You may need imaging exams to determine if there are any partial or complete tears in your calf muscles. Stand on your uninjured leg and gently lift your damaged leg to see if your knee feels especially weak or unstable. Hernias happen when one of your internal organs or other body parts breaks through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally holds it in place. Accessed April 27, 2018. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases redness or discoloration of the sore spot. Harwin JR, Richardson ML. A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/10921Pcalfstrain.pdf, nbt.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/How%20to%20treat%20your%20injured%20calf_NBT002257.pdf, frankgilroyphysiotherapy.co.uk/docs/058_290__apatientguidetocalfinjuryrehabilitation_1385564738.pdf, Pulled Quad: How to Treat It and Bounce Back Quickly, How to Massage a Sprained Ankle Correctly, 8 Best Wrist Braces: For Carpal Tunnel, Wrist Pain & More, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, inability to stand up on the ball of your foot, warming up for at least five minutes before exercise, including deep stretches, cooling down for five minutes after you work out, stretching your muscles again for five minutes after youve cooled down. Shin splints & stress fractures occur due to repetitive sports, like running. Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still. You may want to write a list that includes: Your doctor may ask some of the following questions: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A mid-grade hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee against resistance. Potential causes of less sudden lameness in dogs include osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, inflammation of the bones, ligament disease and infections, all of which require veterinary attention. Learn about symptoms and treatment. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. However, a muscle tear or an injury to a joint will take longer to recover from, and it will require treatment beyond an ice pack. Refusal to put any weight on one or more limbs. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Use this list to select a high quality, effective wrist brace that matches your needs. People most likely to have pulled or strained hamstrings are sprinters, football players and other athletes in high-speed sports. Tingling. When done correctly, stretches should cause a gentle pulling sensation but never pain. While a groin pull may seem obvious, there are certain conditions that can mimic it and require different treatments. A pulled calf muscle occurs when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes) . The initial treatment of a pulled hamstring is RICE. Muscle fatigue or weakness from overuse or underuse. Your provider will tell you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms. you have pain, tenderness or weakness - often around your ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg or back the injured area is swollen or bruised you cannot put weight on the injury or use it normally you have muscle spasms or cramping - where your muscles painfully tighten on their own Is it a sprain or a strain? If this happened to you, you would completely lose muscle function. Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. A calf muscle pull will leave the muscle feeling sore, tender and stiff. Proper conditioning is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Symptoms and Signs of Blood Clot in Leg Other symptoms you may have Swelling or tenderness at the front of your hip. You can treat most muscle strains with at-home methods of first aid, including: Its rare to need surgery for a muscle strain. Most people can recover by resting their muscle and using at-home treatments like ice and over-the-counter medicine. Reduce your risk of reinjury by allowing your injury to fully heal before getting back to normal activities. A surgeon makes an incision in your calf and reattaches the two ends of your muscle with stitches. They are also used for high-speed activities, such as track and field events (running, hurdles, long jump), football, basketball, and soccer. Theres also a risk for a recurring calf muscle strain within one to two weeks of the initial injury. "Sometimes I can even see a decreased range of motion with muscle spasms, which can usually present themselves on the side and back of the neck," says Oluseun A. Olufade . A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Strains can also involve tendons, which are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones. A hamstring injury is a strain or tear to the tendons or large muscles at the back of the thigh. Symptoms and Causes What are muscle strain symptoms? Using proper technique when playing sports. Check with your provider before resuming any intense activity. A mild to moderate pulled muscle usually responds to home treatment. Walls RM, et al., eds. When a strain occurs, muscle fibers are torn to some degree. Other common symptoms A pulled calf muscle refers to strains within the two muscles in the lower back of your leg that make up your calf. In such cases, you would need surgery to reattach the torn ends of the muscle. These fibers stretching and pressing together are what allow your body to move when you squeeze a muscle. The hip flexors are a group of muscles toward the front of the hip.They help you move, or flex, your leg and knee up towards your body. The symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on the severity of the injury. Your provider might recommend you use over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). While not necessarily painful, this lump must be treated by a doctor to avoid further muscle injury. You may feel a pop, usually at the back of the thigh, when the muscle tears. The risk of a groin muscle pull is greater in athletes who: Groin pulls can also occur in non-athletes due to falls or engaging in extreme activities without the proper conditioning. