How do you treat a severely bruised calf muscle?
To control pain, bleeding, and inflammation, keep the muscle in a gentle stretch position and use the RICE formula:
- Rest. Protect the injured area from further harm by stopping play.
- Ice. Apply ice wrapped in a clean cloth.
- Compression. Lightly wrap the injured area in a soft bandage or ace wrap.
- Elevation.
How long does a bruised calf muscle take to heal?
Prognosis of a calf contusion With appropriate management, patients with minor calf contusions can usually recover in 1-3 weeks. With larger contusions, recovery may take four to eight weeks or longer depending on the severity of injury.
How do you know if you have damaged your calf muscle?
Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include: No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf.
When should I worry about a bruised calf?
If your injury is more severe, you may have broken a bone or damaged internal organs. Bleeding or swelling beneath your skin can also cause shock. If you begin to experience worsening symptoms or if your injury shows no signs of improvement, seek medical attention.
What does it mean if your calf hurts when you walk?
Claudication is a common condition where pain occurs in the legs with exercise due to a reduction in the circulation. The cause is hardening of the arteries otherwise known as atherosclerosis. The common symptom is of a cramp like pain developing in the calf muscles on walking.
Is walking good for calf strain?
Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. 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.
What does a bruised calf muscle feel like?
Symptoms of a calf contusion Instant pain following a direct blow or impact. Pain may vary in severity from a niggle to severe, disabling pain. For a bad contusion, you will have loss of function and be unable to walk or run properly. The area will be tender to touch and you may have pain when stretching the muscles.