How do you treat a pulled calf muscle at home?
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How do you treat a pulled calf muscle at home?
Most calf muscle strains can be treated at home:
- Rest your injured leg.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the sore muscle for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling.
- After 2 or 3 days, you can try alternating cold with heat.
- Wrap your lower leg with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap) to help decrease swelling.
Should you massage a pulled 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.
Should I stretch a pulled calf muscle?
As healing gets underway, it is important you begin a series of exercises to gently stretch the calf muscle. This will help your knee and ankle joints to get back into their normal position. This helps to reduce the risk of further injury.
Can you walk on a pulled calf muscle?
Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injury. A mild strain can leave you with pain and feelings of pulling within the lower half of your leg. You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable.
Is walking good for calf strain?
Gently move your ankle regularly to avoid stiffness. Avoid forceful and strenuous activity such as running and jumping until you can walk without it causing any pain. Always try to walk normally, i.e. your heel strikes the floor first, rock forward on your foot and then push off with your toes.
How do you know if you tore a calf muscle?
Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include: No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf.
How can you tell the difference between a pulled muscle and a calf strain?
Symptoms. 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.