Calf strain treatment

Calf strain treatment

What can the athlete do?

Applying R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is essential. Cold therapy should be applied as soon as possible to help to quickly stop any internal bleeding. Ice can be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every hour initially reducing frequency as pain and swelling goes down.

Use a compression bandage, calf support or sleeve. A compression bandage can be applied immediately to help stop swelling but it should only be applied for 10 minutes at a time as restricting blood flow completely to the tissues could cause more damage.

Wear a heel pad to raise the heel and shorten the calf muscle hence taking some of the strain off it. It is a good idea to put heel pads in both shoes or one leg will be longer than the other creating an imbalance and possibly leading to other injuries including back injuries.

See a sports injury professional who can advise on a full calf strain rehabilitation program with stretching and strengthening exercises.

Professional calf strain treatment

A doctor or medical professional may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen which is beneficial in the first few days after the injury. Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma.

Use electrotherapy such as ultrasound therapy. In the early stages this can help with pain relief and to reduce swelling. In the later stages of rehabilitation a micro massage effect can help stimulate blood flow in the muscle.

Use sports massage techniques for calf muscles after the initial acute phase. Sports massage can help by stimulating blood flow, stretching the muscle and loosening any tight knots, lumps and bumps in the muscle. Scar tissues is softened and new fibers aligned which will aid the healing process and help prevent re-injury.

Prescribe a full calf strain rehabilitation program with calf stretching and strengthening exercises.

Once the initial healing has taken place it is essential the lower leg is fully strengthened in order to reduce the likelihood that the injury will reoccur or have an adverse effect on future performances. For more detailed information on calf strain rehabilitation see our calf strain rehab page.

See expert interview for more on initial treatment of calf strains.