Calf Strain (Pulled Calf Muscle)

A calf strain, or pulled calf muscle, occurs when you overstretch a muscle in your calf. Your calf muscles are in your lower leg behind your shin bone (tibia) and extend from the base of your thigh down to your heel. They help you flex and bend your foot, ankle and knee. A strained calf muscle can cause pain and prevent you from running, jumping and doing other activities.

Most calf injuries are mild, but a severe calf strain can result in a partially or completely torn calf muscle. Whether you have a mild or severe injury, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment will get you back to participating in the sports and activities you love sooner.

Symptoms of calf muscle strains

Calf strain symptoms may include:

• Bruising on your calf muscle
• Difficulty tensing your calf muscles or standing on your toes
• Muscle pain when flexing your ankle or pointing your toes
• Difficulty bending your knee
• Snapping or popping sensation in your calf
• Sudden calf muscle pain
• Swelling in your calf muscle

Most people with a strained calf muscle say they can’t continue with their activity immediately following an injury.

Calf muscle strain causes

Calf 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.

Risk factors

Anyone can get a pulled calf muscle. But these strains are more common in athletes who perform lots of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed. Sprinters, football players, soccer players and tennis players are prone to strained calf muscles. Sometimes, the injury is called “tennis leg.”

Other risk factors for calf strains include:

• Age. People over age 40 may be more likely to get strains during physical activity.
• Lack of conditioning. It’s important to warm up and stretch before physical activity and condition your muscles before the start of a sports season.
• Medical history. People with a history of calf strains or other leg injuries are more likely to get a new injury.
• Muscle quality. People with tight or short calf muscles have a higher risk of calf muscle strains.
• Sex. Some studies suggest that males are more likely to get calf muscle injuries.

Complications of calf strains

Depending on the severity of your condition, complications of a pulled calf muscle may include:

• Chronic pain
• Compartment syndrome
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Reinjury
• Scar tissue

How doctors diagnose calf strains

A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms. It’s important to describe in detail how you got the injury and how your calf felt immediately after the injury. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis.

Tests that are used

You may need imaging exams to rule out other conditions that cause lower leg pain, like Achilles tendon ruptures or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Research shows that up to 10% of people with symptoms of calf pulls have DVT, which can be a life-threatening condition.

Your healthcare provider may request the following tests:

• Ultrasound, to check for blood clots around your calf muscles
• MRI, to assess for rupture

How do you heal a calf strain quickly?

Pulled calf muscle treatment usually includes RICE, which stands for:

• Rest. Stop running or physical activity to avoid further damaging your calf muscle.
• Ice. Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes every two hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin.
• Compression. Reduce swelling and fluid buildup by applying a compression bandage or wrap to the injured area.
• Elevation. Lift your leg into an elevated position, preferably above the level of your heart. Support the entire length of your leg with pillows, blankets or cushions.

You can perform RICE at home, but it’s always good to check in with your healthcare provider about any special instructions.

Once your provider diagnoses your injury, they may recommend additional calf strain treatment, including:

• Pain relievers
• Physical therapy
• Soft cast or boot to keep your lower leg from moving

While healing from a calf strain, you should avoid:

• Applying heat to the injured area
• Drinking alcohol
• Massaging your calf
• Walking or participating in physical activity

Calf strain recovery time

Most people recover fully from pulled calf muscles without any permanent damage. Ask your healthcare provider when you can gradually start to do light activities again. Depending on the severity of your injury, it may be several weeks or even months before you can return to full activities.

Once you’ve had a calf muscle strain, you have a higher risk for future strains in that area. Reduce your risk of reinjury by allowing your injury to fully heal before getting back to normal activities.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should contact your provider if you:

• Are unable to walk or bear weight on your leg
• Can’t bend or flex your foot, ankle or knee
• Have severe pain in your calf
• Notice swelling in your lower leg, foot or ankle

How can I prevent a calf strain?

You can reduce your risk of a pulled calf muscle by:

• Keeping your calf muscles strong and conditioned
• Not pushing through the pain
• Resting and recovering between workouts
• Stretching routinely
• Using proper technique when playing sports
• Warming up and stretching your calf muscles before physical activity
• Wearing supportive footwear that fits properly