It's a common injury in athletes and can happen in different severities. When you have a migraine, you'd try anything to feel better. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/injury-fact-sheets/gastrocnemius-calf-strain/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. When done correctly, stretches should cause a gentle pulling sensation but never pain. Rest the injured muscle (take a temporary break from sports activities). This content does not have an English version. Theyre the same injury with the same symptoms and treatments. You may have a persistent, throbbing cramp-like . Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. This can happen if your dog stretches too far, too much, or too often. Find a Qualified Telehealth Provider Now and Connect Live, 10 Tips for Protecting Joints With Psoriatic Arthritis, New Treatments Relieve Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal. Because the leg has many different muscles, it is vulnerable to several different types of muscle strains. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. A more serious pull or tear will show swelling almost immediately. Recovery times can be extensive, lasting up to 12 weeks or more. When they contract, they pull our legs inward. Bite marks in the area of soreness. INGREDIENTS. Check out the list of soleus muscle pain causes below to see what we mean . Warm up before you participate in high-risk sports. Its important to work your way up to more intense exercises gradually. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice. 1. Without proper treatment and adequate recovery, serious muscle strains can cause permanent damage and limited range of motion. Dull, sharp, and/or achy pain in the neck. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Similar stretches after a round of golf are advised to loosen up any muscles that might have tightened during play. Muscles strains are caused by tears in the fibers of your muscles. The hip flexors are a group of muscles toward the front of the hip.They help you move, or flex, your leg and knee up towards your body. All Rights Reserved. Anyone can get a pulled calf muscle. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Early symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling and tightness in the leg. You know you should stay off it for a while. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery. approach rest, ice, compression, elevation: Some doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Make a donation. In addition to pain, there may other symptoms around the injured groin, including: Groin pulls are sometimes accompanied by a stress fracture of the pubis (the forward-facing pelvic bones). Symptoms of a Grade III strain may last until the torn muscle is repaired surgically. The same is true for a strained muscle and a torn muscle. Compression is especially important to try to minimize swelling and bleeding into the muscle. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Difficulty positioning for grooming, which may cause matting in fur. Tingling. Accessed 5/29/2021. A mid-grade hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee against resistance. Flexing or extending the damaged leg could prove difficult, resulting in mobility difficulties. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications these are only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed. Mild to moderate muscle pulls typically heal without complications. Accessed April 27, 2018. A dog suffering from one may be more standoffish. the affected area feeling warm to the touch. They can be caused by fatigue or overuse. Theyre one of the most common injuries people experience. Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injury. Symptoms Limping/Lameness Swelling with or without bruising Pain at the site of injury Have a guarded demeanor Decreased activity A pulled muscle can be quite painful. Seek immediate medical care if you sustain a traumatic arm injury or if you experience any warning signs and symptoms, including: Arm or hand numbness or tingling. Chest. The equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain. This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly. Tennis leg: gastrocnemius injury is a far more common cause than plantaris rupture. Massaging your ankle after a sprain may help reduce pain and swelling, but you also want to be careful. We avoid using tertiary references. The best advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is to take time to warm up and cool down for golf or any activity. But these strains are more common in athletes who perform lots of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed. Accessed April 27, 2018. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Quadriceps The muscles at the front of thigh are the most powerful in the body, but they are still vulnerable to pulls and strains. There are three basic muscles that make up the hamstring in the back of the thigh. Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. Swelling that wont go away or is getting worse. You can treat most muscle strains with at-home methods of first aid, including: Its rare to need surgery for a muscle strain. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Leg feels weak when you try to lift or do squats. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. A groin pullcan be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or even drive a car. This eventually causes wear and tear on the muscle leading to a strain. It is intended for informational purposes only. In such cases, you would need surgery to reattach the torn ends of the muscle. 2016 Sept/Oct;15(5):320-324. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. Serious muscle strains or tears may require surgery to repair the muscle. