How do you treat a Grade 1 calf strain?
Management and Treatment
- Rest: Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging the calf.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Compression: Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.
Can you walk with a Grade 1 calf strain?
Grade 1. A mild or partial stretch or tearing of a few muscle fibers. The muscle is tender and painful, but maintains its normal strength. Leg use is not limited, and walking is normal.
Should you massage a Grade 1 calf strain?
Massage should not be applied to recent muscle strains. During the first 24 to 72 hours following a calf strain applying massage will make your injury worse, increase bleeding and prevent healing.
Should I roll a calf strain?
After training. It may be useful to foam roll your calves after training, as it has been shown to improve flexibility, and there is some evidence to suggest that it can reduce the amount of soreness that you feel after exercise. Foam rolling can reduce muscle soreness after exercise.
Is it OK to walk on a strained calf?
You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling. redness.
Can I walk with a calf strain?
Avoid forceful and strenuous activity such as running and jumping until you can walk without it causing any pain. Always try to walk normally, i.e. your heel strikes the floor first, rock forward on your foot and then push off with your toes.
Can I run with strained calf?
You will need to rest if you have calf strain. If you continue to run you will not give the calf muscles a chance to repair themselves. Depending on the severity of the strain, the pain may not allow you to run anyway. In severe cases you may need a period of immobilisation.
Can a calf tear heal on its own?
A torn calf muscle is a painful injury in the muscles behind your shin bone. Athletes and people over 40 are especially prone to this type of muscle injury. Calf muscle tears usually heal after a few weeks of conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, compression and elevation. In rare cases, you may need surgery.
Did I tear my calf muscle?
Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include: No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf.
How long should I rest a calf strain?
Rest for at least a full day. Only return to exercise and your normal activities after your calf is completely free from pain and swelling.
Can I walk with a torn calf muscle?
A calf muscle tear usually causes sudden, intense calf pain and may prevent you from walking or bearing weight on your leg. Calf muscle tears usually heal with conservative treatments, but sometimes require surgery.
What is a Grade 1 calf strain?
Grade 1 Calf strains. A Grade 1 strain is a minor tear of the muscle with less than 25% of the muscle fibres affected. The athlete may complain of a twinge in the back of the lower leg or simply a feeling of tightness. They may be able to carry on playing or competing with minimal pain.
What are the symptoms of a calf strain?
Symptoms of a calf strain vary significantly depending on how bad your injury is. A mild strain may feel more like an ache during or after exercise. With a more severe strain, you will feel a sudden sharp pain at the back of the lower leg at the time of injury. Calf muscle strains are graded from 1 to 3, with grade 3 being the most severe.
What is a torn calf muscle?
Calf Strain | Torn Calf Muscle. A calf strain is a tear to one or more of the muscles at the back of the lower leg.
What does a Grade 1 calf tear feel like?
A calf tear usually feels like “someone shot me in the leg”. The pain is immediate, sharp and significant (even in a grade 1 injury) The tearing sensation is usually felt across the muscle (not up and down the muscle)