What happens if your calf muscle pops?

A pop, snap or tearing sensation may be felt. Occasionally, with a severe tear, it may feel like you have been shot in the back of the leg. Afterwards, the calf may swell and it will be difficult to rise up onto the toes. The calf will be painful and tender and will feel weak and stiff.

What to do when you feel a pop in your calf?

How do you treat a calf muscle injury?

1. Rest your injured leg.
2. Put ice or a cold pack on the sore muscle for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling.
3. After 2 or 3 days, you can try alternating cold with heat.
4. Wrap your lower leg with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap) to help decrease swelling.

How long does it take for a popped calf muscle to heal?

The best way to recover from a torn calf muscle is by protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE). If treated properly, it can take up to three weeks to heal Grade 1 calf pulls, four to six weeks to heal Grade 2 muscle strains, and three to four months to heal Grade 3 tears.

Why did my calf muscle pop?

A ruptured calf muscle can happen if you suddenly overstretch your calf. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops during sports can cause this injury. It’s also possible to develop tears over time if you overwork your calf muscles.

Should I go to the ER for a torn calf muscle?

MUSCLES, TENDONS AND BONES Go to a hospital emergency room immediately if there is severe, constant (intractable) pain associated with moving or bearing weight and there is a large bump or other physical deformity.

Can you get a blood clot from a torn calf muscle?

A 2008 study revealed even minor leg injuries — ones that don’t need a cast or bed rest — can raise your odds of having DVT. Researchers found as many as 1 in 13 blood clots may be caused by small problems, such as muscle tears or ankle sprains.

Can you rip a calf muscle?

A pulled calf muscle occurs when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. Mild injuries usually improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation. A torn calf muscle may require surgery.

Should you walk on a torn calf muscle?

Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time. If you have to have surgery for a severe pull in your calf muscle, it may take several weeks or months before you fully recover.

Should you massage a torn calf muscle?

The No HARM protocol should also be applied which includes no heat, alcohol, running or activity, and no massage. This will help ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.

Can you walk on a torn calf muscle?

You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling. redness.

Should I go to the doctor for a calf strain?

In most cases, people can treat a pulled calf muscle at home with rest, cold and hot packs, compression, and elevation. A person may find over-the-counter pain medications helpful as well. If the injury is severe or the pain does not improve over time, it is best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Why do the top of my calves hurt?

Calf pain can result from a number of causes, including overworking the muscle, cramps, and foot conditions. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, other causes may require immediate medical attention.

What does it mean when you hear a “pop” in your calf?

Usually, the sound or sensation of a pop in your calf muscle is a sure sign of a muscle tear. If it’s accompanied by a sharp pain that makes you come to a halt, it’s likely you’re dealing with a pulled muscle. Calf muscle tears are severe injuries that may require several months of recovery.

How to relieve calf strain?

Active calf stretches are recommended once the early stages of recovery have been completed.

What is the recovery time for a calf injury?

Calf strains classified as grade 1 (mild) can heal in two weeks, while a grade 3 (severe) strain may require three months or more to completely heal. Mild contusions (bruises) are caused by a blow to the skin, causing blood vessels to break. In most cases, contusion will take five to seven days to heal.

What causes calf tightness and what can you do about it?

Tightness or pain in the calves is often the result of overuse. Activities like running and playing sports can be hard on your calf muscles. Endurance sports are particularly tough on the body.