A calf muscle in the lower leg can be strained during strenuous sports or working out in cold weather, or by a fall or blow to the leg. When the muscle fibers in the calf are stretched and torn, leg pain and weakness result.
Treatments for most muscle strains in the calf can take place at home, to contain the pain and inflammation. Rehab exercises restore health to the leg and decrease the likelihood of future injury. Only serious tissue ruptures will require surgical intervention.
Rest From Activity
Working or playing through leg pain will only increase damage to the calf muscle. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a full day of bed rest, putting no weight on the leg.
Elevating the injured muscle above the heart will ease pain and inflammation, while enforcing rest and encouraging tissue repair. As the acute inflammatory response fades, activity can be gradually resumed to restore range of motion in the lower leg.
Protect the Leg
While leg pain and soreness persist and as daily activity is resumed, patients should protect themselves from further muscle strain by supporting the injured area. MayoClinic.com notes that a compression bandage, a cane or crutches will brace the leg from the demands of weight bearing, locomotion and gravity.
If walking is difficult, NYU Langone Medical Center suggests simply shortening the stride to relieve stress on the calf muscle. Mobility should be limited to the comfort zone of a protected leg.
Apply Temperature Therapy
For the first three to five days following the muscle strain, cold therapy will effectively treat leg pain and swelling. Thereafter, heat therapy can be used to relieve calf muscle soreness or in preparation for stretching, running or sports performance.
The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine clinic recommends this treatment for high-level athletes, and it is just as effective for patients who sustain muscle strains during everyday activities. A reusable gel pack kept in the refrigerator provides instant cold therapy for 30-minute sessions, every four hours as needed. The pack can be microwaved for heat as well.
Strengthen the Leg
Exercise while the leg muscles are still sore should be limited to restoring flexibility and range of motion, staying within pain limits, counsels the NYU Langone Medical Center. Holding gentle stretches and practicing them several times a day is a safe rehabilitative treatment.
As weakness fades, active stretching and exercises targeting the muscles of the calves will restore and build strength. A professional physical therapist can evaluate patients' conditions and prescribe customized strengthening exercises.
