Calf strains can cause tightness, pain, and swelling in the back of the lower leg. Exercising too vigorously can lead to the calf muscles contracting and abruptly lengthening, and this action produces calf strain. In severe cases, the same action can cause a tear of the calf muscle.
Contents
- 1 What does it mean when you stretch and your calf hurts?
- 2 When should I be concerned about calf pain?
- 3 How do I know if my calf pain is serious?
- 4 What does a pulled calf tendon feel like?
- 5 Why are my muscles so tight even after stretching?
- 6 Why does it hurt to massage my calves?
- 7 What deficiency causes calf pain?
- 8 How do you treat a strained calf muscle?
- 9 Why is my calf tight?
- 10 How do I know if my calf pain is DVT?
- 11 Should you massage a calf strain?
- 12 How long does it take for a strained calf muscle to heal?
- 13 Should I stretch a pulled calf muscle?
What does it mean when you stretch and your calf hurts?
Muscle Strain Stretch too far or put too much pressure on your calf, and you can strain your muscle. If so, you’ll have a dull ache that worsens when you move. Swelling, redness, or a bruise are also common, and it may hurt to rise up on your toes. Rest and ice can help.
When should I be concerned about calf pain?
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C) A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride.
How do I know if my calf pain is serious?
Symptoms that might indicate a more severe condition include: swelling. unusual coolness or pale color in the calf. tingling or numbness in the calf and leg. 7. Deep vein thrombosis
- visible veins in the affected area.
- swelling.
- leg tenderness.
- skin discoloration.
- feeling of warmth in the calf.
What does a pulled calf tendon feel like?
Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf. Swelling and bruising in your calf muscle. Visible indentation beneath the skin where the muscle is torn.
Why are my muscles so tight even after stretching?
The most obvious reason why muscles may feel tight is because they are physically shorter than they used to be. This occurs if the muscle has been held in a shortened position for a long period of time, such as if you were in a splint or a cast for several weeks.
Why does it hurt to massage my calves?
It’s normal to feel sore after a massage. The technique carries blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you might experience delayed onset muscle soreness. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals.
What deficiency causes calf pain?
Potassium helps maintain normal cell function in the body, particularly in the nerves and muscles. It is relatively common for people to have a potassium deficiency. However, if a person has a severe deficiency, they may experience symptoms such as leg cramps.
How do you treat a strained calf muscle?
Most calf muscle strains can be treated at home:
- Rest your injured leg.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the sore muscle for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling.
- After 2 or 3 days, you can try alternating cold with heat.
- Wrap your lower leg with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap) to help decrease swelling.
Why is my calf tight?
Tight calves can be a sign of either overuse or mild injury. It can be okay to continue exercising if there is no limited range of motion, pain, or swelling, but it is important to note that continuing to exercise can increase the risk of injury.
How do I know if my calf pain is DVT?
Symptoms of DVT in the leg are: throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh. swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs) warm skin around the painful area.
Should you massage a calf strain?
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.
How long does it take for a strained calf muscle to heal?
In the less severe cases it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. In the most severe cases that don’t require surgery a full recovery may take up to six weeks. In the case that the injury requires surgery the recovery period may extend up to six months to a full year.
Should I stretch a pulled calf muscle?
As healing gets underway, it is important you begin a series of exercises to gently stretch the calf muscle. This will help your knee and ankle joints to get back into their normal position. This helps to reduce the risk of further injury.