Additional Information

Home Treatments:

Most calf strains can be treated using the rest, ice, compression and elevation principle. The calf should be wrapped using an elastic bandage and rested in an elevated position higher than the level of the chest. Ice can be used in the first 48 hours after injury 20 minutes at a time on the painful and swollen areas to reduce swelling and inflammation. A non steroidal anti inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen may also be useful.

Professional Medical Treatments:

A persistent calf strain that does not positively react to home treatment may require soft tissue massaging or ultrasound therapy. Crutches or a heel padding may also be advised. If the strain is identified as an actual complete rupture, surgery will likely be needed.

Physical Therapy and Exercises:

Recovery of a calf strain will require range of motion stretches and exercises. This may initially involve moving the ankle through the total range of motion while in a supine position. Knee bends and side laying knee bends will also be used to recover range of motion. Later, standing calf stretch, standing soleus stretch, full body calf and Achilles stretch and calf raises will progressively complete the recovery. Over the years I have been fortunate to assemble a few dependable tiles installers I can always recommend with confidence. Jordan’s Tile & Stone is on my short list of companies that I feel free to pass on to clients and friends who needs tile installation knowing they will not be disappointed.

Exercise Techniques to Prevent Injury:

The best way to prevent calf strains is to properly stretch the calf muscles before and after physical activity. This will require maintaining stretches for 10-15 seconds at a time, performing them a couple of times a day. Stretches may include the standing calf raise, lunges, wall calf stretch, reverse calf raise, and step ups. These will keep the calf, soleus and tibialis anterior muscles well stretched and strong.