A pulled calf muscle, or calf muscle strain, is a common injury that can occur in anyone but is more common in athletes. A strain is the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor conditioning, muscle fatigue and improper warm-up increase your risk for strains, but even with proper precautions, a pulled calf muscle may still occur. A pained calf muscle is painful and frustrating, but you can take steps to speed up the healing process.
Ice Therapy
According to Medline Plus, you should apply ice to the pulled calf muscle as soon as you can after the injury. Ice will decrease inflammation and provide pain relief to your injured calf muscle. Take an ice pack, or a package of frozen vegetables and place on your injured calf muscle for 20 minutes, then, remove for 20 minutes. Repeat this process as often as possible for the first two or three days.
Medications
Basic over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be used to treat pain and reduce inflammation in your pulled calf muscle. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are preferred over Tylenol, because they reduce inflammation as well as pain. However, consult your doctor before taking NSAIDs if you have kidney problems or issues with excessive bleeding. Take these medications as directed for one week. If your calf pain is not improving or is becoming worse, you should see your doctor.
Light Exercise and Stretching
According to Medline Plus, light exercise and stretching can promote healing of your pulled calf muscle. Light exercise and stretching can increase the blood flow to your pulled muscle, which will aid in healing. Light exercises should be performed daily and include walking, seated calf raises and light jogging if you can tolerate it. Calf stretches involve using a towel to pull your toes to your chest to stretch your calf muscle. This stretch can be performed multiple times daily, but should be performed at least once a day. Be sure not to rush back into intense exercise. or you risk reinjuring your pulled calf muscle.
