Why does it hurt when I flex my calf muscle?
Calf pain is usually caused by cramp, when the muscles suddenly contract. This might happen if you have been doing new exercises, if you are dehydrated, or if you are deficient in some minerals. Cramps normally go away quite quickly by themselves.
Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include:
- No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg.
- 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.
Stretches to relieve tight calves
- Stand near a wall with one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent.
- Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall.
- Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg.
- Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.
Can you flex calf muscles?
Release your toes and point them forward like a ballerina, pushing the tops of your feet toward the ceiling. You will feel your calves flex in the opposite direction. Continue to flex and point your feet until your calf muscles feel relaxed.
What does a strained calf muscle feel like?
Difficulty tensing your calf muscles or standing on toes. Muscle pain when flexing your ankle or pointing your toes. Problems bending your knee. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf.
Why does it hurt when I flex my leg?
Strained calf muscle
Muscle strains often occur as a result of muscle fatigue, overuse, or not warming up properly before running, biking, or some other kind of activity that involves your leg muscles. You’ll usually feel a muscle strain when it happens. The symptoms typically include: sudden onset of 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 are pulled calf muscles treated?
- Rest: Once you feel calf pain, stop doing physical activity and rest your leg.
- Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Compression: Apply a compression wrap or sleeve to your calf.
How long does muscle strain in calf last?
Recovery and prognosis will depend on the extent of the injury. 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.
Is my calf strained or torn?
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.
Should I walk on my strained calf?
Rest: Once you feel calf pain, stop doing physical activity and rest your leg. Don’t push through pain, which can make the problem worse. You might be required to use crutches or wear a boot for several days.
How long should you rest a strained calf muscle?
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.
How long after calf strain can I walk?
This injury consists of a more significant, but still incomplete muscle tear. This a partial muscle tear and requires 3 to 6 weeks of rest and recovery before you can return to full activity.
Is it OK to walk with a strained calf?
Short walks are good for the healing muscle, but avoid long distances and standing for long periods. You may find it more comfortable in shoes with a thicker or higher heel to start with, as this will lessen the stretch on the calf.
Can you make a calf strain worse?
Running on an injured leg can worsen the injury. A calf strain needs rest to heal. Avoid running or engaging in other strenuous movements until you no longer feel pain. Your healthcare provider will let you know when you can start to run again after a calf strain.
Can you walk with a Grade 1 calf strain?
Grade 1. A mild or partial stretch or tearing of a few muscle fibers. The muscle is tender and painful, but maintains its normal strength. Leg use is not limited, and walking is normal.
Can you walk with a Grade 2 calf strain?
Usually minimal or no limits to activity. Grade II calf strain: Moderate discomfort with walking. Limited ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have swelling and bruising.
Can a calf strain heal in 2 weeks?
Healing of a calf muscle usually takes about 6-8 weeks however everyone recovers from injury at different rates. The rate of healing of your muscle will depend on how severe your injury is as well as any other medical problems you may already have.
How long should you rest a calf strain?
How can I treat my calf injury? Healing of a calf muscle usually takes about 6-8 weeks however everyone recovers from injury at different rates. The rate of healing of your muscle will depend on how severe your injury is as well as any other medical problems you may already have.