Calf Strain Pain Relief

A calf strain is a common injury that occurs when the muscles at the back of the lower leg become too overstretched and cause tears in any of the muscle fibers. It is usually caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration such as running, jumping or kicking. Symptoms of a calf strain include tightness, pain, swelling and bruising. Depending on the severity of the tear, treatment for a calf strain may vary from rest and ice to physiotherapy or surgery. In general, it is advised to give yourself time for complete recovery before gradually increasing activity levels in order to avoid further injury.

Common symptoms of a calf strain include feeling a sudden sharp pain at the back of the lower leg, difficulty in pushing off with the foot and ankle when walking, difficulty standing on tiptoe, swelling and bruising in affected area, and tenderness when pressure is applied to affected muscles. Pain may also increase during activities such as running or jumping.

Treatment for a calf strain generally starts with rest, elevated positioning of the injured calf, ice and compression. Depending on severity, chiropractors and physiotherapists may recommend stretching, strengthening exercises and electrical stimulation to help promote healing as well as reduce inflammation. If pain persists despite these measures, a doctor may be consulted to determine further treatments or recommend medications such as anti-inflammatories or painkillers. Recovery time varies depending on the individual and type of strain but usually takes several weeks or months.