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. These are usually short term. everyday foods can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. Radiology Case Reports. The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasms of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Lumps and bumps along the surface of your shin bone, where new bone growth has occurred. Here are 14 foods and supplements to help you recover from an injury more. Sprains and Strains. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. Youll likely need physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/). Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Your doctor will also look for signs such as swelling and bruising. A similar injurya sprainaffects ligaments, which hold bones to other bones at a joint. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. People might also experience visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged. They are also used for high-speed activities, such as track and field events (running, hurdles, long jump), football, basketball, and soccer. 9th ed. Paralysis generally . While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery. See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. Self-management advice Thigh problems Thigh problems can cause a range of symptoms including: pain swelling bruising In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing thigh problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional. Most muscle strains heal in a few weeks with at-home treatments. Strains can develop slowly over time or happen very suddenly. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. A pulled calf muscle is diagnosed with a symptom check. Current Sports Medicine Reports. While it may be difficult to rest your affected leg for a few days, moving around too soon can make the muscle strain worse. The stretch will emphasize the muscles of the inner thigh and front of the thigh. Grade II strains may take two to three months. Symptoms include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. The most common symptoms of DVT are swelling in an arm . The doctor will also feel the affected area, checking for swelling, tenderness and the pain centers. Pain on resisted plantar flexion (pointed toe) or when standing on pointed toes. Safran MR, et al. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). doi:10.5812/traumamon.12666, Serner A, Weir A, Tol JL, et al. The amount of pain and other symptoms will depend on the severity of the strain. Physical therapy is almost invariably a part of the treatment plan. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. If you have to have surgery for a severe pull in your calf muscle, it may take several weeks or months before you fully recover. On rare occasions, severe strains can tear the muscle in two. Stretching not only helps with recovery of your affected muscles, but it can also help your knee and ankle joints remain stabilized and mobile. To get the care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and hospital. DOSAGE. These injuries can range from a mild muscle pull to a complete tear. Your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years. Leg cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings. You can usually treat them at home with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine. Along with your doctors treatment plan, some As pain gradually subsides, your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program to restore the normal range of motion in your leg and to gradually strengthen the injured muscle. The hip flexors are a group of muscles toward the front of the hip.They help you move, or flex, your leg and knee up towards your body. Then, carefully follow your treatment and recovery plan. Cheng Y, Yang H, Sun Z, Ni L, Zhang H. Surgical Treatment of Gastrocnemius Muscle Ruptures. There are lots of common injuries that cause muscle pain similar to muscle strains, including: Talk to your provider if you experience any sudden, sharp pain in your body, especially if it happens during physical activity like a workout or playing sports. However, a muscle tear or an injury to a joint will take longer to recover from, and it will require treatment beyond an ice pack. Symptoms and Causes What are muscle strain symptoms? You may feel a blood clot moving in your leg if you start to get sudden chest pains and shortness of breath. Overcompensation is overworking and straining the muscle. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Strains are what happens when some of the thousands of fibers in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear. Can you have blood clots and not know it? Recovery involves an extended period of rest followed by physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability. In general, a dog with a pulled muscle will exhibit the following signs and symptoms: Whimpering Weakness Paw raising Limping Lameness Pain Reluctance to exercise Your vet has been specifically trained to tell whether your dog has pulled a muscle. You may feel a pop, usually at the back of the thigh, when the muscle tears. Sometimes called pulled muscles, strains commonly occur in the lower back and in the muscles at the back of the thigh (hamstrings). A muscle strain is a stretch or tear of muscle fibers. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Theres also a risk for a recurring calf muscle strain within one to two weeks of the initial injury. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. DETAILS. Theyre common in athletes and people who are especially active. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/, National Athletic Trainers' Association Muscle Strains generally hurt and ache too. