Muscle strain is the most common cause of running induced calf pain. Calf strain is the result of tears in the muscle fibers that can range from mild to severe. By training effectively, you can help avoid developing a calf strain. If you strain...
The calf consists of two muscles: the gastrocnemius and soleus. The gastrocnemius is larger and runs along the back of the lower leg from the end of the thigh bone to the heel. The soleus is found underneath the gastrocnemius and connects the shin...
Located on the posterior lower leg, the calf is comprised of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The gastrocnemius is the greatest in size of these two muscles and extends from the distal end of the thigh bone to the heel. The soleus is found...
A tear in your gastrocnemius muscle is also known as calf strain, which can be caused by overuse or through a sudden, forceful contraction of the muscle --- for example, when lunging or jumping in tennis or basketball, says PhysioAdvisor.com. Calf...
While you may think of the muscle at the back of your arm when you hear the term "triceps," some medical personnel also use the term to describe the calf muscle. Triceps surae is another name for the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles,...
A torn calf occurs when you stretch the muscle -- usually forcibly -- beyond its normal limits, causing a tear in the tissue. A Grade 1 injury involves just a few fibers and may not be painful until after your workout. Grade 2 is more serious and...
There are two muscles in the back of the lower leg or calf that, if injured, can produce pain when you squat. Squatting stretches those muscles because your foot is flexed upward. Injury to those muscles is called a strain and the severity of the...
Your calf, or gastrocnemius muscle, can easily become strained during exercise or sports that quickly change direction, such as basketball or tennis. Muscle strains can be minor, stretching muscle fibers until mildly tender, or strains can involve...
Your calf muscles consist of the gastrocnemius, a large muscle in the back of your lower leg, and the soleus, a smaller muscle found under your gastrocnemius and lower in your calf. These muscles can become strained or torn from overuse or a...
A strained or pulled calf muscle means that you have torn muscle fibers in the calf muscle. It can occur as the result of an injury or blow to the area, from overuse or moving quickly and placing too much force on the muscle. Sports that require a...
The calf muscles play an important role in sports and fitness, enabling you to propel yourself forward and upward. A tear in the calf muscle, also called a strain or rupture, can be painful and debilitating. Depending on the severity, complete...
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 human calf-muscle group consists of two separate muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Both work to point, or plantarflex, the toes and cause the heel to rise. Both muscles are involved in many other movements, and are particularly...
The muscles in your calves, the gastrocnemius group, can become strained easily through muscle cramps, overuse or other types of injuries. Strengthening your muscles after a calf strain can be a long process depending on the grade, or severity, of...
The calf muscle is actually a pair of muscles located at the back of the lower leg. The muscles of the calf are the larger Gastrocnemius and the internal Soleus. While these muscles are often taken for granted, they provide essential function for...
Calf raises strengthen your calf muscles, which are the soleus, gastrocnemius and plantaris. Over-exerting your calf muscles along with poor flexibility can result in calf tightness or stiffness and injury. Treatment consists of rest, ice and...
Torn calf muscles, or calf muscle strains, are a common injury of the lower extremity, especially in athletes who perform ballistic maneuvers. According to the Sports Injury Clinic website, calf muscle strains typically involve tearing of the...
Running, jogging and overuse of the muscles can result in calf pain. Calf pain in runners is commonly due to muscle strain that occurs when muscle fibers tear. Your form while running on a treadmill can increase your risk of developing calf pain....
Running, jumping and other sports-related movements can cause a calf strain in athletes, while less trained individuals can suffer calf strains from simple movements such as walking. Calf strains are a common injury that occurs when the force...
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...
Running is a high-impact, strenuous cardiovascular exercise that can cause injuries, pain and discomfort. With each stride you take, your lower body absorbs all of your weight and the impact of this activity. If you are new to running, attempt to...
A calf strain originates with torn muscle fibers in one or both of the calf muscles on the back of the lower leg, called the gastrocnemius and soleus. Calf-muscle tears occur when the muscles are hyperextended while participating in competitive...
A charley horse is an extremely painful muscle cramp that affects the upper or lower leg. Dehydration, nutritional deficiencies and certain medications can cause charley horses. However, if you are experiencing both knee pain and the feeling of a...
The two primary muscles in the calf are the gastrocnemius, which is the largest, outermost muscle, and the soleus, which is connected to the tibia and fibula and inserts to the Achilles tendon. While working out to get bigger calf muscles may give...
Tennis is a dynamic sport that requires occasional explosive action, especially if you're sprinting to the back of the court to return a lob. The calf muscles handle the majority of this wear and tear. If you feel a pop or pinch in your calf, stop...
The calf is composed of three muscles: the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, and the soleus. A number of injuries or disorders cause pain in the calf. The most important to consider is deep venous thrombosis.
The part of the leg known as the calf is made up primarily of two main muscles--the gastrocnemius and the soleus--as well as tendons, blood vessels, bones and nerves. This area can be associated with pain for a variety of reasons, ranging from...
Calf strain is the most likely cause of calf pain while running. Calf strain is caused by tears in the muscle fibers which can range from very small tears to a complete muscle rupture. Effective training can help prevent calf strain due to...
Muscles come in many shapes and sizes. Tendons attach the ends of muscles to bone. Short muscles with long tendons can and should be exercised just as any other muscle group in the body, but knowing where these muscles are may help you cater your...
