How to Heal a Pulled Calf

A pulled calf or calf strain is a condition where the calf muscle becomes damaged or torn. The severity of the strain depends on the amount of damage, ranging from minimal tearing to a rupture where the Achilles tendon is partially or fully torn. Symptoms range from a slight ache in the calf to severe pain and burning with limited ability to walk. Mild calf pulls usually respond well to conservative treatments such as ice and rest.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Compression bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Stop activity immediately at the first sign of pain. Apply ice to your calf in 20-minute intervals with 20 minutes in between ice application for the first 24 hours to 48 hours.

• 2

  Keep the affected leg elevated to decrease swelling.

• 3

  Use a compression bandage with any activity for a few days to protect the area from further damage.

• 4

  Start a gentle range of motion exercises once swelling and pain has decreased. Point your toes down and up. Repeat several times. Turn your foot to the left and then to the right. Repeat several times. Perform ankle circles; move your foot in a circular motion to the right and then to the left. Repeat several times.

• 5

  Begin gentle stretching of the calf. Point toes upwards until you feel the stretch in the calf. Hold several seconds and repeat. For a more advanced stretch, lay on your back, legs straight. Grasp your foot with the assistance of a towel. Stretch your toes toward your body. If you can tolerate the pain or soreness, lift your straight leg upward, maintaining toes in the upward position. Hold several seconds and repeat.