I pulled my calf muscle while running, will physiotherapy help?
Calf Injuries
Calf injuries are one of the most common injuries experienced by anyone – from the general population to elite athletes. Whether you are training for a race or jogging casually, a pulled calf muscle can bring your training to a halt.
The calf consists of 3 main components: the gastrocnemius, the soleus and the plantaris muscle. The two muscles mainly affected in calf strains are the gastrocnemius muscle – which is the biggest and most superficial muscle, and the soleus muscle which is under the gastrocnemius. The gastrocnemius has a medial and lateral head that originate from your femur while the soleus originates further down at your tibia and fibula. Both insert into your heel bone via the Achilles tendon. These muscles work together to allow you to push off the ground while running, jumping, or walking.
What can cause a pulled calf?
We may experience a pulled calf when the demands of what we do, surpass what the calf muscles can tolerate. A pulled calf muscle can also happen suddenly during quick bursts of speed which can place significant strain on the calf muscles.
Symptoms:
The most common signs of a pulled calf are:
- A sudden sharp pain or popping sensation in the back of the lower leg
- Swelling, bruising or tenderness
- Difficulty walking or standing on your toes
Calf strains are classified into 3 grades and recovery times vary depending on the severity of your calf strain:
Grade 1: 1-3 weeks
Grade 2: 4-8 weeks
Grade 3: 3 months
How will physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy is highly effective in the treatment of calf muscle strains at all stages of recovery. Here is how:
1. Accurate Diagnosis and Assessment
Your physiotherapist will assess the extent of your injury and identify contributing factors.
2. Pain management and early recovery
In the initial phase, your physiotherapist will help reduce pain and start early loading of the calf muscles.
3. Rebuild Strength
Strengthening exercises are crucial to rebuild muscle fibres and prevent re-injury.
4. Gradual return to running
When your calf muscle is ready, your physiotherapist will develop a graded return-to-running program. This ensures that you can safely rebuild endurance and confidence without risking re-injury.
From pain management and strengthening exercises to personalised training
advice, physiotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to
getting you back on track.
Conclusion:
If you have pulled your calf muscle while running, one of our physios who are experts in running injuries can help you recover effectively and reduce the likelihood of future injuries. From pain management and strengthening exercises to personalised training advice, physiotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to getting you back on track. You can also book an appointment for a running assessment at our Running Performance Lab. For further information click here
You can book an appointment to discuss your Pulled Calf Injury at our Blanchardstown Physiotherapy Clinic, our Castleknock Physiotherapy Clinic or our Old Bawn Physiotherapy clinic through our website www.somertonphysio.ie, email us at i[email protected] or call us on 01 9069566.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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