The calf area is situated at the bottom back of the leg and you use it whenever you point the foot or push off on the toes. The calf muscle can become tight, overworked or torn. However, becoming familiar with common calf muscle injuries and how they occur can help to prevent them. Learning about treatment options can play a role in stopping minor injuries from becoming more serious.
Identification
The calf consists of two muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus. The gastrocnemius is visible in the lower leg below the knee and the soleus muscle is underneath it. The calf muscles are important when you walk, run and jump. The gastrocnemius muscle is involved in these movements when the knee is straight. The soleus muscle becomes involved when the knee is bent.
Causes
Sports that involve jumping, running, starting and stopping, walking or running can overwork the calf muscles, according to Aurora Health Care. Activities such as basketball, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, dance, high impact aerobics, track and football all increase the risk. The calf muscle is more susceptible to injury if the muscles are tight or weak. Wearing improper footwear, training too hard, not warming up before activity and exercising in cold weather can contribute to calf muscle injuries.
Types
A common calf injury is a strain. According to New York University's Langone Medical Center, a grade one strain occurs when the muscle fibers have been overstretched or have slight tears. A grade two sprain means that the muscle fibers have partially torn. A grade three sprain means there is a complete tear of the muscle. Grade three sprains can occur after a blow to the calf, an abrupt move or continuing to work out with a grade two sprain.
Symptoms and Treatment
A grade one sprain causes pain, stiffness and swelling with activity and requires a week or two of gentle stretching and avoiding activities that cause symptoms. Grade two sprains cause constant pain, as well as swelling, bruising and muscle tightness. Completely avoiding activities that make symptoms worse and using ice, medication and elevation may be required for one or two months. A grade three sprain causes severe pain, loss of strength and flexibility. It usually requires surgery and months of recovery.
Care
Start treatment as soon as symptoms occur. New York University's Langone Medical Center recommends a daily stretching and strengthening program. You can perform heel raises and a typical runner's stretch to strengthen the muscles. Always warm up and stretch after exercise. For persistent calf pain, talk with a physical therapist, sports medicine physician or podiatrist. They can suggest ways to exercise without injuring the calf muscle.
