight discomfort from a muscle tear to severe pain from a complete muscle rupture. Whatever the level of muscle injury, the injury must be attended to immediately. If a calf muscle injury is not treated and rested as prescribed serious complications can result.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Ace bandage
• Heel pad
• Ibuprofen

Show More

Instructions

Calf Muscle Injury Treatment

• 1

  See an orthopedist immediately if a calf muscle injury is suspected. Look at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website (see "References") to find a qualified orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon. The AAOS lists orthopedic surgeons who are licensed by their state board of orthopedic surgery. Conduct a search for an orthopedist in the area.

• 2

  Begin first aid for a calf injury even before the first visit to the orthopedist. This includes resting the affected limb, applying ice, bandaging the limb with an ACE bandage and elevating the limb.

• 3

  Put a heel pad in the shoe of the affected limb. Heel pads can be purchased at a shoe store that specializes in orthopedic shoes. The orthopedist will be able to provide a listing of such stores in the area.

• 4

  Take ibuprofen for pain. Do not take anything stronger unless supervised by a physician.

• 5

  Slowly rehabilitate the calf muscle, but only under the advice of a sports injury professional or rehabilitation therapist and only when the attending physician gives her approval. Exercising the injured calf muscle, even gently, can cause complications if done too early or incorrectly.