A pulled calf muscle occurs when the muscles in the back of your lower leg get overstretched, and it can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. The following are some steps to take for treating a pulled calf muscle:
-
Rest: Resting the injured leg is important to prevent further damage to the muscle.
-
Ice: Applying ice or a cold pack on the sore muscle for 10 to 20 minutes at a time can help stop swelling. This can be done for the first 2 days after the injury.
-
Compression: Wrapping the injured calf in an elastic bandage or compression sock can help prevent swelling and inflammation.
-
Elevation: Keeping the injured leg elevated above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling.
-
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Once the calf feels less hot and painful, it is important to start gently exercising the injured muscle. This may be uncomfortable at first, but it is essential to prevent tightness and weakness and to encourage the natural healing process. Short walks are good for the healing muscle, but avoid long distances and standing for long periods. Depending on the severity of the injury, a pulled calf muscle can take several weeks or months to heal. It is important to wait until the calf muscle heals completely before resuming regular physical activities, as using a muscle before it heals can prolong the recovery process of the initial injury and even cause a second injury. If the injury is severe, a doctor may recommend surgery to treat a severely strained or torn calf muscle.
