LOWER LEG / CALF PAIN
LOWER LEG / CALF PAIN
Calf tears are relatively common injuries in sports and can be referred to as a pulled calf’.
The calf muscle consists of: gastrocnemius, soleus and the plantaris muscles.
WHAT IS A CALF TEAR?
A calf tear can be likened to an Achilles tendon rupture or tear but it occurs higher up in your calf area.
Calf strains can be categorised into 3 grades:
WHAT CAUSES A CALF TEAR?
Calf tears often occur due to acceleration or direction changes though it can occur from just walking.
Calf tears come on due to overuse of the calf muscles or by putting excessive tension on the peroneal tendon and the calf muscle is forcibly stretched past its limits and the tissue becomes torn.
HOW IS A CALF TEAR DIAGNOSED?
Your physiotherapist can carry out a full calf assessment to find out whether you do have a calf tear or something else is causing your symptoms.
A scan such as an MRI scan may be used to confirm diagnosis and assess the severity of the tear and whether any other structures in the calf are damaged.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CALF TEAR?
There are a few common symptoms of a calf tear:
You may hear a pop or it may feel as though you have just been hit in the leg.
Sudden pain at the back of the calf, followed by:
If you think you may have a calf tear it is important to seek medical advice and rest. Do not continue with sports so that you do not worsen the tear.
Swelling
Bruising
Tightness or cramping
Difficulty walking
WHAT TREATMENT CAN FARRELL PHYSIOTHERAPY OFFER FOR A CALF TEAR?
There are several different treatment options for a calf tear and what treatments your physiotherapist chooses will depend on what they find when assessing you and the severity of your calf tear.
Your physiotherapist will choose the most appropriate treatment options for your based on your symptoms and response to various treatment methods.
Treatment can include:
Ice or heat therapy
Ultrasound
Orthotic or insole advice
Activity modification advice
Advising regarding rest, ice, compression, elevation
BENEFIT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR A CALF TEAR?
There are many benefits of physiotherapy for a calf tear. Seeking proper rehabilitation can not only safely accelerate the healing process but also prevent you from injuring your calf again. The particular benefits you feel after physiotherapy will depend on your original symptoms and treatment goals.
Physiotherapy assists with:
Reduced pain
Increased balance and co-ordination
Accelerated healing
Prevention of the injury recurring
Shorter recovery time
Don't Let Pain Win!
Our Expert Physiotherapists in Witham and Chelmsford specialise in providing the latest treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or click below to book online!
Same day and emergency appointments available most of the time.
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At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
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