Pulled Calf Muscle (Strain) - Recovery Phase

Below you will find advice as to how to deal with this injury – by becoming a member, you can
also access all our video advice.

Remember to have this confirmed by your sports doctor, or sports therapist.

You can diagnose other running injury’s here.

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  • Step 4 - current step

Follow the information and Video advice below

Pulled Calf Muscle (Strain) – Recovery Phase

  • A strain may be considered as in the recovery phase when you can walk normally without pain, and may be able to  do some gentle exercise (normally after about 2 weeks of rest and rehabilitation).
  • When you can resume running, ensure you vary your surfaces, tending towards the softer type of surface such as grass, and be sure to follow the correct protocol for introducing running again (video).
  • Rehabilitation involves stretching and strengthening the calf.
  • Perform the ‘IMPORTANT’ and ‘OPTIONAL’ video advice below.
  • Perform the ‘ESSENTIAL CHECKS’ videos below, which assess if you need orthotics, how stable your hip muscles are (if they are not, then click here),  if there is a difference in your leg lengths, whether you need new shoes, if your core stability is strong enough (if it isn’t, then click here).
  • Ensure you check you are running with good form (click here)
  • Before following the rehabilitation advice, read our treatment precautions.
  • Perform contrast hydrotherapy (see videos below).
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Acupuncture can help.

Attention!

If you have a lot of bruising in the back of the knee and the ankle, and you find it difficult to bear weight on the leg, you may have a ruptured muscle. Ensure you seek advice from your doctor or sports therapist.