Diagnosis. ‘Tennis leg’ is an incomplete rupture of the inside of the calf muscle (Figure 1 and 1a). It is a typical tennis injury that often occurs in players in the 35 to 50 age group. This muscle injury may occur as a result of a sudden contraction of the calf muscles, for instance during a sprint.
Subsequently, how long does it take for tennis leg to heal?
Tennis leg is routinely treated conservatively, under the management of a physiotherapist. Most patients respond well to physiotherapy with resolution of symptoms and return to exercise in 6-12 weeks depending on the extent of the tear.
Also to know is, how does calf strain heal?
Physical therapists treat people with calf strains by reducing pain, restoring muscle strength, restoring muscle flexibility, and increasing recovery speed. Some exercises that aim to strength these muscles are: Chair stretches: Sitting in a stable chair, bend and straighten the knee of your affected leg.
What causes a calf muscle to tear?
Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains. This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly.
How do you heal a pulled calf muscle fast?
Treating a pulled calf muscle
- Ice or cold compresses. Wrap these in a soft cloth and place on your calf for 10 minutes. …
- Heat pads. …
- Leg wraps. …
- Prop your leg up above heart level. …
- Rest for at least a full day. …
- Take over-the-counter pain medications.
Can I walk with a torn calf muscle?
With a minor calf injury symptoms will be mild with minimal swelling, you will be able to walk unaided with slight discomfort but sudden movements that stretch or work the calf may cause an increase in pain.
Should you massage a torn calf muscle?
The No HARM Protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.
When is calf pain serious?
Calf pain varies from person to person, but it typically feels like a dull, aching, or sharp pain, sometimes with tightness, in the back of the lower leg. Symptoms that might indicate a more severe condition include: swelling. unusual coolness or pale color in the calf.
What does a calf tear feel like?
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 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.
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.