• 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

• 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)

• 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)

• 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.

1. 1Rest and stop all further activity10: among the most common injuries in this region across many sports
2. 2Apply ice to area every 20 minutes every two hours
3. 3Apply a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area
4. 4Keep leg elevated during rest

• 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

• 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