How Bad Is My Calf Strain?

• A Grade 1 strain is a minor tear of the muscle with less than 25% of the muscle fibres affected.
• You may complain of a twinge in the back of the lower leg, or simply a feeling of tightness.
• You 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.

A grade 1 strain can easily turn into a grade 2 strain if they are not treated properly or ignored.

• 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.

• Grade 3 injuries are the most severe and involve 90 to 100% of the muscle fibres.
• A complete tear is often referred 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 muscle may be visible as the torn fibres bunch up towards the knee.

• Calf strain overview – anatomy, causes & treatment
• Massage – how to apply sports massage techniques
• Rehabilitation program – full Calf strain rehabilitation program

We recommend the following products for treating calf strains:

Cold compresion wrap

A cold therapy and compression wrap is essential first aid. It reduces pain and swelling and can also be used to apply heat later in the rehabilitation program.

Calf support

A neoprene calf support reduces pain and swelling in the early stages. Later in the rehabilitation program, they provide support and protection.

Foam roller

A foam roller is an excellent piece of kit that can be used in place of massage to treat calf injuries. They are also excellent when used regularly as part of your warm-up to help prevent future injury and improve performance.

Heel raise

A heel pad takes the strain off your injured calf muscle by reducing shock and raising your heel, therefore shortening the muscle as you walk.