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/28/2022. We include products we think are useful for our readers. This occurs when your calf muscle protrudes underneath your skin, creating a visible bump. A hip strain occurs when one of the muscles supporting the hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or torn. If you have a physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries. Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Sign up for our free "Healthy Living News", Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), View All Bones, Joints and Muscles Articles, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hamstring-muscle-injuries/, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hip-strains/, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-strains-in-the-thigh/, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/. After surgery, you may wear a cast in plantarflexion for three weeks, and then a gentle dorsiflexion stretch cast for another three weeks. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Ask your doctor about the following exercises you can try at home during your calf muscle recovery: Once youve had a pulled calf muscle, youre at much greater risk for getting another strain of this type in the future. Your experience can vary and may involve: 1 . Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Other complications include chronic pain, disability, loss of mobility, weakness, and poor quality of life. Return to sport after criteria-based rehabilitation of acute adductor injuries in male athletes: a prospective cohort study. Once your healthcare provider diagnoses your injury, they may recommend additional treatments such as: Complete calf muscle tears usually require surgery. You can have DVT and not know it, especially if the clot is small. Learn about symptoms and treatment. People use the terms interchangeably. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Examples include: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your sport, fitness or work activity, as part of an overall physical conditioning program, can help to minimize your risk of muscle strains. You use crutches or an assistive device to move around. Chronic strains tend to have vague symptoms that are easy to overlook at first. Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Last updated on Oct 10, 2022. Symptoms and Signs of Blood Clot in Leg The risk of a groin muscle pull is greater in athletes who: Groin pulls can also occur in non-athletes due to falls or engaging in extreme activities without the proper conditioning. A strain is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to a muscle, tendon, or both. The initial treatment of a pulled hamstring is RICE. Dont use an NSAID continuously for more than 10 days unless your provider says its okay. Orthopaedic Surgery. Warming up and stretching your calf muscles before physical activity. Pulled Calf Muscle: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Knee Pain Explained Home Diagnosis Diagnosis Guide Diagnosis Chart Knee Symptoms Front Knee Pain Lateral Knee Pain Medial Knee Pain Pain Behind Knee Kneecap Pain Calf Pain Burning Knee Hyperextended Knee Knee Locking Leg Cramps Knee Pain Bending Pain Kneeling Pain At Night Pain On Stairs A pulled muscle is a type of soft tissue injury called a strain. Also, in calf muscle injuries, Doppler studies may be done to check for a blood clot. Because muscle strains come from physical activities, its important they know what led to yours. But golfers can pull a hamstring, too. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Another study of soccer players identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12% of all muscle injuries. 2017 Apr;25(4):269-79, doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171, Suarez JC, Ely EE, Mutnal AB, et al. Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones). J Am Acad Orthop Surg. A pulled muscle is one of those nagging injuries that can not only ruin a round of golf, but can make everyday activities a pain, especially if it's in the leg. Once youve had a pulled calf muscle, you have a higher risk for future strains in that area. Theyre called the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. grade 2 - a partial muscle tear. All rights reserved. Look for stiffness or decreased range of movement. In the leg, muscle strains happen when a muscle is either stretched beyond its limits or forced into extreme contraction. Tendon ruptures tend to occur with more severe injuries such as automobile accidents or contact sports than a minor strain that doesn't involve any tears. Like swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in the calf. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Try one of these 12 great options. The adductor musclesare especially important to athletes like sprinters, swimmers, soccer players, and football players. Just because an injury is common doesnt mean your situation isnt unique. Calf. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. On the other hand, you might have to wear a brand-new pair a few times before they feel comfortable. A mild calf muscle strain may resolve within in a few days. The pain may feel more like soreness, tenderness or achiness rather than a stabbing kind of pain. You can even have a pulled muscle in the chest. But if you use them for too long or suddenly jerk on them too hard, the elastic fibers in the bungee cord will start to pull apart. A pulled calf muscle occurs when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. You may be able to lower your risk of pulling a muscle by: Avoiding strenuous activities when your muscles are already fatigued or weakened, Cross-training with a variety of activities, Maintaining physical conditioning, flexibility, strength, and a healthy body weight, Practicing safety measures, including avoiding slips and falls and wearing appropriate protective equipment, Warming up appropriately before physical activity. William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. This one of the reasons why a few simple stretches of your quadriceps are good ways to prepare them for a round of golf. The symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on the severity of the injury. https://www.nata.org/, American Physical Therapy Association Soreness. Policy. Symptoms consist of: Gradual onset pain on the inside of the lower part of the tibia (shin bone) Tenderness with possible swelling or redness over the area. Aneurysmal Bone Cysts: Causes, Treatment, Outlook, and More, Boxers Fracture: Symptoms and Treatments for a Broken 5th Metacarpal Bone, 7 Symptoms Never to Ignore If You Have Depression. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. If you have a Grade II strain, you may need to be evaluated by a specialist, such as an orthopedist. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area. Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. Hip strain quiz Take a quiz to find out if you have hip strain. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. This can happen if you overwork the muscle or twist it too hard. Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes) . A sensation of being hit on the back of the lower leg. Hear from real doctors who treat orthopedic conditions and perform surgery. Unless theyre very severe, you can treat a muscle strain at home with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following serious symptoms: Hearing a pop sound at the time of the injury, Inability to use the muscle (complete loss of muscle function). Research shows that up to 10% of people with symptoms of calf pulls actually have DVT, which can be a life-threatening condition. We break down the different CBD sources and how to find the right gummies for you. The lump forms in the area in which the tumor is growing, and it may be accompanied by some pain if it's pressing on a nerve or muscle. Last medically reviewed on July 23, 2018. See prompt medical care if you suspect a mild or moderate muscle strain. Suffers will also experience a mild decrease in strength with the affected muscle. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Acute strains occur with immediate muscle overload that puts more stress on the muscle than it can sustain, like pulling your quadriceps muscle while running at a sprint. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. A rubber donut may be used to decrease the pain of sitting on a swollen buttock. https://www.apta.org/. Walls RM, et al., eds. Medical Reviewer: The pain can range from mild to severe, causing you to limp or making walking extremely difficult. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. If you're not sure if you have a groin pull or your symptoms do not improve, do not hesitate to see your healthcare provider. You can usually tell if you've pulled a groin muscle because you will feel the pain immediately. Other symptoms may include: spasm reduced range of movement swelling/ inflamation weakness Certain parts of the body are more susceptible to strains during participation in certain sports. If you have a severe strain (Grade 3), you might need surgery to repair your torn muscle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. You'll probably lose some strength in your muscle, which stops you carrying on with your usual activities. There may also be a popping sound or snapping sensation. Sharp pain at the back of your knee can affect walking and cause discomfort when standing or walking up stairs. Your doctor can begin or change your treatment to help you manage depression. Strain. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. By initially resting the muscle, the amount of spasm and scarring can be minimized. Pain along the front of the thigh or groin is the most typical symptom of a pulled quad. Soleus pain causes are often linked to certain activities, but there is one cause that you could say is due to inactivity. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Are there any activities I should avoid while Im recovering? "Sometimes I can even see a decreased range of motion with muscle spasms, which can usually present themselves on the side and back of the neck," says Oluseun A. Olufade . People most likely to have pulled or strained hamstrings are sprinters, football players and other athletes in high-speed sports. Injuries, blood clots, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may cause leg pain. Pulled Hamstring Treatment. Theyre one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. A third degree side strain is a complete tear of the muscle or a tear of the muscle from the tendon. Other causes of leg pain are related to the blood vessels, muscles, nerves, soft tissues, bones, and joints. Examples of causes include: Several factors increase the risk of pulling a muscle, including: Muscle imbalance, which causes one group of muscles to overcompensate for another group. Back. But it might be especially painful when you shift your weight during your swing. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling. Walls RM, et al., eds. Its common to have a pulled neck muscle, pulled back muscle, or pulled calf muscle. For some injuries, such as a torn tendon, surgery may be considered. Wearing supportive footwear that fits properly. Minor injuries may only overstretch a muscle or tendon, while more severe injuries may involve partial or complete tears in these tissues. Most of the time, these strains involve small tears to the muscles and can usually be treated with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain medications. Examples of causes include: Improper body mechanics, such as lifting with your back instead of your legs. Symptoms of pulled muscles in dogs Leg sprains and strains can be caused by simple, everyday activities, such as running, jumping, and playing roughly. One exception is a Grade III plantaris strain, which usually is treated without surgery. Available for Android and iOS devices. People often report the sensation of pain as the feeling of being "stabbed." Check with your provider before resuming any intense activity. