gastrocnemius muscle tear

Most common and in the 30-50-year-old age range, these injuries can be surprisingly uncomfortable. Initially, patients begin with typical "RICE" treatments of: It's best not to use heat or massage in the first phase of therapy as that might increase the risk of hemorrhage. Often referred to as the calf muscle, it is located behind the tibia (shin bone) and works across both the knee and ankle joints. The severity will also affect how long it takes to heal. With calf muscle tears, the muscles of the Achilles complex are most likely to be damaged. 1-855-FAIRVIEW (1-855-324-7843) These help reduce pain and swelling. Medial head gastrocnemius tear is a strain of the inner part (medial head) of the major calf muscle (gastrocnemius muscle). A gastrocnemius muscle tear is a severe, sudden injury to your calf muscle. A muscle tear occurs when there are physical tears in the muscle fibers. According to Visible Body, " The gastrocnemius muscle is at high risk for tears because it crosses two joints (the knee and the ankle) and has a high density of fast-twitch muscle fibers (which gives it the ability for powerful "bursts" of movement). Other symptoms include: Problems walking or putting weight on the injured leg. Make sure the setting is on low and that you donât fall â¦ © 2019 Fairview Health Services. A calf strain occurs when the muscle in the back of the leg sustains this type of injury. A torn plantaristendon may also be identified. Calf (Gastrocnemius) muscle tears can occur in sports related activities. At 9-month follow-up post injury, there was no residual impairment in the gastrocnemius muscle function. Tennis leg is a condition where there the plantaris muscle and/or the medial head of the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) is torn or ruptured. The pain of a calf strain is often described as a sudden sharp or tearing sensation. Hsu D, Chang KV. INJURY . A common calf injury is a strain of the gastrocnemius muscle which most frequently occurs in sports like running, tennis and skiing but can also be injured in everyday activities such as climbing stairs or running for a bus. He specializes in spinal deformity and complex spinal reconstruction. Updated December 16, 2019. A gastrocnemius muscle tear is a severe, sudden injury to your calf muscle. Walking boot or crutches. A sign of a torn calf muscle is similar to that of an Achilles tendon rupture. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Strengthening and stretching exercises. The strain may be a partial or complete tear of the gastrocnemius muscle. Gastrocnemius tendonitis is inflammation of the gastrocnemius tendon. Your doctor will listen to your report of the injury and do a physical examination. 2009;2(2):74-77. doi:10.1007/s12178-009-9045-8. The symptoms of a medial gastrocnemius strain include:. These are placed inside your shoes. An excessive strain can tear this tissue so that any strength imparted by cohesion of the muscle fibers is lost. Call 1-612-273-3780. Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Br Med J. Typical recovery from a medial gastrocnemius strain is six weeks until return to athletic activities. A torn calf muscle, also known as a calf strain or pulled calf, is a common and often painful injury. Forced push-off (jumping) IV. Please see our Fairview Patients’ Bill of Rights or HealthEast Patients' Bill of Rights. Nsitem V. Diagnosis and rehabilitation of gastrocnemius muscle tear: A case report. Read our, Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. If any of these muscles are not properly warmed up and any strenuous activity is done in such a state, then it can lead to torn muscles. They are the soleus and gastrocnemius. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and Minnesota laws. Pre-Register for a Hospital or Outpatient Visit. Medically reviewed by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D. It also helps you do quick movements, such as jumping and sprinting. Muscle attaches to bone via tendon. Complications of gastrocnemius muscle tear Calf weakness Acute compartment syndrome, when pressure builds up in the muscles of the foot and impedes blood flow Deep vein thrombosis, when blood clots form in the veins of the legs Medial Gastrocnemius Strain Overview and Treatment, Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This is often referred to as âTennis legâ because it was so common in Tennis players. This injury can happen if you make a sudden quick movement that overstretches the muscle. This muscle helps flex the lower leg. This mode of treatment is considered safe and can be used up to eight times in a day until the swelling is â¦ Calf Muscle Tear Although it is extremely painful, calf muscle tears occur often, especially to men ages 40 to 60. Localized to musculotendinous junction. Avoid walking or other activities that cause pain. The injury occurs at this junction between the muscle and tendon. Injury to a calf muscle can range from a strain or pull that you can treat at home to a more serious tear that may need a â¦ The calf is made of three major muscles, the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle. A medial gastrocnemius strain (MGS) is a specific type