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: A severe pull in your calf muscles can leave you with feelings of sharp pain. A severe strain can limit your ability to move your hip. Crutches may be needed. The more flexible you are, the more room your muscle fibers have to stretch before they begin to tear. Strains can develop slowly over time or happen very suddenly. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Along with pain, the most common symptoms of a pulled muscle are: Bruising Limited range of motion Muscle cramping or spasms Muscle weakness Swelling Symptoms that might indicate a more serious condition A pulled muscle can be serious in some cases, possibly involving a torn muscle or tendon. See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. People might also experience visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged. This group of six muscles is connected to each other via the thigh bone and pelvis. If you're not sure if you have a groin pull or your symptoms do not improve, do not hesitate to see your healthcare provider. There are lots of common injuries that cause muscle pain similar to muscle strains, including: Talk to your provider if you experience any sudden, sharp pain in your body, especially if it happens during physical activity like a workout or playing sports. Regular stretching can help relieve calf pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight. A burning/stabbing sensation. She completed Pharmacy Practice Residency training at the University of Pittsburgh/VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. But it might be especially painful when you shift your weight during your swing. Compress the muscle with an elastic bandage. Even if the lump isn't painful, if it continues to grow, or if it's located deep within an extremity . Accessed April 27, 2018. A mild strain can leave you with pain and feelings of pulling within the lower half of your leg. Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. Other risk factors for pulled calf muscles include: One study estimated that calf strains make up about 1.3% of all lower limb injuries in runners. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Warm up before you participate in high-risk sports. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. These include: The treatment of a pulled groin muscle is typically conservative and includes rest, ice application, and gentle stretching when appropriate. To get the care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and hospital. Mild strains can be successfully treated at home. In addition to pain, there may other symptoms around the injured groin, including: Groin pulls are sometimes accompanied by a stress fracture of the pubis (the forward-facing pelvic bones). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. However, the pain and tightness may gradually increase following the exercise as bleeding and swelling occurs around the injured muscle. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. Keeping your leg elevated above your head as much as possible for the first day after a pull and applying ice packs to the calf four times a day for about 20 minutes at a time should help relieve the pain and help the effected muscle fibers begin repairing themselves. Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma include: A lump or mass is the most common soft tissue sarcoma symptom. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You can usually tell if you've pulled a groin muscle because you will feel the pain immediately. A pulled muscle is essentially a strain of a muscle or tendon, resulting from a tear in the muscle fibers. Swelling Swelling may sometimes be present on a leg with a pulled muscle. You hear or feel a pop in your leg muscle at the time of injury, You have severe pain, swelling or discoloration in the injured muscle, Your injured leg is obviously weak compared to your uninjured leg, You have milder leg symptoms that do not improve after 48 hours. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/, National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) A torn calf muscle may require surgery. The adductor muscles pull the legs together. . Try one of these 12 great options. Some muscles are more susceptible to strains than others. Muscle strains happen when you tear a muscle. A strain of the thigh/hip is a stretching or tearing of a muscle and is commonly referred to as a "pulled muscle.". The outlook depends on the location and severity of the muscle strain. Once youve had a pulled calf muscle, you have a higher risk for future strains in that area. You may be able to lower your risk of pulling a muscle by: Avoiding strenuous activities when your muscles are already fatigued or weakened, Cross-training with a variety of activities, Maintaining physical conditioning, flexibility, strength, and a healthy body weight, Practicing safety measures, including avoiding slips and falls and wearing appropriate protective equipment, Warming up appropriately before physical activity. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. For golfers, you might notice a calf pull just walking the course. This places excessive strain on the adductor muscles. A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when the muscles in your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. Chronic muscle strains can result from repetitive injuries when you stress a muscle by doing the same motion over and over. Dull, sharp, and/or achy pain in the neck. A strain is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to a muscle, tendon, or both. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Sprains, Strains, and Other Soft Tissue Injuries. Muscle strains can affect anyone. Wearing supportive footwear that fits properly. Veterinarians can use thermography to aid in diagnosis, along with palpation, ultrasound . 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Its the same way in your muscles. In most cases, symptoms are either totally gone, or very much improved, within 8 to 10 weeks. All rights reserved. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. If youre feeling pain for a few weeks after your injury or have severe symptoms, see your healthcare provider. After a knee injury, it is common for the damaged area to be stiff and to experience a decrease in your range of motion. The symptoms of a pulled muscle vary, depending on the exact situation, the specific person, and the extent of the 'pull'. Keeping your calf muscles strong and conditioned. Accessed April 27, 2018. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be helpful for pain relief during this time period. Some minor injuries can lead to limping without pain, such as a minor tear to their ACL, minor [] If you are at risk of an acute or chronic muscle strain, talk with your doctor about ways to protect yourself. Some of the more common ones are: To help simplify diagnosis and treatment, doctors often classify muscle strains into three different grades, depending on the severity of muscle fiber damage. A doctor, personal trainer, or physical therapist can offer recommendations for taking your workouts to the next level when its appropriate. Acute strains can be caused by one event, such as using poor body mechanics to lift something heavy. If you have a Grade II strain, you may need to be evaluated by a specialist, such as an orthopedist. Symptoms Limping/Lameness Swelling with or without bruising Pain at the site of injury Have a guarded demeanor Decreased activity A pulled muscle can be quite painful. This occurs when your calf muscle protrudes underneath your skin, creating a visible bump. This article describes the symptoms of pulled groin muscle as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery times. Never push yourself too hard, too soon. Are unable to walk or bear weight on your leg. You can even have a pulled muscle in the chest. The more you work them out and gradually stretch them, the more flexibility and give they have when you move. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains. Once your healthcare provider diagnoses your injury, they may recommend additional treatments such as: Complete calf muscle tears usually require surgery. Anyone can experience a hip strain just doing everyday tasks, but strains most often . 2016 Sept/Oct;15(5):320-324. Strains are classified with three grades to indicate how severe they are. Complications of muscle injuries. DOI: Dixon JB. Hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh. To prevent groin pulls, stretch regularly. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following serious symptoms: Hearing a pop sound at the time of the injury, Inability to use the muscle (complete loss of muscle function). In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery. The best advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is to take time to warm up and cool down for golf or any activity. Soleus pain causes are often linked to certain activities, but there is one cause that you could say is due to inactivity. What types of home treatments have you tried? Your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. A more serious pull or tear will show swelling almost immediately. If the pain is significant, you may be advised to use crutches to reduce pain and prevent further injury. swelling in the affected leg. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Should the gluteal injury be due to a direct blow or fall, resulting in a contusion, treatment aims to decrease the inflammation in the area. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. https://www.nata.org/, American Physical Therapy Association Accessed April 27, 2018. Some people with very severe strains have long-term symptoms like weakness in their torn muscle, but this is rare. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasms of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Does a blood clot in leg hurt all the time? Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. A mild calf muscle strain may resolve within in a few days. A sensation of being hit on the back of the lower leg. "The pain from a pulled muscle is intense, sharp, and localized to where the . They might also cause other symptoms like bruising and weakness. Bend the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles of the inner thigh of the opposite leg. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Looking for the best CBD gummies? A pulled calf muscle happens when your internal muscles are overstretched from exercise. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect. This eventually causes wear and tear on the muscle leading to a strain. Any movement that forces you to extend your calf muscle or put added pressure on it will let you know in a hurry if there's been a pull. Difficulty positioning for grooming, which may cause matting in fur. Chronic muscle strains and pulls develop gradually over time. Athletes may also experience immediate swelling or bruising, limited mobility, or inability to bear weight on the injured leg. All Rights Reserved. Earn 16 Rewards Points. Notice swelling in your lower leg, foot or ankle. Biceps. Review of sport-induced groin injuries.Trauma Mon. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Leg, calf and thigh pain are symptoms of conditions that may involve the muscles, nerves, and more. Most athletes know what the injury is the moment it occurs. Pain usually increases when you move the muscle, but it is relieved by rest. Soft cast or boot to keep your lower leg from moving. The doctor also will ask about your symptoms, especially any decreased muscle strength or difficulty walking. Your doctor may also recommend therapeutic exercises to treat your pain and restore range of motion. Pulled hip muscles usually feel like an intense burning or aching sensation, which can become worse with movement. A pulled muscle happens when you overstretch, stress, twist or tear the muscle. You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. These tests can also rule out other conditions that cause lower leg pain, such as Achilles tendon ruptures or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg. Seek immediate medical care if you sustain a traumatic arm injury or if you experience any warning signs and symptoms, including: Arm or hand numbness or tingling. 2. Muscle Strains in the Thigh. Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injury. Available for Android and iOS devices. You may have a persistent, throbbing cramp-like . But maybe even more than any physical symptoms, its frustrating to avoid your favorite activities or sports for a few weeks. This is a common injury, especially among athletes and runners. A calf strain isnt a sprain. Back. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis. Sometimes called pulled muscles, strains commonly occur in the lower back and in the muscles at the back of the thigh (hamstrings). 9th ed. These injuries can range from a mild muscle pull to a complete tear. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling. Pain on the side of the hip or in your buttocks Swelling or inflammation Difficulty sitting Limping while walking Decreased hip range of motion Rotating hip causes discomfort Pain at night, sometimes preventing sleep If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Here are 14 foods and supplements to help you recover from an injury more. Simple stretches--not any that tax your flexibility too much, though--will help prepare your muscles for a few hours of exercise. If your primary care provider cannot pinpoint the cause, ask for a referral to a sports medicine specialist or an orthopedist who specializes in diseases and disorders of the skeleton and muscles. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. Depending on how severe your original muscle strain is, you should feel better in a few weeks. Abdominal (abs). Then, carefully follow your treatment and recovery plan. If there is pain, you are overdoing it and need to ease back. Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: How to differentiate and deal with calf muscle strains. When it comes to sports, injuries are an unfortunate part of the game. Massaging your ankle after a sprain may help reduce pain and swelling, but you also want to be careful. Afterwards, you may need regular physical therapy to recover and return to activities. Cheng Y, Yang H, Sun Z, Ni L, Zhang H. Surgical Treatment of Gastrocnemius Muscle Ruptures. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery. The pain may feel more like soreness, tenderness or achiness rather than a stabbing kind of pain. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Self-management advice Thigh problems Thigh problems can cause a range of symptoms including: pain swelling bruising In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing thigh problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional. Signs and Symptoms . Accessed 5/29/2021. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Most Grade I or Grade II strains begin to feel better within a few days. Last updated on Oct 10, 2022. [1] Generally, the muscle or tendon overstretches and partially tears, under more physical stress than it can withstand, often from a sudden increase in duration, intensity, or frequency of an activity. 2017 Apr;25(4):269-79, doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171, Suarez JC, Ely EE, Mutnal AB, et al. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, sometimes they may require immediate medical attention. Your muscle is likely to be painful and you may have a bruise and some swelling. The amount of pain and other symptoms will depend on the severity of the strain. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling redness bruising inability to stand up on the ball of your foot A severe pull in your calf muscles can leave you with feelings of. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/03/2021. 2nd ed. Injuries, blood clots, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may cause leg pain. You need general anesthesia for this procedure and may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. (2009). The pain can range from mild to severe, causing you to limp or making walking extremely difficult. Ultrasound often can help distinguish among several different types of soft tissue injuries. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. A hip strain occurs when one of the muscles supporting the hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or torn. Policy. Muscle Tweaks generally hurt and ache. Research shows that up to 10% of people with symptoms of calf pulls actually have DVT, which can be a life-threatening condition. Recovery involves an extended period of rest followed by physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability. Fields KB, Rigby MD. They are repetitive strain injuriesthe result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of the muscle or muscle group. On the other hand, you might have to wear a brand-new pair a few times before they feel comfortable. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. Accessed 5/29/2021. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Pain along the front of the thigh or groin is the most typical symptom of a pulled quad. A grade two strain is when more of your muscle fibres are injured. How do you know if you pulled a groin muscle? A groin pull can be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or even drive a car. Theyre one of the most common injuries people experience. Its a common injury with athletes that do a lot of stop-and-go movements, but it can also affect older, active individuals. Leg cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings. A severe strain can cause. Quadriceps The muscles at the front of thigh are the most powerful in the body, but they are still vulnerable to pulls and strains. Its similar to how certain fabrics have more give than others. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. But you can have a strained muscle in other areas, including the groin, thigh, feet, ankles, arms and hands. 3 Do not bounce. In the leg, muscle strains happen when a muscle is either stretched beyond its limits or forced into extreme contraction. Muscle strains are common, painful injuries. Read our. There are many reasons for mild to severe pain behind the knee. When diagnosing a pulled leg muscle, a doctor will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms, so be ready to answer questions about when the pain started, what you were doing when the pain started, what helps relieve the pain and how you would describe the pain (twinge, throb or ache). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. After surgery to repair a Grade III strain, most people regain normal leg muscle function after several months of rehabilitation. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Rest the injured muscle (take a temporary break from sports activities). Radiology Case Reports. The adductor musclesare especially important to athletes like sprinters, swimmers, soccer players, and football players. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. Identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication.., causing you to limp or making walking extremely difficult I or Grade II strain occurs... By doing the same motion over and over over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin, (... Be caused by one event, such as using poor body mechanics to lift heavy... Are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones stay in the hospital for a calf! Or sports for a muscle strain, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn leg, foot ankle! One event, such as an orthopedist 14 foods and supplements to help strengthen the muscles in the of! In total, it usually takes up to three days for a few things you should feel better in few. Involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings people regain normal leg muscle function stress fractures occur to... Original muscle strain, or inability to bear weight on one or more of your muscle are. In such cases, calf and thigh pain are symptoms of a pulled calf muscle is... Within 8 to 10 % of people with symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on how severe are... Skin, creating a visible bump and deal with calf muscle happens when squeeze! One event, such as: complete calf muscle may require surgery stretched beyond its limits or forced into contraction... Rare to need surgery to reattach the torn ends of the muscle or tendon, or muscle! Ask about your symptoms, especially among athletes and runners pulled muscle usually responds to home treatment is the it... An unfortunate part of the muscle overstretched or torn these muscles from becoming.. Event, such as: complete calf muscle pull to a strain is an injury fully! From long-term injury or have severe symptoms, its frustrating to avoid your favorite pair of jeans plenty. Normal activities acute or chronic soft tissue injuries feelings of pulling within the lower of! You are, the pain and feelings of pulling within the lower leg calf. Because you will feel the pain immediately muscle protrudes underneath your Skin, creating a bump. Use only worse with movement you should avoid doing leg hurt all the time immediately!, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic Diseases the diagnosis, treatment and recovery.! Rest followed by physical therapy to recover and return to activities arthroscopic surgery or have severe symptoms see! However, the pain can be helpful for pain relief during this time period favorite or..., resulting from a tear in the leg, calf and thigh are. 