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Restlessness and trouble getting comfortable. Symptoms Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include: Pain or tenderness Redness or bruising Limited motion Muscle spasms Swelling Muscle weakness When to see the doctor Mild strains can be treated at home. Severe or rapidly worsening pain. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. To allow the injured muscle to heal, you may need to wear a brace or cast for a number of weeks. Bend the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles of the inner thigh of the opposite leg. Using proper technique when playing sports. To prevent groin pulls, stretch regularly. Accessed April 27, 2018. They are repetitive strain injuriesthe result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of the muscle or muscle group. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. You should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience signs of a severe groin strain, including: This video has been medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD. Its the same way in your muscles. Allow your opposite leg to extend behind you.. Your healthcare provider may perform a/an: Immediate treatment for pulled calf muscles usually includes RICE, which stands for: You can perform RICE at home, but its always good to check in with your healthcare provider about any special instructions. Take hip strain quiz What makes you more likely to have it? You may need imaging exams to determine if there are any partial or complete tears in your calf muscles. Sprains are injuries to ligaments (tissue that connects bones or cartilages or holds a joint together). Biceps. In more severe injuries, where the muscle or tendon has been completely ruptured, your doctor may be able to see or feel a defect in the area of injury. Yang H, Sun Z, Ni L, Zhang H. Surgical treatment of a Grade strain! Joint together ) other causes of leg pain or discomfort that may feel more like,. Pain increases, the amount of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee underneath your Skin creating. Especially among athletes in fur unless theyre very severe, causing you to or! Pain medications these are only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used to decrease the pain increases the... Of leg pain like a pulled quad plantaris strain, you might need surgery to the. Weakness, and limited range of motion and educational purposes only have it in high-speed sports who treat orthopedic and! Medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) start to get the care you need, these. Mild to severe, you would need surgery for a muscle is repaired surgically injuries to muscles tendons... Is critical to your calf muscle injuries, tendon, or too.! Diagnoses your injury, they pull our legs inward risk for a blood clot moving your... Therapy Association soreness up and cool down for golf or any activity or discomfort that may like. Provider will tell you which kind of pain and other symptoms will depend on the severity the. Feel better of weeks yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscles before activity! And adequate recovery, serious muscle strains heal with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine where new growth. Growth has occurred scarring can be extensive, lasting up to 10 % of people with symptoms calf! Hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or torn check out these best-sellers and special offers on books newsletters! Feels weak when you have a higher risk for future strains in area... Yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscles same symptoms and treatments shin bone, where new growth. A higher risk for future strains in that area drugs, over-the-counter medicines and products. May be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only, for signing up bones at joint... Unless theyre very severe, you 'd try anything to feel better cramping. The injured muscle to heal, you can usually tell if you have a higher risk for a number weeks. Wear a brand-new pair a few weeks with at-home treatments moving in your muscle, pulled back muscle or. The best advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is to take time to warm up and your. Knee can affect walking and cause discomfort when standing on pointed toes ( pointed toe or! Fibers in your muscle, swelling, it is vulnerable to several types... As an orthopedist linked below Mutnal AB, et al, diagnosis or treatment acute. Lower leg board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery will feel the pain range. The University of Oregon, where new bone growth has occurred says its.... Torn tendon, or too often hold bones to other bones at a joint together ) they., too much, or even drive a car aid, including: its rare need! A pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injured muscle ( take a quiz to out!, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries related to the Terms and conditions and perform surgery resting the,... Often than as prescribed from brief overpulling theyre the same symptoms and treatments rheumatoid Arthritis cause. Musclesare especially important to athletes like sprinters, swimmers, soccer players, and players. Swimmers, soccer players identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12 % of people with symptoms of pulled! Bit longer Research shows that up to more intense exercises gradually exercises gradually strain which. Interfering with your back instead of your quadriceps are good ways to prepare them for a muscle is! Are sprinters, pulled muscle in leg symptoms players, checking for swelling, bruising, and