Calf Tears: Management of Calf Strains

Calf Tears: Management of Calf Strains

The calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) run down the back of the lower leg from the back of the knee to the back of your heel. Injuries to the calf are common in sports involving running, acceleration or changes in direction such as football, basketball and hockey. Runners are at particular risk of calf tears as the muscles are a primary source of shock absorption and propulsion during running.

Tears to the calf muscle can range from a small partial tear whereby there is minimal pain and minimal loss of function, to the more extreme and rare complete ruptures which may require surgical intervention. Prompt treatment of a strained calf can help to speed recovery and minimise the symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of a Calf Tear?

  • A sudden sharp pain or pulling sensation at the back of the lower leg during exercise.
  • May feel like you have been hit in the leg and potentially hear a “pop”.
  • May only experience the sensation of a deep recurrent cramp with activity that eases with rest.
  • Pain on stretching the muscle.
  • Difficulty walking properly or standing on toes.
  • Inability to hop on the injured leg.
  • Swelling and bruising may be present.
  • If the rupture is severe a gap in the muscle belly may be felt.

Severity of Calf Tears:

Calf strains may be minor or very severe. Strains are broadly graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on severity, where grade 1 tears are low grade injuries within the muscle and grade 3 is a severe or complete rupture of the muscle.

Grade 1:

  • The muscle is overstretched or overloaded beyond its capacity causing small micro tears in the muscle fibres.
  • Mild discomfort, often minimal disability.
  • Recovery takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks if you do all the right things.

Grade 2:

  • There is partial tearing of muscle fibres.
  • Moderate to severe discomfort with walking, and limited ability to perform activities, such as running and jumping.
  • May have swelling and bruising associated.
  • Full recovery takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks with good rehabilitation.
  • Professional assistance is highly recommended.

Grade 3:

  • This is the most severe calf strain with complete tearing or a rupture of muscle fibres in the lower leg.
  • Severe injury that can cause inability to walk. Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling and significant bruising.
  • Full recovery can take 3 to 4 months, and in some rare instances, surgery may be needed.

What is the Acute Management of a Calf Tear?

It is vitally important that treatment for a strained calf starts immediately following injury. The most important phase for treatment is the first 48 hours post-injury. Early management will have you back on the field faster. Suggestions for immediate treatment of a strained calf include:

  • Stop your activity.
  • Rest the injured leg.
  • Use icepacks every two hours, applied for 10-15 minutes.
  • Elevate the leg above heart height whenever possible.
  • Avoid exercise, heat, alcohol and massage in the first 48 hours, as these can all exacerbate swelling.

Professional Help

If the pain from a low grade calf tear that you are managing yourself has not improved after a day or so, or it is a more severe grade 2 or 3 tear, it is best to seek medical advice and consult with one of our physiotherapists to get an accurate diagnosis of the injury and suggest the most appropriate treatment plan.

Physiotherapy Provides Rehabilitation and Support

Physiotherapy treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury. The success rate of treatment is largely dictated by patient compliance. Treatments may include:

  • Hands on therapy for damaged tissues. Soft tissue therapy is excellent for reducing inappropriate scar adhesions while promoting faster healing conditions.
  • A stretching program can be started as soon as the pain and swelling subside to encourage full range of pain-free movement.
  • Management primarily involves rehabilitation and strengthening exercises to rebuild the strength of the injured muscle to prevent re-injury and to target overall leg strength.
  • A lumbopelvic stability retraining program is highly recommended for improved load distribution.
  • A progressive speed, agility and power program that prepares you for your sport is the best chance to ensure a successful outcome and full return to your pre-injury status.
  • Correction of any predisposing biomechanical stressors (e.g. excessive foot pronation or rolling in) and muscle imbalances.
  • Provide mobility aids such as crutches or walking boots where appropriate in the acute phase.

Inadequate rehabilitation commonly results in recurrent and more severe calf strains.

Preventing a Calf Tear

Suggestions to prevent calf strains:

  • It is important to warm up appropriately before training or competition. This should consist of some light aerobic exercise followed by dynamic, sports specific drills, e.g. FIFA 11+ injury prevention program.
  • One of the most important methods of preventing a calf tear is to increase the strength of the calf muscles. Consult with one of our physiotherapists for a suitable calf strengthening program. A calf tear is far more likely in athletes who have weak calf muscles that don’t meet the demands of their sport or activity.
  • Adequate load progression with training/competition has been highly indicated for injury reduction, that is, not doing too much too quickly. Our physiotherapists can guide your training program to limit the effects of inappropriate load management.
  • Include calf muscle maintenance in your workout routine (e.g. massaging, stretching, foam roller).
  • Update footwear regularly as overused shoes can lead to poor biomechanics and foot posture.

If you would like further information on the management of a calf tear contact one of the physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy.

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m mooney
m mooney
04:59 09 Jul 24
Julie Dimevski
Julie Dimevski
08:04 26 Jun 24
Kieran and the team have provided great customer service during my daughters recovery. They show care, and are supportive. He has been open and transparent, and positive. Thanks Kieran and team.
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best in the business the team here are the very best at their jobs
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16:52 05 Mar 24
I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
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08:56 18 Dec 23
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
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06:00 18 Dec 23
Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
Georgia Manos
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The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
Jordan Figon
Jordan Figon
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The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
David Washington
David Washington
05:02 13 Dec 23
I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
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Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
Diane sutton
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I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
Nicole Simpson
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Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
Judy Andrews
Judy Andrews
10:26 12 Dec 23
Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
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"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
Corinne Favaloro
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04:09 02 Nov 23
I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
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Nicole Di noia
22:19 01 Nov 23
Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
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Steve Chidgey
02:04 04 Jul 23
The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
Margaret Peace
Margaret Peace
01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
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Angelina Mastoris
23:09 01 Mar 23
The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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