How to Tell if a Calf Muscle is Ruptured

A ruptured muscle occurs when a muscle is put under too much strain and tears as a result of the load. Tears are often partial, however, in severe cases, the muscle can rupture entirely. A muscle rupture is an extremely painful injury and one which must be treated by a medical professional to ensure that it heals properly. The first step in getting proper treatment is to identify if there is indeed a rupture.

Instructions

• 1

  Check for pain while the calf muscle is static. A rupture is a very painful injury and will often cause tenderness in the area, even when at rest.

• 2

  Ask if the injured individual can put any weight on the calf. A partial ruptured calf will cause mild pain when weight is placed on it, and a severe rupture will lead to sharp pain.

• 3

  Try to stretch the injured calf gently. Mild pain is a sign of a potential strain, whereas sharp pain from stretching likely means the individual has ruptured the leg.

• 4

  Examine the outside of the calf muscle. Often times in a full rupture, the injury will be outwardly apparent. Check the injured calf against the individual's uninjured calf, and note any drastic differences in the shape of the muscle.

• 5

  Consult with a doctor immediately if an individual shows any of the potential signs of rupture listed above. A medical examination is required both to confirm the injury and to ensure proper treatment of the injury.