How Bad Is My Calf Strain?

Calf strains are graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on how bad they are. Try our calf strain diagnosis quiz below. Answer a few questions to find out how bad your calf strain is.

Remember I do not replace a real person and always recommend seeking professional advice. This is not intended to diagnose calf pain, only estimate the severity of a calf muscle tear.

Calf strain diagnosis quiz

Mild Grade 1 injuries

• A Grade 1 strain is a minor tear of the muscle with less than 25% of the muscle fibres affected.
• The athlete may complain of a twinge in the back of the lower leg or simply a feeling of tightness.
• They may be able to carry on playing or competing with minimal pain. However, there is likely to be more tension or aching in the calf muscle after which may take up to 24 hours to develop.
• Grade 1 injuries can easily turn into grade 2 strains if they are underestimated or ignored. It is wise to stop exercising if the ache/pain does not settle down within 24 hours of exercise.

Moderate Grade 2 injuries

• Grade 2 strains are more severe, with between 25% and 90% of the muscle fibres torn.
• A sudden sharp pain at the back of the lower leg, with swelling likely.
• Bruising may develop over the following couple of days.
• Pain is felt on resisted plantar flexion (pushing up onto the toes) and there will be significant weakness in the muscle.

Severe Grade 3 injuries

• Grade 3 injuries are the most severe and involve 90 to 100% of the muscle fibres.
• A complete tear is often reffered to as a rupture.
• There will be severe and immediate pain at the back of the lower leg.
• The athlete may complain of a ‘pop’ sensation at the time of injury.
• They will be unable to walk, or If they can they will walk with a significant limp.
• Swelling will develop rapidly within an hour or so and bruising is also likely to be visible.
• This is as a result of the torn muscle fibres and associated blood vessels. A gap or deformity in the the muscle may be visible as the torn fibres bunch up towards the knee.