Sudden onset of pain in the calf makes us think it is the result of a muscle strain.
What is a lower leg sprain?
A hamstring strain occurs when the muscles in the posterior group of the calf are subjected to more tension than they can bear. These muscles are most commonly strained during sports such as running or other activities where the position of the legs is changed suddenly.
Degrees of hamstring muscle strain
- A first-degree lower leg sprain involves small micro tears in the muscle fibres. Usually this does not make walking or running particularly difficult, but the muscle may be painful. Healing takes about one to two weeks.
- A second-degree lower leg muscle sprain results in larger tears in the muscle fibres, severe pain, which limits activities and usually leads to a complete cessation of activities. The recovery period for muscle function is five to eight weeks after the injury.
- A grade 3 sprain is the most severe, as it results in severe strain or even complete loss of the calf muscles. In some cases, surgery is required after a third-degree sprain or tear of the calf muscles. The recovery period lasts about three to four months.
Treatment
The PRICE method is used for the first three to five days after the treatment of a calf muscle sprain:
- P(protection), protection - to protect the affected area from re-traumatisation;
- R ( rest ) - it is essential to give the injured muscle rest and to strictly stop any activity that causes pain: running, jumping or lifting weights. It is important not to play sports while you are in pain.
- I(ice), freezing - it is recommended to freeze the calf after 15-20 minutes. 4-8 times a day to reduce pain and swelling. It is important to avoid direct contact between the ice and the skin, so when applying ice to the affected area, it should first be wrapped in a cloth.
- C (compression), compression helps to reduce swelling (an elasticated bint or compression socks are suitable), and compression also helps to maintain efficient blood circulation.
- E, elevation - keeping the injured limb elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
Depending on the severity of the injury, rehabilitation with an exercise programme designed by a physiotherapist may be recommended for muscle recovery. After the acute pain has passed, passive stretching exercises are usually recommended, in which the muscle is held in a stretched position with the help of another part of the body or another person.
Once the muscle has healed, it is recommended to perform regular stretching and range-of-motion exercises to strengthen the calf muscle.
It is advisable to use a roller for self-massage, as rolling the injured area activates the blood circulation and reduces the scarring of the injured area.
After damage to the calf muscles, it is essential to perform stretching exercises on the Achilles tendon to reduce the risk of re-injury.
It is important to emphasise that after a lower leg muscle tear and rehabilitation, a gradual return to daily activities or sports is necessary. Otherwise, muscles that have not yet fully healed and regained function after the injury may be subject to re-injury.
Other causes of lower leg muscle pain
Hamstring pain is not just the result of a muscle strain. Often it can be associated with other conditions:
- A muscle cramp is much less painful than a tear in a muscle fibre, doesn't last long, but can be severe enough to leave a bruise.
- Muscle pain in the lower leg can be a consequence of deep vein thrombosis. The sharp pain is accompanied by swelling, heat and redness. Thrombosis of the leg veins is an important condition to react to in order to avoid serious consequences.
- A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled sac that usually forms as a result of an arthritic knee joint. It can cause general weakness, swelling or pain in the lower leg.
- Sprain or tear of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects the two main muscles of the posterior group of the lower leg to the heel. A sprain or tear of the Achilles tendon causes severe pain on the posterior surface of the heel. If the Achilles tendon is injured, it is recommended to wear a splint and/or special heels for a period of time to avoid additional strain on the injured area. After the injury, full plantarflexion is often avoided, resulting in shortening of the calf muscles, tension and pain.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/calf-pain#sciatica
https://www.verywellhealth.com/causes-of-calf-pain-and-treatment-options-2549387
