Region: LowerLeg
A muscle strain or tear that occurs when the muscles of the calf have been overstretched.
What is a Calf Strain?
A muscle strain or tear that occurs when the muscles of the calf have been overstretched.
Symptoms
- Bruising on the calf muscle
- Difficulty flexing calf muscles
- Muscle pain when flexing foot or pointing toes
- Diffculty flexing knee
- Snapping or popping sensation in calf
- Sudden calf pain
- Swelling in calf muscle
What does a Calf Strain feel like?
- Sudden, sharp pain in calf area
- Pain can range from mild to severe based on severity of strain
- Difficulty flexing lower leg (knee to foot)
What are common causes of a Calf Sprain?
- Sudden movement or overstretching of the calf after a period of rest (most commonly quick pivots, jumps, or abrupt stops)
- Performing lots of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed (such as playing tennis, football, soccer, or sprinting)
Self check
- Do you experience difficulty flexing your calf, foot, or knee?
- Do you experience pain when flexing your foot or pointing your toes?
- Do you experience difficulty standing on your toes?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
What to do now
- Rest and stop all further activity10: among the most common injuries in this region across many sports
- Apply ice to area every 20 minutes every two hours
- Apply a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area
- Keep leg elevated during rest
Red flags
- Unable to walk or bear weight on affected leg
- Cannot bend or flex foot, ankle, or leg
- Severe pain in calf region
- Severe swelling in lower leg, foot, or ankle
Recovery tips
- Stopping all activity until area is healed
- Elevate entire leg above the level of your heart using pillows, blankets, or cushions
- Avoid applying heat or messaging injuried area
Educational only. Not a medical diagnosis.