The calf muscles consist of the Gastrocnemius which is the large muscle at the back of the lower leg and the Soleus muscle which is a smaller muscle that lies under the Gastrocnemius. The Gastrocmenius is the larger of the two muscles, it attaches above the knee runs down the back of the calf and inserts into the heel bone via the achilles tendon. The Soleus also attaches to the heel bone via the achilles tendon. Either of these two muscles can be invloved in a torn calf muslce or a strained calf muscle. The muscle is strained when it is forcibly stretched or pulled beyond its limit. All muscle strains are graded from 1-3, with grade 1 being a minor muscle tear, with up to 10% of muscle fibres torn. A grade 2 tear involves up to 90% of the muscle fibres and a grade 3 is over 90% of fibres torn, or rupture.

SYMPTOMS
Pain in the calf area which ranges from a twinge, a sharp pain to a severe immediate pain
In the case of a grade 1 a player may be able to play on however in a grade 2 and most certainly in a grade 3 the player will not be able to play on.
Bruising the severity of which depends on the grade of tear
Tightness in the back of the calf
Pain on walking or during explosive push off of the foot
In the case of a grade 3 the is muscle weakness

TREATMENT
Prompt treatment is wise as Calf strains, if not treated can easily become a chronic problem. In the first 24hrs RICE is recommended Rest Ice Compression and Elevation. Here at Active Physiotherapy we can assist you with this early stage of treatment this controls bleeding and limits any further damage to the area. Once the acute phase is over we can assist you with recovery of normal movement and guide on a progressive supervised resisted exercise programme. Sometimes in the case of repetitive occurrence’s or problems with both calves we may do a bio-mechanical assessment of the feet. In some cases shoe inserts/orthotics may be recommended.

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