Here at Limitless, we are very experienced working with people who play sports at all levels. A common sporting injury we come across is a calf strain.
In this blog, our aim is to educate you around what a calf strain is, why they happen, who is at increased risk and how we can help get you back doing the things you love if you have strained your calf.
What is a calf strain?
To understand what a calf strain is, it is important to know a bit more around the anatomy of the calf. The calf complex is made up of 2 muscles – the Soleus and the Gastrocnemius.
The Soleus originates below the knee at the tibia and fibula and inserts into the Achilles Tendon. The Soleus’ main role is to point your foot down (planar flexion).
The Gastrocnemius originates from the lower part of the femur and therefore attaches above the knee and insert into the Achilles Tendon. The Gastroc also planter flexes the foot as well as helps bend the knee.
A calf strain happens when either one of these 2 muscles become over worked to a certain extent that they cannot cope with the load anymore. Consequently, parts of the muscle fibres tear. A calf strain happens quickly and you will likely feel your calf ‘go’ and it will likely result in a sharp, localised stabbing pain in your calf. Swelling and bruising may follow in the hours after.
The Gastrocnemius is at more risk of straining because it runs across 2 joint (knee and ankle) and therefore the demand is greater.
Who’s is at greater risk of a calf strain?
People who are at greater risk are those who play sports and do lots of physical activity. This is because they are putting their muscles through a lot of stress.
People who play sports/do physical activity, but also do strength training are at reduced risk. This is because by building up strength in your calf and surrounding muscles, your body is going to be able to tolerate higher loads when playing sports.
People who go from doing no exercise/activity to playing sport with no warm up are at more risk of a calf strain because there muscles are more likely not going to be prepared for the load that they are being put through.
How can we help you?
If anything in this blog rings alarm bells about an injury you are struggling with at the moment, don’t hesitate to get in touch to start your rehab journey.
We have a plethora of experience working with people who have had calf strains to get them back doing the things they love.
We will take time to listen to your story as everyone is different. After this, we will take you through a thorough assessment to work out your specific areas of weakness. After this, we will detail out a treatment and rehab plan in order to get you back to your goals. With a mixture of hands on treatment to reduce symptoms and rehab exercises, we will guide you back to full fitness with no worries.