When should I be concerned about calf pain?

Call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room if you: Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon. Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg. Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf.

How do you know if you have a torn calf muscle?

A feeling of tightness, tenderness, or weakness in the calf area. Spasms (a gripping or severe tightening in the calf muscle ). Sharp pain in the back lower leg when trying to stretch or move the ankle or knee. A pulling sensation at the time of injury.

Why does my calf hurt when I point my toes?

Mostly cramps may be as simple as you shortened your muscle too quickly. Some examples of actions that would cause your muscles to cramp: Pointing your toes may cause your feet or back of your calf to cramp.

What are the signs and symptoms of a gastrocnemius strain?

Signs and symptoms A sudden pain at the back of the leg, particularly at the muscular tendinous junction. Difficulty in contracting the muscle or standing on tiptoe. Pain and swelling or bruising in the calf muscle. Pain on resisted plantar flexion or contracting the muscles against resistance.

What does a blood clot feel like in your calf?

A DVT blood clot can cause a calf cramp that feels a lot like a charley horse. Like leg pain, the cramping sensation with DVT will persist and even worsen with time. It won’t clear up with stretching or walking it off like an ordinary charley horse.

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. 8. Compartment syndrome

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.

Should you massage a pulled muscle?

Massage. Therapeutic massage helps loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to help heal damaged tissues. Applying pressure to the injured muscle tissue also helps remove excess fluid and cellular waste products. A 2012 study found that massage immediately following an injury may even speed strained muscle healing.

How long does a pulled calf muscle take to heal?

In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. But a full recovery may take up to six weeks, according to Oxford University Hospitals. Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer.

Should you massage a calf strain?

Getting a massage is also very beneficial right after the initial injury (just not at the site of the tear!) Massage can lengthen the entire posterior chain while increasing circulation around the strain through the whole leg. Rubbing the bottom of your foot over a tennis ball can also ease the pain felt in the calf.

How do you loosen tight calf muscles?

Stretches to relieve tight calves

1. Stand near a wall with one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent.
2. Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall.
3. Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg.
4. Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.

Should I walk with calf strain?

Gently move your ankle regularly to avoid stiffness. Avoid forceful and strenuous activity such as running and jumping until you can walk without it causing any pain. Always try to walk normally, i.e. your heel strikes the floor first, rock forward on your foot and then push off with your toes.

Should I see a doctor for a torn calf muscle?

In most cases, people can treat a pulled calf muscle at home with rest, cold and hot packs, and elevation. If the injury is severe or pain does not improve over time, it is best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

How do you tell the difference between a cramp and a pulled muscle?

How do I know which I have? A muscle spasm will usually relax on it’s own quite quickly. Cramps can last much longer, but often eventually relax with a bit of gentle massage or stretching. Muscle strains generally affect the way the muscle functions, and will likely cause pain each time the muscle is actively used.

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

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. Afterwards, the calf may swell and it will be difficult to rise up onto the toes.

Why does my calf hurt?

Inside your legs are pockets of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Excessive activity, like too much running, can cause bleeding or swelling inside them. If you have chronic compartment syndrome, a pressure buildup inside your muscles causes your blood flow to go down. Your calf may cramp or hurt when you move.