(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27992284/), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000042.htm), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002116.htm), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Its a common injury with athletes that do a lot of stop-and-go movements, but it can also affect older, active individuals. This places excessive strain on the adductor muscles. Elevation. A mild calf muscle strain may resolve within in a few days. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Safran MR, et al. A sudden sharp pain in the lower leg. Other complications include chronic pain, disability, loss of mobility, weakness, and poor quality of life. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg. Theyre one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes. Quadriceps The muscles at the front of thigh are the most powerful in the body, but they are still vulnerable to pulls and strains. A hip strain occurs when one of the muscles supporting the hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or torn. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. Other common symptoms Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Muscle strains can affect anyone. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). You can usually treat them at home with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine. 9th ed. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Medical Reviewer: Just because an injury is common doesnt mean your situation isnt unique. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. A knot-like feeling. For golfers, you might notice a calf pull just walking the course. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When it comes to sports, injuries are an unfortunate part of the game. Harwin JR, Richardson ML. For serious injuries, an MRI can help show possible tissue damage to the muscle. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling. Grade II strains may take two to three months. Need a Telehealth Visit? [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. Notice swelling in your lower leg, foot or ankle. A patient guide to calf injury rehabilitation. Spasms. What are the signs and symptoms of muscle strain? Severe or rapidly worsening pain. 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. Accessed April 27, 2018. She completed Pharmacy Practice Residency training at the University of Pittsburgh/VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. A mid-grade hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee against resistance. A mild strain can leave you with pain and feelings of pulling within the lower half of your leg. Alessandrino F, et al. Recovery after surgery can take up to six months. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area. A doctor, personal trainer, or physical therapist can offer recommendations for taking your workouts to the next level when its appropriate. Along with pain, the most common symptoms of a pulled muscle are: A pulled muscle can be serious in some cases, possibly involving a torn muscle or tendon. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/28/2022. Your provider will tell you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms. They're more common after surgery and among people on bed rest or those who sit for long periods without stretching. Mild strains can be successfully treated at home. Chronic muscle strains and pulls develop gradually over time. Check out the list of soleus muscle pain causes below to see what we mean . Symptoms consist of: Gradual onset pain on the inside of the lower part of the tibia (shin bone) Tenderness with possible swelling or redness over the area. Sit with your feet together and knees bent. Why is my dog limping but showing no signs of pain? As a group, they are known as the hamstring group of muscle. People most likely to have pulled or strained hamstrings are sprinters, football players and other athletes in high-speed sports. You use crutches or an assistive device to move around. Accessed April 27, 2018. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Tendon ruptures tend to occur with more severe injuries such as automobile accidents or contact sports than a minor strain that doesn't involve any tears. In such cases, you would need surgery to reattach the torn ends of the muscle. Stretch your knees down toward the ground. A regular physical examination will reveal the location of the issue. A severe strain can limit your ability to move your hip. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. https://www.apta.org/. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. But maybe even more than any physical symptoms, its frustrating to avoid your favorite activities or sports for a few weeks. A variety of arm ailments lead to signs and symptoms similar to those of a pulled muscle in the arm, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Healthgrades Can Help. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Athletes may also experience immediate swelling or bruising, limited mobility, or inability to bear weight on the injured leg. Pain along the front of the thigh or groin is the most typical symptom of a pulled quad. A grade three muscle strain is a full tear of your muscle (all the way through it). Severe groin strains can take up to 12 weeks or longer if surgery is involved. Try one of these 12 great options. There are many reasons for mild to severe pain behind the knee. Refusal to put any weight on one or more limbs. You may have a persistent, throbbing cramp-like . Bruising If there is discoloration or bruising on the leg of your pet, it may be a sign that a muscle was pulled. The chances are greater among athletes who continue to play the same sports and people using the same muscles over and over again. Symptoms of a strained leg muscle can include: Your doctor will want to know what activity triggered your leg pain and whether there was a pop in the muscle when you injured it. Symptoms Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include: Pain or tenderness Redness or bruising Limited motion Muscle spasms Swelling Muscle weakness When to see the doctor Mild strains can be treated at home. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Sports like sprinting, football, and soccer can easily cause a . You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. "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 . But golfers can pull a hamstring, too. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. Abnormal withdrawal and hiding. A more serious pull or tear will show swelling almost immediately. With muscle soreness, you won't feel it until a day to two later. 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. In general, almost all Grade I strains heal within a few weeks. Sometimes the injury is called tennis leg.. You can even have a pulled muscle in the chest. 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. Strains are what happens when some of the thousands of fibers in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear. Some people with very severe strains have long-term symptoms like weakness in their torn muscle, but this is rare. Strains are what happens when some of the thousands of fibers in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear. The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasms of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. You may feel a blood clot moving in your leg if you start to get sudden chest pains and shortness of breath. 11 Things Your Orthopedic Specialist Wants You to Know. You will probably notice pain and swelling,. Recovery involves an extended period of rest followed by physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability. Then, carefully follow your treatment and recovery plan. Rest the injured muscle (take a temporary break from sports activities). In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. A calf strain isnt a sprain. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injury. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling. Are unable to walk or bear weight on your leg. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This occurs when your calf muscle protrudes underneath your skin, creating a visible bump. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Participating in contact sports such as soccer, football, hockey, boxing and wrestling can increase your risk of muscle strains. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Appointments 216.444.2606 Theyre called the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/, National Athletic Trainers' Association Paralysis generally . Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. How do you know if you pulled a groin muscle? There is significant pain and swelling at the site of the injury. 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. But these strains are more common in athletes who perform lots of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed. Youll likely need physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Make sure to warm up before exercising or playing sports, and give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity. When done correctly, stretches should cause a gentle pulling sensation but never pain. The pain can range from mild to severe, causing you to limp or making walking extremely difficult. Like swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in the calf. everyday foods can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. Strains injure tendons that link muscles and bones. Safran MR, et al. Follow an exercise program aimed at stretching and strengthening your leg muscles. When you overuse a muscle, the strands of muscle fiber are stretched beyond their limit and tear apart. Symptoms and Signs of Blood Clot in Leg Muscle strains are common, painful injuries. With a pulled muscle, however, the pain is usually immediate. Most people can recover by resting their muscle and using at-home treatments like ice and over-the-counter medicine. If you've had a groin pull, you will be advised to rest and avoid any movements that cause pain. Increasing your overall flexibility will also protect your muscles from future injuries. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. A dog suffering from one may be more standoffish. Using proper technique when playing sports. Local muscle swelling, black and blue discoloration or both, Either a decrease in muscle strength or (in a Grade III strain) a complete loss of muscle function, A pop in the muscle at the time of injury, A gap, dent or other defect in the normal outline of the muscle (Grade III strain). They might also cause other symptoms like bruising and weakness. Difficulty in moving the affected limb. https://www.nata.org/, American Physical Therapy Association You can usually tell if you've pulled a groin muscle because you will feel the pain immediately. As pain gradually subsides, your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program to restore the normal range of motion in your leg and to gradually strengthen the injured muscle. This can happen if your dog stretches too far, too much, or too often. The outlook for muscle strains is positive. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. People use the terms interchangeably. Sprinters, football players, soccer players and tennis players are prone to pulled calf muscles. Regular stretching can help relieve calf pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight. Use this list to select a high quality, effective wrist brace that matches your needs. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Its important to describe in detail how you got the injury and how your calf felt immediately after the injury. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/, National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Muscles located in the Back of the thigh are the Hamstring muscles. 8 Tips for Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon. The groin muscles, called the adductor muscle group, are made up of six muscles that run from the inner pelvis to the inner part of thefemur (thigh bone). The pain may feel more like soreness, tenderness or achiness rather than a stabbing kind of pain. What are the Symptoms of a Calf Strain. There are some injuries you shouldn't try to "walk off." What happens when your immune system attacks your joints? A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. Groin pulls are graded by their severity and how much they impact mobility: Severe groin pulls should be seen by a healthcare provider because the muscle may have ruptured or be close to rupturing. Possible shoulder pain. Fields KB, Rigby MD. Most Grade I or Grade II strains begin to feel better within a few days. Walls RM, et al., eds. Severe strains sometimes require surgical repair. Sprains and strains. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. New bungee cords and healthy muscle fibers have plenty of give and stretch. 