When should I worry about a calf strain?
Seek medical attention immediately if: the pain and swelling increase despite resting • your calf looks very red and is tender and hot to touch.
How long do mild calf strains last?
A typical grade I calf strain will heal in seven to 10 days, a grade II injury within about four to six weeks, and a grade III calf strain within about three months. The most common injury is a grade II calf strain, which takes about six weeks for complete healing.
Can a calf tear heal on its own?
Though this type of injury can heal on its own, it’s important to get a medical evaluation from a trained professional first before beginning treatment.
How to tell if you have a strain in your calf?
Calf strains (which most commonly occur in the gastrocnemius muscle) may be minor or very severe and are typically graded as follows: Grade 1 calf strain: The muscle is stretched causing some small micro tears in the muscle fibers. A person will be able to continue the activity but will have pain.
What does it mean when you have a pulled calf muscle?
A pulled calf muscle refers to strains within the two muscles in the lower back of your leg that make up your calf. They’re called the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. When a strain occurs, muscle fibers are torn to some degree.
How long does it take to recover from a calf strain?
Grade 1 calf strain: The muscle is stretched causing some small micro tears in the muscle fibers. A person will be able to continue the activity but will have pain. Full recovery takes approximately two weeks. Grade 2 calf strain: There is partial tearing of muscle fibers, so a person will be unable to continue the activity.
What are the symptoms of a Grade 2 calf injury?
GRADE 2: With grade 2 muscle tears, more of the muscle fibres are damaged, between 10-90%, but the calf muscle is still intact Symptoms: Grade 2 pulled calf muscle injuries tend to cause a moderate, sharp pain that is usually felt at the time of injury and there may be resultant swelling and bruising in the surrounding area.