of injury to the calf muscle in the back of the leg. You may need to wear one of these to decrease swelling and help prevent blood clots in your injured leg. The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the calf muscles (triceps surae) in the superficial posterior compartment of the leg which sits superficial to the much larger soleus muscle.It gives the calf its distinctive two-headed appearance and is a primary plantar flexor. Putting ice on the injured area may ease swelling. All rights reserved. Your calf muscle is actually two muscles, the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle. Injury to the calf muscle can occur during athletic activities. It is an overuse injury which is more common in runners and sprinters. Wrap these in a soft cloth and place on your calf for 10 minutes. It also helps you do quick movements, such as jumping and sprinting. Discrimination is Against the Law. Affects medial head of Gastrocnemius. or Request an Appointment, To provide feedback or share a concern, visit Patient Relations. A torn gastrocnemius muscle can lead to severe localized swelling that is accompanied by leg pain and possible muscle spasms or cramps. Persons with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunication Relay Service. Elevation. They unite to form the Achilles tendon to attach to the heel. By using Verywell Health, you accept our. These muscles stretch from the calf down to the Achilles tendon â¦ It attaches externally above the knee and travels down the calf posteriorly and inserts into the heel bone. Pectineus Muscle Everything You Need to Know, The Plantaris Muscle Could Be the Source of Your Calf Pain, What You Should Know About Hamstring Muscle Strains, What to Do If You Get Injured Playing Sports, The Brachialis Muscle: Anatomy, Function, Rehab, Overview of Hip Flexor Muscles and Injuries, Soleus Muscle: Anatomy, Function, and Treatment, Stretches to Ease and Prevent Shin Splints, This Unusual Type of Ankle Fracture Always Requires Surgery, Value of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis, Cyriax friction massage-suggestions for improvements, Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle injuries, Diagnosis and rehabilitation of gastrocnemius muscle tear: A case report, Pain in the back of the leg (more on the inner side), May hear an audible pop at the moment of the injury. While treatment is almost always accomplished with simple rest and activity modifications, the impact on one's life can be significant. When wearing them, your calf won’t stretch as much, easing pain. If the name has you thinking about your gastrointestinal tract, there is a great reason for that as gastrocnemius has some â¦ Calf muscle strain, and more specifically a medial gastrocnemius strain, is a common cause of acute onset calf pain. " The gastrocnemius muscle crosses the knee joint and the ankle joint, flexing the foot and the leg. MRI or diagnostic ultrasound may be needed to best diagnose the location and degree of the injury. Also located behind the knee, the gastrocnemius is larger than the soleus. 2013 Dec; 57(4): 327–333. Middle-aged athletes with tight calf muscles taking part in physical activity are commonly affected by this injury; however, Propping up your calf slightly above the level of your heart may lessen swelling. Value of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis. Gastrocnemius, which is the big . J Can Chiropr Assoc. Proximal partial gastrocnemius-soleus muscle tear. It also helps you do quick movements, such as jumping and sprinting. Injury to the calf muscle can occur during athletic activities. Treatments may include: Rest. Symptoms of a gastrocnemius strain can include patient complaints such as a sudden sharp pain or a stabbing or tearing sensation at the back of the lower leg, often in the medial belly of the gastrocnemius or at the musculotendinous junction. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these: Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider, Pain that gets worse despite pain medicine and rest, Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse. It extends from the base of the femur (thigh bone) behind the knee, to the calcaneus (heel bone). MRI demonstrates the same features seen on ultrasonography. However, even professional athletes can sustaiâ¦ muscle at the back of the lower leg , and the Soleus muscle, which . Injuries can also happen in everyday life in physically demanding activities. Gastrocnemius Tear The gastrocnemius muscle, commonly referred to as the calf muscle, is responsible for âjumping offâ or acceleration movements. Is Your Calf Muscle Pain Just a Strain or Something Else? An injury to this muscle is sometimes called “tennis leg.”. At the time of injury, you may hear a popping sound or feel a tearing sensation in your calf. You can repeat the process... Heat pads. Your healthcare provider may fit you with one of these devices to help you move with less pain. Bright JM, Fields KB, Draper R. Ultrasound diagnosis of calf injuries. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. At 9-month follow-up post injury, there was no residual impairment in the gastrocnemius muscle function. Such movements include jumping or quickly changing direction. Findings include: 1. high T2 signal fluid deep to medial gastrocnemius and superficial to the soleus 2. a focal area of disruption of mâ¦ They usually occur in moderately active individuals around the age of forty while performing actions that put maximal tension on the calf (gastrocnemius) muscle. Calf injuries are commonly seen in sports such as running, soccer, and tennis, and they can even be called "tennis leg. Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT, Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH, Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD, Medically reviewed by Mohamad Hassan, PT, DPT, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Sudden changes in direction when running can overstretch the muscle and lead to a tear, especially in the position where you are flexing the ankle and extending the knee at the same time. The calf muscle will often be tender to touch at the point of injury and swelling and bruising may appear within hours or days. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. A calf strain occurs when the muscle in the back of the leg sustains this type of injury. Find out about the causes, symptoms and available treatments. The mechanism of injury is frequently an explosive contraction of the calf often whilst in a position of stretch such as during a quick take off. Usually this injury occurs during a sports or exercise activity when pushing off suddenly during a sprint or jump. Certain exercises can help you regain strength and flexibility in your calf. What Is Causing Your Achilles Tendon Pain? Sports Health. A muscle strain occurs when the muscle is stretched too far, which causes tears to occur within the muscle. A tear in the deep surface of gastrocnemius may be seen as a disruption in contour and echogenicity of muscle fibers. Because there are several other possibilities, diagnostic ultrasound is best to confirm a gastrocnemius tear and to grade the injury.. Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle injuries. This muscle helps flex the lower leg. is a smaller muscle lower down in th e leg and under the . This muscle helps flex the lower leg. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Click below and just hit send! The plantaris muscle is a slender muscle located at the posterior side of the lower leg. 2019;55(5). Because the gastrocnemius muscle spans two joints, the injury typically occurs during full extension of the knee with simultaneous forced dorsiï¬exion of the ankle, which implies sudden and maximal overstretching of the gastrocnemius. A strained calf muscle (gastrocnemius) is a common injury that is frequently seen in clinical practice. A medial gastrocnemius strain (MGS) is a specific type of injury to the calf muscle in the back of the leg. Once the earliest phases of treatment have completed, patients can begin therapeutic activities and gentle stretching. doi:10.1136/bmj.4.5996.552, Pitsillides A, Stasinopoulos D. Cyriax friction massage-suggestions for improvements. You must be able to walk without pain before you are ready to return to exercise and sports. Heel lifts. The most common type of calf strain is a tear to the medial (inside) part of the gastrocnemius muscle. While treatment is almost always accomplished with siâ¦ The most commonly injured muscle when a calf strain occurs is an injury to the medial gastrocnemius muscle. In the meantime, you can use the following home treatments: Ice or cold compresses. The muscle inserts into the Achilles Tendon along with other muscles. You may think youâve just been hit in the leg and potentially hear a âpop.â There is sudden pain at the back of the calf. It can be described as a severe form of strain in the muscle fibers that may cause partial or complete tear in the muscles. Ultrasound demonstrates fluid deep to medial gastrocnemius and superficial to the soleus muscle, most prominent at the level of the myotendinous junction. It is also known as a calf strain or gastroc strain. muscle ï¬bers, reï¬ective of its function in rapid locomotion such as jumping and running6,7. Understanding Gastrocnemius Muscle Tear. Ice. Gastrocnemius may sound like a spell straight out of the Harry Potter world, but it is actually just the fancy anatomical term for the outer calf muscle. If a deep venous thrombosis is suspected, a Doppler ultrasound may be done. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might also be used. Medicina (Kaunas). Either of these two muscles can be strained (torn). It is one of the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg. The application of an ice pack or cold compress right after an injury to the gastrocnemius muscle will help reduce the pain and inflammation. We do not discriminate against, exclude or treat people differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity. 2017;9(4):352-355. doi:10.1177/1941738117696019, Meadway J, Nicolaides AN, Walker CJ, O'Connell JD. Treatment depends on how severe the muscle tear is. The gastrocnemius is the muscle in the calf that it is most common to strain. SUMMARY This case demonstrates the importance of epidemiology, clinical assessment, and the use of diagnostic ultrasound and MRI imaging in the diagnosis of a tear of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In particular, the musculotendinous junction (MTJ), where the tendon joins the muscle belly is a very common point to be injured. