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Calf Strain Health Video

Last Update: October 23, 2008

Video By: LIVESTRONG.COM

A Calf strain is a tearing or stretching of the calf muscle. Learn more about calf strains including treatments and symptoms in this medical video.

Take Action

  • Avoid over-exercising your legs
  • Do not overstrain your legs
  • Stretch prior to exercising

About this Author

Dr. Ulrich joined On Call Medical Group in 2006. She had previously practiced at Doctors Medical Center in Richmond, Calif., and prior to that worked with the uninsured and homeless population of San Francisco at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic. Throughout her medical career, Dr. Ulrich as also been involved in numerous medical research studies. Dr. Ulrich holds a B.S. from Harvard University, an M.P.H. for the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Member Comments

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by wobbleybob on November 18, 2008 at 1:39 PM

Hi, Im a healthy 54 yo male . Two weeks ago i was slightly jogging to my car when a 1000 volts went through the upper part of my calf. I was taken to hospital and was to;d that i maybe have a pulled calf. I was sent home and told to use ice on it. I was not told how to apply ice etc and for how long. So i rested in bed for about 4-5 days using ice on my calf continuously. I have tried exersise but i am unable to put pressure on my calf using the step method. I can however walk with a limp, but feel this pain if i step backwards or step on an uneven surface. My foot now id very badly bruised. I am a carpenter and using ladders and steps is a must for my work.
This injury occured on the 3rd November 2008 and i still have pain. I called at my doctor and he told me to exersize. Nothing is happening. I live in the uk and was out of work before this happened but in the 4th of November was due work. I cant seem to get help. Can yo help or inform me of a site where i can watch exersising so to do it myself or with the help from my fiance. Thankyou

Bob Lovatt rslcarpentry@ntlworld.com

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Video Transcript

SKYLAR ULRICH, MD: Hi. I'm Dr. Skylar Ulrich. I'm going to talk about calf strain. Calf strain is a pooling of muscle fibers located in the lower extremities. It is generally due to trauma or overuse. Symptoms are localized pain, decreased range of motion, and tightness in the area. Treatment is supportive, avoiding excessive exercise or use of the affected area, applying ice for the first 24 hours and then heat after, using NSAIDs such as Motrin or ibuprofen. Naprosyn also works well, and elevation may help. Prevention is by avoiding over exercise or overstraining of your legs. Good stretching before exercise will help and the use of localized heat or stretching prior to exercise will help prevent calf strain.

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