A torn or pulled calf muscle generally causes aching in the calf muscle on the lower part of the leg. This condition is also referred to as a calf pull or calf strain. The pulling of the calf muscles happens when a portion of the lower leg tears away from the back of the ankle, which is called the Achilles tendon. A muscle tear will result in the torn calf contracting vigorously, muscle spasms and toes pointing downward. Bruises may also appear in the ankle or the foot as a result of internal bleeding.
Prevalence
Muscle tears are common with professional athletes and unconditioned athletes, as well as exercise enthusiasts. According to Atlanta Sports Medicine, calf injuries are prevalent in people who are 40 to 60 years old; they are more common for men than women.
Causes
The main cause of a muscle tear in the calf is injury during sports activity. Injuries in the lower back may cause pain on the back side of the calf. Overstretching the calf muscles and creating excessive tension can cause it to pull beyond what it can withstand. Putting too much stress on the calf muscles when they are not warmed up can cause a tear or pull. Direct trauma to the lower leg area can also injure the calf muscles.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for calf muscle pulls or strains mainly lie with certain sports activities: soccer, long jump, running hurdles, basketball, football and rugby. In general, any sport that requires the athlete to burst into high speed creates susceptibility to calf muscle injuries. According to Core Performance, the calf muscles will always be at risk for injury any time they are used to push off or to step or lunge into motion, including walking.
Signs and Symptoms
Similar to an Achilles tendon rupture, the calf muscle may pop when it is torn. There is tenderness and sudden pain at the back of the leg. This may be accompanied by swelling or bruising, stiffness, and weakness in the calf muscle. There may also be intense pain when standing on the toes or pushing off the foot.
Treatment
To reduce swelling, the calf should be wrapped and kept elevated in the first 24 hours to prevent blood from pooling in the foot. Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, helps to relieve pain. Over time, the calf muscle will become reattached to the tendon. According to Dr. DeGroot Online, depending on the severity of injury, after approximately 10 to 14 days, muscle-strengthening exercises can usually be started to include toe raises that are first supported and then unsupported. To ensure fast recovery, a visit to a physician is recommended.
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