How To Repair Calf Muscle Tear?

Calf muscle tears usually heal after a few weeks of conservative treatments, such as

rest, ice, compression and elevation

. In rare cases, you may need surgery. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/24/2021.

Can a torn calf muscle heal without surgery?

Torn calf muscles are an injury of middle-aged athletes, people 35 to 55, especially weekend warriors. Fortunately,

the treatment is physical therapy, not surgery

. After resting until pain subsides, strengthening exercises and some stretching of the calf will generally restore the muscle to full function.

Should you walk on a torn calf muscle?

With a minor calf injury, symptoms will be mild with minimal swelling,

you will be able to walk unaided with slight discomfort

but sudden movements that stretch or work the calf may cause an increase in pain.

Can a muscle tear heal on its own?

Normal activities can be resumed when a full range of motion returns without accompanying pain

. Moderate tears may require physical therapy. A severe tear that requires surgical repair can take months or longer to heal. In this case, remember the adage: Do no H.A.R.M.

How do I know if I tore my calf muscle?

1. Difficulty tensing your calf muscles or standing on toes.
2. Muscle pain when flexing your ankle or pointing your toes.
3. Problems bending your knee.
4. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf.
5. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg.
6. Swelling in your calf muscle.

What is the difference between a calf strain and a tear?

Symptoms.

A calf strain usually starts with sudden pain in the back of the lower leg.

A pop, snap or tearing sensation may be felt. Occasionally, with a severe tear, it may feel like you have been shot in the back of the leg.

What does a grade 3 calf strain feel like?

Someone who experiences a grade three calf strain will experience

immediate and excruciating pain

. They will be unable to continue the activity, and may not be able to move their calf muscle at all.

Should I massage a pulled calf muscle?

The No HARM Protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and

no massage

. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.

Do compression socks help calf strains?

Although compression socks cannot cure your calf strain, they can significantly help reduce and alleviate pain and help further prevent calf injuries

. Copper-infused compression socks can reduce calf pain and swelling, prevent damage, and treat the issues that are causing calf pain.

Can you exercise with a torn calf muscle?

Initial rest helps prevent further injury and enables the healing process to begin. For a few days reduce the amount of walking you do and

gently exercise your calf regularly within pain limits to avoid stiffness

. Avoid forceful and stressful activity such as running and jumping at this stage of your recovery.

Should you wear a boot for a torn calf muscle?

You may have been given a boot, possibly with heel wedges.

It is not needed to aid healing but it will improve your symptoms

. You may walk on the foot as comfort allows. You will find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages.

Should you massage a muscle tear?

Massage can help a range of injuries including sprains, strains, broken bones and muscles tears

. Using a variety of massage techniques, massage can stretch out tightness and loosen scar tissue. Using massage as part of injury rehabilitation can increase healing rate and shorten recovery time.

What causes a calf muscle to tear?

What causes a torn calf muscle? A ruptured calf muscle can happen if you

suddenly overstretch your calf

. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops during sports can cause this injury. It’s also possible to develop tears over time if you overwork your calf muscles.

What is the difference between a pulled muscle and a torn muscle?

A muscle strain is an injury that occurs when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched. A muscle tear is when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched and it tears

.

Can you flex your calf with a torn Achilles?

Hamilton, M.D., team physician for the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets. When you rupture your Achilles tendon, the tendon tears completely across.

When you flex your calf muscles, they no longer pull up on your heel bone

. A ruptured Achilles tendon causes you to lose stability in your ankle joint.

Is Deep heat good for calf strain?

Just

massage it onto major muscle groups like hamstrings, calves, thighs, shoulders, biceps etc. to build warmth and prevent injuries

. The Deep Heat PRO Recovery Massage Oil is best used post-exercise to warm down, loosen tight muscles and help repair muscle tissue by boosting blood circulation.

How do I know if my calf injury is serious?

1. Swelling in the area of the strain.
2. Bruising in the affected area(s).
3. Weakness in the calf when trying to walk, climb stairs, or stand.
4. You limp when walking.
5. You can’t do daily activities that require standing and walking.
6. You can’t run, jump, or put weight on the affected leg.

How do I know if my calf pain is serious?

1. severe pain that doesn’t improve after rest or medication.
2. numbness.
3. trouble moving the affected area.
4. a noticeable bulge in the affected muscle.

Is a foam roller good for a calf strain?

Calf strains

Do not use a foam roller on your calves if you suspect that you may have torn or strained it

– especially if you have bruising or swelling. If you felt your calf muscle pop or you felt a sudden sharp pain while running, then you’ve likely torn it.

What does a Grade 2 calf strain feel like?

Grade II: A second degree or moderate injury is a partial muscle tear halting activity. There is a

clear loss of strength and range of motion. with marked pain, swelling and often bruising

. Muscle fibre disruption between 10 and 50%.