top of page

WHAT IS IT? CALF STRAIN

  • The “calf muscle” usually refers to the large muscle on the back of the lower leg. It is called the gastrocnemius muscle and has two heads or areas of muscle bulk – medial and lateral.

  • Other muscles which comprise the ‘calf’ group include the soleus & plantaris muscles act more as stabilizers and function less significantly than the gastrocnemius in plantarflexion.

  • A muscular strain to the calf typically affects the gastrocnemius muscle.  The points most prone to muscle strain include the medial head and musculotendinous junction.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain comes on suddenly and can prevent further participation immediately following injury.

  • Pain is likely to be evident on walking, push off, climbing and descending stairs, and rising onto the toes.

  • Presence of localised swelling and possible bruising to the area.

What Causes It?

  • Cramp or tightness are sometimes reported as precursor symptoms to a muscular strain.

  • A strain to the calf typically occurs from overload or excessive stretch to the muscle.  Muscle strains can be categorized in to three gradesGrade I – damage to a few muscle fibers (<30%), localized pain, normal strengthGrade II – damage to more muscle fibers (30-80%), localized pain, swelling, and pain reproduction on power testing of the muscleGrade III – damage to >80% of fibers or complete rupture.  Most commonly occurs at the musculotendinous junction.

How to Self Manage

Immediate treatment consists of the RICE protocol.  See soft tissue healing and management.


Prognosis

How Physio Helps

  • Your physiotherapist should be able to assess your calf to determine whether it is strained, the location of the strain, and grade the strain in terms of severity.

  • Physiotherapy treatment will be aimed at reducing your pain, decreasing swelling and inflammation, improving your range of movement, and returning you to the activities you love.

  • Manual treatment may include, soft tissue massage, electrical physical agents such as ultrasound, prescription of necessary stretches and a progressive strengthening program.

  • An adequate rehabilitation program is essential to minimize the likelihood of re-injury.

For an online consultation click here

OPENING HOURS

Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 8:00pm

​Saturday: 8:00am - 12:00pm

Sunday: By Appointment​

 

ADDRESS

SMARTPHYSIO - Sammy Margo Physiotherapy
444 Finchley Road
London
NW2 2HY
Email: info@smartphysio.co.uk
Tel: ​020 7435 4910​​​
Fax: 020 7435 0461

Web: smartphysio.co.uk

FIND​ US

Disclaimer: Information made available by AskPhysio (SMARTPHYSIO) is provided for guidance only and should not be considered as medical recommendations or advice.  AskPhysio is not responsible for errors or omissions in the information. Please consider what the best options for your healthcare are, based on the urgency of your condition and nature of your condition. Please consult a GP or Healthcare Specialist to discuss any specific concerns that exist prior to using the information provided.

bottom of page