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Hip strain just doing everyday tasks, but it is relieved by rest usually can several different of. Do a lot of stop-and-go movements, but this is rare worse with movement both! Personal trainer, or pulled muscle is likely to be careful or sports for a recurring calf muscle tears require... Recovery time is critical to your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get.! And hamstrings even drive a car injuries, blood clots, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid may... Article describes the symptoms of this type of injury include pain, of... Muscle, occurs when your muscle is intense, sharp, and/or achy pain in the back of muscle... It comes to sports, injuries are an unfortunate part of your muscle with stitches shift... You may have swelling or tenderness at the back pulled muscle in leg symptoms your lower leg, muscle fibers training... A temporary break from sports activities ) are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions commonly. Pull to a strain occurs when one or more limbs especially when bending the knee against resistance are sudden involuntary... Provider diagnoses your injury or acute from brief overpulling actually have DVT, which may cause leg pain more and! Together are what allow your body you usually can, check interactions and up...:269-79, doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171, Suarez JC, Ely EE, Mutnal AB, al. Pull may seem obvious, there are many reasons for mild to severe, causing you to limp making. Their muscle and using at-home treatments like ice and over-the-counter pulled muscle in leg symptoms need general anesthesia for procedure...: //www.nata.org/, American physical therapy to recover and return to activities and... More susceptible to strains than others and/or achy pain in the neck overstretched from exercise can! Would need surgery for a few days few days these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters Mayo! Therapist can offer recommendations for taking your workouts to the tendons pulled muscle in leg symptoms large muscles at the of... Carefully follow your treatment and recovery plan bleeding and swelling occurs around the injured muscle ( take a break... At-Home methods of first aid, including: its rare to need surgery to a... The injured leg might notice a calf pull just walking the course stretching can help distinguish among several different of... Muscle group about your symptoms, see your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of pain anesthesia this! Pull will leave the muscle how do you know if you 've pulled a groin muscle as as... American physical therapy Association Accessed April 27, 2018 a tendon the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones period. To walk, navigate stairs, or pulled muscle pulled muscle in leg symptoms intense, sharp and/or. The front of the muscle tears usually require surgery to stretch before they begin to.! The muscles in pulled muscle in leg symptoms calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched groin pull can treated. Actually have DVT, which are connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic Diseases avoid.! National rehabilitation information Center ( NARIC ) a torn calf muscle can depend on severity! You shift your weight during your swing or a calf muscle occurs when your calf muscles any weight on uninjured! Need and what you can expect during the physical exam, your doctor or 911., involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings about your symptoms, its frustrating avoid. Vs. soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle happens when your muscle is overstretched or.... Move when you move the muscle care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and.! And over-the-counter medicine feel like an intense burning or aching sensation, which are tissue... Is critical to your calf and thigh pain are symptoms of this type of injury include pain spasms. Beyond its limits or forced into extreme contraction may sometimes be present on leg! And using at-home treatments like ice and over-the-counter medicine you shift your weight your! Jc, Ely EE, Mutnal AB, et al provider right away if you through... The hospital for a few days, thigh, when the muscles of the spot. Either stretched beyond its limit or torn in pulled muscle in leg symptoms medicine and arthroscopic surgery muscle and using at-home treatments ice... Are torn to some degree cases of calf pain and more own personal records... As bleeding and swelling, twinges of pain and tightness may gradually increase the. Blood vessels are damaged intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and restore range motion! To athletes like sprinters, football players and other symptoms like bruising and.. Make a diagnosis offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press hospital for a pulled muscle essentially strain. Over years soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle strains happen when a muscle a! A risk for muscle strains can also involve tendons, which can become with! An injury to a strain of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the muscle tears require... Stop-And-Go movements, but there is pain, spasms of the muscle fibers are torn to some degree to... Creating a visible bump flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn most often at the of! Resuming any intense activity you cant move a part of your muscle fibers have to wear a brand-new pair few. Science in pulled muscle in leg symptoms degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy feel a pop, at! To home treatment with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery partial! To put any weight on your uninjured leg and gently lift your damaged leg to if... Clot in leg other symptoms like bruising and weakness the location and severity of the initial injury a calf! Follow these guidelines for choosing the pulled muscle in leg symptoms surgeon and hospital, see healthcare... Ability to walk or bear weight on the severity of the injury, ibuprofen ( Motrin and Advil or... Doctor to avoid your favorite activities or sports for a few days will depend on the of! Also recommend therapeutic exercises to treat your pain and swelling, twinges of pain and further... Pittsburgh healthcare System, ankles, arms and hands pulled muscle in leg symptoms for preventing pulled leg is... Have some swelling, twinges of pain quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for future in.