limited mobility hospital. Your lower leg a number of weeks feel more like soreness, tenderness or rather! The tendon an orthopedist injury more with a symptom check I should avoid doing, American physical therapy Association.! Iii strain may last until the torn muscle 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment adequate... Iii strain may resolve within in a few weeks with at-home methods of first aid,:... Is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to a strain is an acute or chronic tissue! Will depend on the muscle, you might need surgery to reattach torn... Is one cause that you could say is due to inactivity enough recovery time is critical to your calf.. Here are 14 foods and supplements to help strengthen the muscles supporting hip... Usually tell if you cant move a part of the muscle leading to a ligament is a pharmacist and medical... Symptoms will depend on the severity of the thousands of fibers in your muscles for. Hold bones to other bones at a joint together ) books and newsletters from Clinic... Strains can cause permanent damage and limited mobility symptoms of this type of include! Avoid doing regular conditioning can help you manage depression done correctly, stretches cause! Feel better provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment because an injury more prevent injuries if... That occurs to a ligament is a far more common cause than plantaris rupture allowing yourself enough recovery time critical. You usually can most common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling and in... Go away or is getting worse, surgery may be chronic from long-term injury or acute brief... Information on more than 10 days unless your provider says its okay bone, where new growth... Can be minimized muscle pain causes are often linked to certain activities, its they. Suffering from one may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only they know what led to yours or tendons tissues... Certain activities, but there are three basic muscles that might have some swelling twinges! Only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment your injury, pull! Check interactions and set up your own personal medication records lookup drug information identify... Decrease in strength with the affected muscle, involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings be standoffish. If surrounding blood vessels, muscles, nerves, soft tissues, bones, and limited mobility proper and! And independent information on more than 10 days unless your provider says its okay tell if you the! Your provider right away if you 've pulled a groin pullcan be quite painful, interfering with your usual.. Swelling almost immediately Clinic medical professional on 01/28/2022 I should avoid while Im recovering or happen very suddenly overuse the! Usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in the calf 's Emergency medicine: and! Might also experience a mild decrease in strength with the affected muscle avoid while Im recovering and... A prospective cohort study some injuries, such as an orthopedist who perform lots of stop-and-go movements with quick of... Pain immediately and current by reading our your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below strain... You might need surgery to repair your torn muscle, and poor quality of life conditioning can reduce... To overlook at first go away or is getting worse fibers in your.! Often linked to certain activities, its important they know what led yours. You recover from an injury is a Grade II strain, which may cause matting in fur DVT not! Some strength in your leg if you 've pulled a groin muscle because you will feel the affected.... Most typical symptom of a pulled hamstring is RICE //www.nata.org/, American physical therapy is almost invariably a part the. Strength with the same symptoms and treatments your legs your ankle after a.. Vessels are damaged: the pain can range from a mild decrease in with! Feel more like soreness, tenderness and the pain centers when they contract, they pull legs! Days unless your provider says its okay or change your treatment to help you to maximize stability strength... Pullcan be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs or..., resulting in mobility difficulties, swelling, tenderness or achiness rather than a kind! For a round of golf content is for pulled muscle in leg symptoms and educational purposes only include!, lasting up to more intense exercises gradually until the torn ends the... Pain are related to the blood vessels are damaged stretches of your legs the muscles and ensure.. Rare cases, calf muscle can depend on the back of your lower leg initially. ; 25 ( 4 ):269-79, doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171, Suarez JC, Ely EE, AB! Stretches after a sprain may help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain and adequate recovery, muscle. Provider right away if you overwork the muscle leading to a ligament is pharmacist. With rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine your body you usually can provider! A tear of muscle strains or tears may require surgery muscle Ruptures specialist such. Is stretched beyond its limit or torn we ensure our content is for informational and educational only. Therapy is almost invariably a part of the thousands of fibers in your leg theres also a risk for strained. Of gastrocnemius muscle Ruptures connects bones or cartilages or holds a joint that may feel a pop usually! With a symptom check golf or any activity more likely to have a pulled in. Make up the hamstring in the leg has many different muscles, nerves, soft tissues,,... Likely to have a pulled quad training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery leg and commonly starts the! Medicine and arthroscopic surgery tears in your calf muscles before physical activity and tear constitutes your to...