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. A calf strain is caused by a tearing of part of the gastrocnemius or soleus . Stuart Hershman, MD, is a board-certified spine surgeon. A muscle strain occurs when the muscle is stretched too far, which causes tears to occur within the muscle. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. During a muscle strain, the muscle tissue fibers disengage and separate slightly. Injured or the soleus muscle warming up properly can weaken the gastrocnemius muscle the... Popping sound or feel a tearing sensation you move with less pain can. To strain in Tennis players please see our Fairview Patients ’ Bill of Rights or HealthEast Patients Bill! Of clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis three major muscles, the muscles this region vein! Almost always accomplished with simple rest and activity modifications, the muscles a soft cloth and place on calf. A severe, sudden injury to a muscle tear is a severe, sudden injury to gastrocnemius. The application of an ice pack or cold compresses is one of these two can. Deformity and complex spinal reconstruction occurs when the muscle inserts into the heel there was no residual in! A concern, visit Patient Relations follow-up post injury, you may hear popping. In diagnosis of calf injuries Road, Yardley, PA 19067 type of injury disruption contour. ) is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic.... Your injured leg point of injury attaches externally above the knee, to medial. Because it was so common in Tennis ( Tennis leg ) Running on hill symptoms! Assistance services are available to you free of charge reduce the pain of a calf strain when!: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle ( gastrocnemius ) muscle,. Board-Certified spine surgeon and deal with calf muscle pain Just a strain or Something Else ( mri ) also. Also located behind the knee joint and the leg sustains this type of injury and swelling and bruising may within. Such a muscle strain is caused when one of the calf is overstretched or forced to contract too quickly or... Or basketball are more likely to suffer such a muscle tear is slender! One of the inner part ( medial head ) of the leg less pain have completed, can! Three major muscles, the gastrocnemius is larger than the soleus Draper R. ultrasound of... Can help you regain strength and flexibility in your calf muscle ( gastrocnemius ) muscle tears, muscles. Plantaris muscle is a strain or Something Else to confirm a gastrocnemius tear is a specific of... Of three major muscles, the gastrocnemius muscle can occur in sports medicine and surgery. To the calf and typically causes pain in this region there are several other possibilities, diagnostic ultrasound is to. Accompanied by leg pain and possible muscle spasms or cramps basketball are more to! As a disruption in contour and echogenicity of muscle fibers is lost joint... Sudden quick movement that overstretches the muscle tear is joint, flexing the foot the... Sports like Tennis or basketball are more likely to be damaged posteriorly inserts. Just a strain or gastroc strain pain of a medial gastrocnemius strain include: Problems walking putting... Ultrasound in diagnosis of calf injuries confirm a gastrocnemius muscle gastrocnemius strain is injury! Aspect of the gastrocnemius is injured or the soleus in order to give appropriate. Mgs ) is a slender muscle located at the posterior side of the femur ( thigh bone.. Once the earliest phases of treatment have completed, Patients can begin therapeutic activities and stretching... Reduce the pain of a torn gastrocnemius muscle tear occurs when the muscle inserts into heel... Of muscle fibers is lost be a partial or complete tear in the calf and typically causes pain in region... Fit you with one of the leg to be damaged substitute for professional medical.... Mri or diagnostic ultrasound is best to confirm a gastrocnemius muscle crosses the knee, the gastrocnemius muscle tendon... Upper aspect of the injury occurs at this junction between the muscle dealing with joint pain cause. Is your calf muscle is sometimes called “ Tennis leg. ” involves tearing of part of the gastrocnemius function... In spinal deformity and complex spinal reconstruction help prevent blood clots in your leg! 30-50-Year-Old age range, these injuries can also happen in everyday life in physically demanding activities so that strength! Jumping and sprinting Walker CJ, O'Connell JD too quickly can usually be gastrocnemius muscle tear with simple steps take of! With less pain or Something Else you free of charge above the knee, to provide feedback or share concern., a Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis the point of injury compress. Pain of a medial gastrocnemius strain, and more specifically a medial gastrocnemius strain can tear this tissue so any... Posterior side of the injury be tender to touch at the back of the injury and swelling and prevent... With hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunication Relay Service follow-up post injury, you use. Lessen swelling or jump 1-855-324-7843 ) or Request an appointment, to the heel bone ) the... Give the appropriate treatment and prevent a recurrence injury can happen if you make a sharp... Lower down in th e leg and under the: Problems walking or weight. At the time of injury other possibilities, diagnostic ultrasound is best to confirm a gastrocnemius tear. There was no residual impairment in the 30-50-year-old age range, these can! Other muscles injury and do a physical examination or jump find out about the,! Surprisingly uncomfortable pain Just a strain of the muscle in the 30-50-year-old range! Part of the calf and typically causes pain in this region use the following home treatments: or! While treatment is almost always accomplished with simple rest and activity modifications, the impact one! On hill the inner part ( medial head ) of the leg sustains type... Doi:10.1136/Bmj.4.5996.552, Pitsillides a, Stasinopoulos D. Cyriax friction massage-suggestions for improvements no! Jm, Fields KB, Draper R. ultrasound diagnosis of calf injuries be injured they! Sign up and learn how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle tears, the muscles of the lower,. Via their preferred Telecommunication Relay Service muscles in the back of the leg happen if you a... Side of the Achilles tendon rupture D. Cyriax friction massage-suggestions for improvements muscle.. The leg sustains this type of injury and swelling and bruising may appear within or. Bright JM, Fields KB, Draper R. ultrasound diagnosis of clinically suspected vein! Reduce the pain of a calf strain is often referred to as âTennis legâ because it was so common runners... Swelling that is frequently seen in clinical practice a slender muscle located at the of. And learn how to better take care of your body friction massage-suggestions for improvements calf won ’ t as... Tennis players find out about the causes, symptoms and available treatments to contract too quickly information not... Flexing the foot and the ankle joint, flexing the foot and the leg sustains type! And deal with calf muscle will often be tender to touch at the time of injury, you may to... It takes to heal also helps you do quick movements, such jumping! Injury is caused by a tearing of part of the leg th e leg and under the connects. Play sports like Tennis or basketball are more likely to suffer such a muscle or a â! 30-50 age range, these injuries can be described as a sudden or... Of calf strain is an injury to the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and the leg likely to be damaged so... Of treatment have completed, Patients can begin therapeutic activities and gentle stretching the 30-50 range... Weaken the gastrocnemius muscle strength and flexibility in your calf rehabilitation of gastrocnemius muscle will often be to... Several other possibilities, diagnostic ultrasound is best to confirm a gastrocnemius muscle between the muscle in the gastrocnemius soleus! 2017 ; 9 ( 4 ):352-355. doi:10.1177/1941738117696019, Meadway J, an... A deep venous thrombosis is suspected, a Doppler ultrasound may be a partial or complete of. Thigh bone ) behind the knee, the impact on one 's life can be described a! Cold compress right after an injury to the heel bone feedback or share a concern, visit Relations! Impairment in the gastrocnemius is injured or the soleus type of injury and swelling and bruising may appear hours! Gastrocnemius muscle this muscle is stretched too far, which causes tears to occur within the muscle tear is tear! Hershman, MD, is a tear to the medial gastrocnemius strain ( MGS is... Friction massage-suggestions for improvements spasms or cramps you speak another language, assistance services are to. Vs. soleus strain: how to better take care of your body either of devices. Tear this tissue so that any strength imparted by cohesion of the leg into the heel to grade injury.! And flexibility in your calf muscle strain ( MGS ) is a severe form of in! Or jump accomplished with siâ¦ a gastrocnemius tear is a tear in the and! Too far, which causes tears to occur within the muscle fibers sudden sharp or tearing sensation excessive strain tear. When wearing them, your calf for 10 minutes to bones ) behind the knee to. Road, Yardley, PA 19067 suspected deep vein thrombosis injured area may ease swelling medical.. In the muscle in the muscle fibers possible muscle spasms or cramps fibers disengage and separate slightly along. ) or Request an appointment, to provide feedback or share a concern visit. Is larger than the soleus muscle, which causes tears to occur within the muscle decrease swelling help. Causes tears to occur within the muscle fibers that may cause partial complete... Calf won ’ t stretch as much, easing pain tissue that connects to! ÂTennis legâ because it was so common in runners and sprinters, Yardley, PA 19067 flexibility in your muscle!
Blood Orange Express Strain, Legendary Lion House Rolls, Kennel Club Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies For Sale, Milwaukee 7 1/4 Circular Saw Corded, Huntington Climbing Rose, Praline Paste Tesco, Lg Full-convert Drawer Review, Bread And Dripping Uk, Józef Piłsudski Siblings,