A torn calf muscle is exactly what it sounds like. Also known as a strain or rupture, it is a tear in one of the calf muscles, the gastrocnemius or soleus, or both. The most common cause of a torn muscle in a calf is a sports injury. Poorly conditioned, older athletes and those who do not warm up adequately are at particular risk.
About Calf Strains
An injury to a muscle or a tendon is a strain (a sprain is a ligament injury). Strains range from mild stretches to complete tears. The severity of a strain is c by its grade:
- Grade 1: A stretch in the muscle that causes microtears, pain, and a week or two for recovery
- Grade 2: A partial tear of muscle fibers that requires limiting activity for several weeks
- Grade 3: A complete tear of the muscle that can take months to heal and often requires surgery
Calf tears are common in middle-aged recreational athletes or weekend warriors, and more often in men than women. These types of athletes are vulnerable because they continue to engage in moderate or high-intensity activities but less frequently than they used to and are not adequately conditioned.
Another important risk factor for the injury is anyone not properly warming up the muscle before activity. Previous injuries in the muscle can also make someone susceptible to a tear.
What Are the Symptoms of a Torn Calf Muscle?
Torn calf muscle symptoms vary depending on the grade and severity of the injury. Minor strains may cause temporary pain without interfering with normal activities. A grade 2 strain may cause more pain as well as swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
A complete calf tear is typically an acute injury that happens suddenly while jumping, twisting, or otherwise making abrupt changes while moving. You may hear a popping sound and experience:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to move
- Inability to put weight on the affected leg
Some people report the sensation of an acute torn calf muscle like being kicked or struck hard in the back of the leg.
How Are Torn Calf Muscles Treated?
Torn calf muscle treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and the limitations it causes. For minor strains, rest, icing, and other conservative approaches are usually adequate for good healing of the injury within weeks.
More severe strains, including acute injuries and complete tears, often require more extensive treatment. This might include physical therapy, pain management, and bracing.
An orthopedist might recommend surgery to repair a torn calf muscle. The need for surgery depends on many factors, including age, activity level, ongoing pain, and whether or not the tear is complete. If you need surgery, your orthopedist will discuss it with you and explain what to expect.
What Is Torn Calf Muscle Recovery Time Like?
Recovery times and limitations differ by patient and their specific injury. A grade 1 strain may only take a couple of weeks to heal. A more serious grade 2 tear can take up to two months and requires limiting activities as directed by a physician.
Grade 3 strains can take several months to heal. If you have a severe strain, you may need to wear some type of brace to stabilize the leg. If you have surgery, you will likely wear a cast for some time. Your surgeon will discuss recovery with you and a timeline for reintroducing activities. You will probably work with a physical therapist and be given specific exercises to do for rehabilitation.
Recovery is different for every individual. Talk to your orthopedist about what to expect and what you can and cannot do. Contact them if you have any troubling or worsening symptoms.
If you have ongoing pain in your calf or experienced an acute injury, visit EmergeOrtho-Foothills Region for an evaluation. Learn more about EmergeOrtho’s Sports Medicine and Foot & Ankle departments and how we diagnose and treat soft tissue injuries, like strains and request an appointment to start your path to recovery.