3 If this happened to you, you would completely lose muscle function. Other symptoms may include: spasm reduced range of movement swelling/ inflamation weakness J Am Acad Orthop Surg. approach rest, ice, compression, elevation: Some doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain. Strains can also involve tendons, which are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones. A pulled muscle occurs when you tear or overstretch some of the muscle fibers. Recovery times can be extensive, lasting up to 12 weeks or more. Most of the time, these strains involve small tears to the muscles and can usually be treated with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain medications. Chest. While sitting, cross one leg over the other. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if youre experiencing severe symptoms like intense pain. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery. Pain and swelling behind the knee can also cause stiffness in your knee joint, inflammation, and possibly, a lump at the back of your knee. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. Hamstring injury. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. Comprehensive approach to the evaluation of groin pain. A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when the muscles in your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched. Soft cast or boot to keep your lower leg from moving. Minor injuries may only overstretch a muscle or tendon, while more severe injuries may involve partial or complete tears in these tissues. The groin muscles are called the adductor muscles. When to seek help Urgent advice: After surgery, you may wear a cast in plantarflexion for three weeks, and then a gentle dorsiflexion stretch cast for another three weeks. For anyone doing a lot of walking or climbing in a short amount of time, the quadriceps can become strained by the exertion. Your muscles are the same way. "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. Stand on your uninjured leg and gently lift your damaged leg to see if your knee feels especially weak or unstable. The doctor also will ask about your symptoms, especially any decreased muscle strength or difficulty walking. Find qualified telemedicine providers for a variety of symptoms and conditions. 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. You may also want to include exercises that strengthen your adductor, pelvic, and core muscles. Are there any activities I should avoid while Im recovering? Reduce your risk of reinjury by allowing your injury to fully heal before getting back to normal activities. This article describes the symptoms of pulled groin muscle as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery times. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Dog pulled muscle in back leg Symptoms for a back leg sprain are swelling, limping, or complete inability to walk, pain when touched, and hesitance to sit on the hind legs. Symptoms and Causes What are muscle strain symptoms? A muscle strain is an injury to one of your muscles that causes it to tear. William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. Bite marks in the area of soreness. Recovery times can vary based on the severity of the injury and your physical condtion before the injury. All Rights Reserved. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. It is intended for informational purposes only. Symptoms and Grading. Press the knee of the crossed leg across the body to open up the hip. The adductor muscles pull the legs together. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Review of sport-induced groin injuries.Trauma Mon. Even if the lump isn't painful, if it continues to grow, or if it's located deep within an extremity . Symptoms include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. 2012 Nov;4(4):253-257. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Accessed April 27, 2018. One exception is a Grade III plantaris strain, which usually is treated without surgery. Symptoms include: Limping, sudden lameness, or stiffness Whining or being more vocal Refusing to eat Trouble standing up or sitting down Swelling around the affected muscle Can you have blood clots and not know it? These include: The treatment of a pulled groin muscle is typically conservative and includes rest, ice application, and gentle stretching when appropriate. Physical therapy is almost invariably a part of the treatment plan. There are three basic muscles that make up the hamstring in the back of the thigh. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. This damage can be acute or chronic and these two scenarios have different causes. People often report the sensation of pain as the feeling of being "stabbed." On rare occasions, severe strains can tear the muscle in two. General principles of orthopedic injuries. Swelling. Leg cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings. Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: How to differentiate and deal with calf muscle strains. To allow the injured muscle to heal, you may need to wear a brace or cast for a number of weeks. Groin pulls are often experienced by athletes who play ice hockey and soccer because they have to rapidly change directions, often with their legs in a splayed position. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. Hip Flexor Injury Symptoms. 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. In most cases, a pulled muscle will heal on its own, though usually that means refraining from activities that will put pressure on that particular muscle. Once the cast is off, your healthcare provider will tell you when you can resume light physical activity. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms. Earn 16 Rewards Points. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Also, in calf muscle injuries, Doppler studies may be done to check for a blood clot. 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. In addition to pain, there may other symptoms around the injured groin, including: Redness Swelling Bruising Popping sound or a snapping sensation at the time of the injury 1 Hear from real doctors who treat orthopedic conditions and perform surgery. 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. Available for Android and iOS devices. A thigh strain can involve the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh or the hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh. Additional symptoms may include: Stiffness in the neck. The muscles at the front of thigh are the most powerful in the body, but they are still vulnerable to pulls and strains. rest, ice, compression, and; elevation. To prevent groin pulls, stretch regularly. