A bruised muscle in the calf occurs from direct blows or impacts to the back of the leg. Patients can locate the painful area immediately after injury, in either the gastrocnemius, or large, central calf muscle, or the soleus, a long, slender...
If you are unaware of any trauma to your calf when your are biking, it can be disconcerting to see a bruise. A variety of causes could be responsible for the bruising, including muscle strain and broken veins. If the bruising is accompanied by...
The calf, or lower leg, consists of two major muscles: the gastrocnemius, which is the large muscle on the back of the calf and the soleus, which is the smaller muscle that runs closer to the side of the calf. Calf muscle tears or strains are...
About 86 million Americans cycle, including 40 percent of adults, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. Cycling provides medical and social benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight control and a stronger family bond....
The calf region is not a common injury for skiers; however, there are several scenarios that make skiers prone to sore calves. Beginner skiers are the most at risk for sore calves, but this does not exclude the most advanced skiers from a...
The calf is made up of two major muscles: the gastrocnemius, which is the large muscle on the back of the calf, and the soleus, which is the smaller muscle that runs closer to the side of the calf. Calf pain is usually the result of a muscle tear...
Bruising occurs when you bleed into your tissues. Depending on the level of impact of your chosen exercise, it's normal to bruise now and then. If you bruise easily after minor contacts or bruise more frequently than your peers engaged in the same...
A knee contusion usually results from a blow to or fall on the knee. The knee is particularly vulnerable to contusions. In addition to the contusion, a knee injury may result in abrasions or skin tears, which are frequent in knee injuries,...
Many conditions can cause pain at the top of the calf. According to the Foot Health Facts website, calf pain may be caused by overuse injuries, dietary imbalances, blood vessel problems and traumatic injuries. Most calf pain is benign, although...
Calf pain, or pain on the back side of the lower leg, can be mild, moderate or severe. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, calf pain can be caused by repetitive overuse of the calf muscles, calf trauma or certain medical...
Sports injuries to the calf muscle can cause immediate pain and weakness, often taking players out of the game. The most common injuries include muscle bruises and strains. The sports that most commonly cause calf injuries include those that need...
Your calf consists of two muscles: the gastronemius and the soleus. These muscles allow for movement of your foot and ankle. Tight calf muscles are a common complaint. They occur as a result of living a sedentary lifestyle or because of strenuous...
Pregnancy inevitably produces changes in your body. While your baby is growing, your legs must bear more weight and can suffer from overexertion, especially if your exercise routine is strenuous, and the weight of your growing uterus can hinder...
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...
Pain in a calf muscle can leave you struggling to walk much less able to complete an exercise like jumping rope. Most calf pain is the result of strains or contusions in the calf. Athletes can take certain measures to relieve their pain based on...
Exercise often puts your calves to work. This can sometimes lead to swelling in your calves, especially if you strain the muscles or injure them in some way. You can treat your calf muscle and even prevent swelling from returning with diligent...
A calf muscle tear, or strain, can occur when muscle tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force. A partial tear or complete tear can afflict one or both muscles that make up the calf. Pain, swelling, stiffness and bruising in...
Right calf swelling has several causes. Symptoms of swelling in the right or left calf can be accompanied by other symptoms. A medical doctor should be consulted in all instances for a diagnosis and treatment. Swelling in the calf accompanied by...
An Achilles tendon tear is a painful condition in which the tendon connecting the calf to the heel ruptures. People who rupture this tendon may encounter difficulty walking, running and jumping.
A calf cramp signals involuntary muscle contractions. Sometimes caused by neurological disorders or diabetes, calf cramps are frequently brought on by muscle fatigue and sodium depletion, especially in the competitive or elite athlete whose...
Your calf muscle, located at the back bottom of your leg, can become pulled or strained easily. This muscle is susceptible to being overstretched and overworked. Participating in activities that require quick starting and stopping movements or...
Burning in the calf muscle can be caused by a number of things. Your calf muscle is located on the back of the lower part of your leg. This muscle is actually two muscles: the gastronemius and soleus. The soleus muscle attaches to the Achilles...
Your calves do a lot of work. These muscles on the back of your lower leg work to plantar flex the feet so that you can walk, run, climb stairs and balance your body. The gastrocnemius is the outer muscle that can be seen with increasing muscular...
Pain in the calves is common in runners, weightlifters and others who frequently use the calf muscles during strenuous activity. The pain can be the result of strain or other trauma to the muscle. In some cases, a deep pain in the calves indicates...
Calf muscle pain can be treated using conservative care methods. According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, calf pain can be caused by numerous factors, including calf muscle--gastrocnemius and soleus--strains, delayed onset muscle soreness...
Bruising around the Achilles tendon–which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone–is often caused by overuse and is common in runners, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. However, bruising can be caused by more...
Comprised of two muscles, your calf begins above the knee joint and ends at the heel, via tendon attachments. Strain to the muscles or tendons leads to pain and sometimes immobility. Popping sensations or noises while climbing stairs can stem from...
There are two compartments separating the muscles of the calf. The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are housed within a connective tissue sheath that forms the superficial posterior compartment. Underneath this, the tibialis posterior, flexor...
The backs of our lower legs are made up of two muscles that comprise the calf: the two heads of the gastrocnemeius and the soleus. A calf muscle strain is a pull or partial tear of the small fibers of any of these muscles. There are three grades...
