Tennis features many quick starts, stops and changes in direction, all of which put heavy stress on the calf muscles. That stress leaves the calf muscles of tennis players more susceptible to calf tears -- often called tennis leg.
About Tennis Leg
Tennis leg is a tear in the gastrocnemius muscle and tendon in the calf. The gastrocnemius is the largest muscle in the calf. This type of injury could happen in any sport, but typically affects those in sports such as tennis. Athletes in these sports are at a higher risk because the calf is stretched and stressed from the quick movement demands to chase after balls, when the player had been in a stationary position.
Symptoms and Risks
According to Sports Medicine of Atlanta, most players who suffer from tennis leg are middle-aged and not as active in the sport as they once were. Injury Free Tennis says that most players who suffer from the injury range from age 35 to 50. When the ankle is bent upward in a sudden motion to move, the calf is stretched and risk of a tear increases greatly. These sudden contractions can lead to a sharp, immediate pain, an indicator of a muscle tear. In most cases, the injury will be too painful to continue playing immediately, and some players may have trouble walking right after the tear.
Treatment
Treatment for a torn calf or tennis leg depends on the severity of the injury. Recovery time can range from a few days for a mild injury to six weeks for the most severe tears. Most players do not require surgery, but in a few severe cases, surgery is necessary to repair the injured muscle.
Prevention and Rehab
Rehabilitation exercises can help prevent another injury. Players who have not had the injury can use the same ideas to prevent problems in the future. The idea is to stretch the calf and lower leg to increase flexibility and add strength so that the muscle has more support. Exercises such as wall stretches and calf raises are the most popular calf stretching and strengthening drills. Spend more time stretching and warming up before playing tennis in addition to getting more fluids during play. Dehydration is sometimes a factor that increases the risk of a muscle tear.
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