The Injury Hub

Calf Muscle Injury: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of calf muscle injuries.

The Injury Hub: Calf Muscle Injury

About Calf Muscle Injuries.

A Calf Muscle Injury is common in sports and is sometimes known as a ‘pulled calf’. The term ‘pulled muscle’ comes from the description of how the injury takes place. Usually the calf muscle is loaded to quickly or lacked the required strength for the activity and the muscle fibre is literally pulled apart.

A tear in the calf muscle is referred to as a calf strain and depending on its severity it is classified as a first, second or third degree strain.

Woman clutching her leg with a calf muscle injury

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common calf muscle injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

Grade 1:

Signs of injury may not be present until after the activity is over. There may be a sensation of cramp or tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. Mild discomfort and minimal disability.

Grade 2:

Immediate pain which is more severe than the pain of a grade one injury. It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle. A grade two strain is usually sore to touch. Moderate discomfort with walking and limits activities such as running and jumping.

Grade 3:

This is a very serious injury as the muscle is completely torn and there may be a large lump of muscle above a depression where the tear is. Minimal pain but an inability to walk will be present.

 

Treatment will vary greatly depending on the grade of injury; however all require protection through ice, compressions and optimal loading during the first 48hours to limit bleeding and swelling.

Once ready, your physiotherapist may commence soft tissue techniques including massage and dry needling to help align the scar tissue which forms during the healing process. You will also be given gentle strengthening and stretching drills to further progress this.

As you progress your physiotherapist will tailor your rehabilitation programme to include any specific sport or functional activities that you need to return to full function.

Calf muscle strains are more common among men aged 30-50. The medial gastrocnemis (inside of the calf muscle) is the most commonly injured part of the calf complex and individuals usually report a sudden, sharp pain or the feeling of ‘being kicked in the back of the leg’.

During the first 48hrs following the POLICE protocol of protection, optimal loading, ice, compression and elevation will help to reduce secondary tissue damage.

After the early stages of rest, more active rehabilitation can be started.

Our Sports Physiotherapists have extensive experience in the treatment of calf injuries and will guide you through a personalised treatment plan, so you know you are in safe hands.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

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