Pulled Calf

A Calf Muscle Injury is common in sports and is sometimes known as a ‘pulled calf’. The term ‘pulled calf’ comes from the description of how the injury takes place. Usually the calf muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue becomes torn. A tear in the calf muscle is referred to as a calf strain and may involve one or two of the muscles that make up the calf. Calf strains usually occur at the junction between the muscle and tendon and it is classified depending on its severity (Grade 1 – Grade 3).

Symptoms Of a Pulled Calf

Grade 1:

Signs of injury may not be present until after the activity is over. There may be a sensation of cramp or tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. Mild discomfort and minimal disability.

Grade 2:

Immediate pain which is more severe than the pain of a grade one injury. It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle. A grade two strain is usually sore to touch. Moderate discomfort with walking and limits activities such as running and jumping.

Grade 3:

This is a very serious injury as the muscle is completely torn and there may be a large lump of muscle above a depression where the tear is. Minimal pain but an inability to walk will be present.

Treatment of Pulled Calf

The immediate treatment of a calf strain consists of the POLICE protocol – Protection, Optimal loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Once ready, gentle resistance exercises and stretching are important as they help to align the scar tissue which forms during the healing process. This will enhance the strength of the healing calf.

At first, gentle resistance is provided by our Chartered Physiotherapists, but as the muscle gets stronger resistance bands can provide more of a challenge. The sets and repetitions are gradually increased and Core strengthening will be introduced. Our highly skilled Physiotherapists will devise a rehabilitation plan specific to your needs.

Our Expertise

Our physiotherapists are highly trained and qualified to provide expert care to our patients. They are fully insured and are chartered by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).

We have a team of Clinical leads who visits our physios and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.