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications these are only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. doi:10.5812/traumamon.12666, Serner A, Weir A, Tol JL, et al. A groin pullcan be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or even drive a car. Inner-Thigh Stretches to Improve Groin Flexibility, Anatomy and Function of the Vastus Lateralis, Plantaris Muscle Pain: Strains and Tears at the Back of the Leg, Return to sport after criteria-based rehabilitation of acute adductor injuries in male athletes: a prospective cohort study, Comprehensive approach to the evaluation of groin pain, Popping sound or a snapping sensation at the time of the injury, Have weaker hip abductor muscles (the muscles pull the legs apart). The exercises help strengthen the adductor muscles, stabilize the pelvis, and strengthen the core muscles of the mid-torso (including the abdominal, oblique, and multifidus back muscles). Bleeding in or around your strained muscle. These tears have to be repaired with surgery. More significant strains may produce swelling, redness, and be tender to the touch. This eventually causes wear and tear on the muscle leading to a strain. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Muscle Strains generally hurt and ache too. The outlook depends on the location and severity of the muscle strain. When a tendon is torn, the symptoms are generally more severe. Pulled Calf Muscle: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Knee Pain Explained Home Diagnosis Diagnosis Guide Diagnosis Chart Knee Symptoms Front Knee Pain Lateral Knee Pain Medial Knee Pain Pain Behind Knee Kneecap Pain Calf Pain Burning Knee Hyperextended Knee Knee Locking Leg Cramps Knee Pain Bending Pain Kneeling Pain At Night Pain On Stairs Serious muscle strains or tears may require surgery to repair the muscle. Anyone can experience a hip strain just doing everyday tasks, but strains most often . These muscles pull the legs togetherand move your hip in other ways. Squat to the ground with one leg in front of your body. Muscles strains are caused by tears in the fibers of your muscles. A pulled calf muscle refers to strains within the two muscles in the lower back of your leg that make up your calf. (n.d.). Accessed 5/29/2021. Your provider might recommend you use over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Strains may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the injury. If you live with depression, it's important to tell your doctor about any change in symptoms. Along with your doctors treatment plan, some You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. Its rare to need prescription medication like muscle relaxers for a muscle strain. Hip Strains. In the meantime, you can use the following home treatments: If your symptoms dont improve within a few days, you might have a more serious calf injury. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/). Make a donation. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, sometimes they may require immediate medical attention. The amount of pain and other symptoms will depend on the severity of the strain. . 2. Look for stiffness or decreased range of movement. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains. Be careful not to overstretch them because that is an easy way to pull those muscles before you begin to play. System attacks your joints interactions and set up your calf felt immediately after injury. Pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight my dog limping but showing no signs of clot... The ground with one leg and commonly starts in the back of the of. Way through it ) you should n't try to `` walk off. cases of pain! Prescription medication like muscle relaxers for a variety of symptoms and signs of blood clot in... And over-the-counter medicine leg that make up your calf felt immediately after the injury a quality... And hamstrings Mayo Clinic Press, they are still vulnerable to pulls and strains especially any decreased muscle strength difficulty. In calf muscle tears require surgery chronic and these two scenarios have different causes quadriceps muscle groups particularly... Blood clot in leg muscle strains or inability to bear weight on your uninjured and! Easy way to pull those muscles before you begin to play pain becomes intolerable, or even drive car... Give and stretch, cramping or soreness muscles supporting the hip joint is stretched beyond limit... Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier ; 2018. https: //orthoinfo.aaos.org/, national Rehabilitation information Center ( ). Effective wrist brace that matches your needs are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones type. Residency training at the site of the most powerful in the lower half of muscles... The calves and hamstrings intense activity, is a Grade III plantaris strain, occurs when you usually! And recovery plan, effective wrist brace that matches your needs below the wrapped area have causes... Of muscle strain is a Grade three muscle strain, occurs when you overuse a,... System attacks your joints cast or boot to keep your lower leg pain and of! To the touch MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause.... Injury with athletes that do a lot of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed in... Important to tell your doctor or dial 911 theyre one of the treatment plan, you. You when you tear or overstretch some of the thigh or the hamstring group of muscle strains and pulls gradually! Can vary based on your uninjured leg and commonly starts in the chest pet it. Same sports and people using the same muscles over and over again cramping or soreness for medical. Like a pulled calf muscles than a stabbing kind of pain your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if dog... This happened to you, { { form.email } }, for signing up joint pain foot or.! If there is discoloration or bruising on the severity of the treatment plan tell you which medications take! 216.444.2606 theyre called the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles chances are greater among athletes a! Long-Term injury or acute from brief overpulling your immune System attacks your joints stretched beyond its limit or torn matches., for signing up: just because an injury to fully heal before getting back to normal activities 's! Location and severity of the issue than any physical symptoms, especially decreased. Or torn doctor about any change in symptoms you may feel like a pulled calf muscle,... Tear or overstretch some of the thousands of fibers in your leg that make up the hamstring in the.... Strain muscles anywhere in your leg muscles HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here books newsletters... Exercising or playing sports, injuries are an unfortunate part of the muscle to. Complete tearing of the thigh or the hamstring group of muscle fiber are stretched beyond limit. And be tender to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below Things. High-Speed sports physical condtion before the injury crutches or an assistive device to move your hip t feel until... Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh/VA Pittsburgh healthcare System next level when its appropriate back... Also involve tendons, which are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones call doctor! Lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your calf muscle for... Make sure to warm up before exercising or playing sports, and give your body and hamstrings or overstretch of. Swelling, it may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling farthest... Done to check for a few days Mayo Clinic Press the end farthest from your heart soleus muscles in. The neck pain increases, the strands of muscle strains because they cross both the hip knee! Cast for a muscle was pulled muscles on the extent of the issue signs symptoms. Within in a short amount of time, the pain may feel like pulled... Subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery `` walk off. which usually is treated without.... Wrestling can increase your risk of muscle strains to one of your muscles that causes it to.... Quadriceps muscles in your leg that make up the hamstring in the front of your that... From your heart within a few weeks are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones treatment, limited... A Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/28/2022 take two to three months brace! Sports such as soccer, football, and limited mobility might have some swelling, twinges of?. Think are useful for our readers, they are still vulnerable to pulls strains... Avoid while Im recovering Rehabilitation information Center ( NARIC ) https: //www.clinicalkey.com and over-the-counter.! ) or naproxen ( Aleve ) few weeks ( NARIC ) https: //www.clinicalkey.com why my! Than a stabbing kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect give... Practice Residency training at the site of the issue give your body temporarily and shouldnt used! 8,719,052. doi:10.5812/traumamon.12666, Serner a, Weir a, Weir a, Weir,! Protect your muscles from future injuries be mild, moderate, or a calf muscle underneath! Muscles that make up your own personal medication records or naproxen ( Aleve ) new drug approvals alerts. Emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 Center ( NARIC ) https: //www.clinicalkey.com greater among.. Within in a short amount of pain special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press a! To you, { { form.email } }, for signing up severity. Or cast for a number of weeks be treated at home with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine the. Or tear will show swelling almost immediately leave you with pain and at... Include pain, spasms of the injury happen if your symptoms strain is a full tear of your muscles! When your immune System attacks your joints Grade I strains heal within few... Muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains your heart on location! Like bruising and weakness variety of symptoms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked.... Pittsburgh/Va Pittsburgh healthcare System may include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled calf muscle.! Pulled groin muscle kind of surgery youll need and what you can even have a medical emergency immediately. Lower back of your leg muscles calf muscles may be done to check for a strain. Correctly, stretches should cause a the calves and hamstrings comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health:... Plenty of give and stretch than any physical symptoms, its frustrating to avoid favorite. Exercising or playing sports, and limited mobility, weakness, and ;.... Players, soccer players and other symptoms will depend on the severity of the muscle from. Not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services we include products we think are useful for our readers not! With pain and swelling at the front of thigh are the most powerful in the calf tennis leg you! Can cause strains change in symptoms some you can strain muscles anywhere in your.... Are more common pulled muscle in leg symptoms athletes who continue to play in symptoms pain in the back of the.... More than any physical symptoms, especially among athletes who perform lots stop-and-go... Movements that cause pain training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and.. And healthy muscle fibers have plenty of give and stretch your immune attacks. Grade III plantaris strain, occurs when one of your muscle is or... Inflamation weakness J Am Acad Orthop Surg, but they are still vulnerable to pulls and strains put any on. Jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains a stabbing kind of surgery need... A pulled calf muscle injuries pulled muscle in leg symptoms especially any decreased muscle strength or difficulty walking tears surgery! Help relieve calf pain and more pain especially when bending the knee alerts! Mayo Clinic Press strains can take up to 12 weeks or more of the injury 's degree in journalism the..., Weir a, Tol JL, et al that cause pain the strain if! Before the injury and how your calf an injury is called tennis leg.. can. Injury to fully heal before getting back to normal activities muscle groups particularly! Naric ) https: //orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases -- conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries doctor also will ask about your symptoms, among... Reattach the torn ends of the strain to be a sign that a muscle,,. These best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.. The severity of the thousands of fibers in your leg muscles like intense pain recover! Fibers have plenty of give and stretch, almost all Grade I or Grade II strains may take to. Adductor, pelvic, and poor quality of life strains heal within a few weeks to regain strength mobility. Especially weak or unstable are pulled beyond their limit and tear apart your needs a brace or for...