Calf muscle pulls can occur during slips and falls, daily overuse or strenuous sports activity. Walking or running without warming up, for instance, can leave the leg muscles too stiff to flex and extend properly, causing undue strain. Patients may notice pain and a sensation of muscle popping at the time of injury. Alternatively, gradual overuse can result in delayed soreness or weakness. To avoid further damage, a patient should get off his feet immediately after an injury and rest. Home treatment usually resolves pulled muscles in the calf.
Identification
The soleus and gastrocnemius comprise the two major calf muscles at the back of the lower leg. Damage to the tissue affects mobility through the lower leg and foot, as in walking, running and jumping. Athletes may strain these muscles during football, soccer, basketball and track and field sports. The NYU Langone Medical Center relates that doctors may order imaging tests to direct medical treatment, if necessary.
Features
The National Institutes of Health recommends resting the affected calf muscle for a day or two by taking weight off the leg, even if patients can walk. Ice packs provide relief from pain and inflammation. Wrapping the pulled muscle with a compression bandage and elevating the leg above the heart when resting will provide further anti-inflammatory action. Patients can also take pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Function
Restricting activity and using a cane or crutches to get around will reduce stress on the recovering soleus or gastrocnemius muscle. The NYU Langone Medical Center counsels patients to rest when they feel muscle fatigue or pain. Cold compresses should be applied to the pulled muscle for 20 minutes, four times per day, while pain and inflammation persist.
Effects
First aid home treatment encourages cellular regeneration in the pulled muscle to mend separated or torn tissue. It helps the pain and swelling fade so that patients can begin to stretch and work the weakened calf muscles to extend range of motion and improve strength and flexibility. The NIH notes that patients must add physical therapy to home treatment for pain in order to fully recover.
Solution
Patients whose conditions improve with home treatment can resume normal activities within their pain limits. To resolve significant muscle damage, patients may seek professional guidance from a physical therapist. The NIH points out that targeted exercises with gradually increasing intensity will safely restore muscle fitness and function.
