A calf strain, also known as tennis leg, is an unpleasant and painful injury to the calf that can occur during sport or while walking. At the moment the tear in the muscle occurs, it can feel as if someone has struck your calf with a whip – which is why it is known in Dutch as a “zweepslag” (whiplash). You may also hear a snapping sound when the tear develops. The pain is sharp, and walking becomes impossible or only possible with difficulty. A calf strain is more common in men than in women.
A calf strain most often occurs during intense bursts of effort in sport, such as pushing off for a sprint, or during volleyball, tennis, football or cycling. But a calf strain can also happen during a walk. People who have had a calf strain before are more likely to suffer another one.
The pain is located in the middle of the calf. Bruising can develop around the tear in the muscle, which can turn the calf blue. After a few days the bruising may sink down towards the ankles. Standing on your toes or stretching the calf is painful or impossible. The calf may become swollen.
What should you do if you have a calf strain?
– Stop the activity and cool the leg with ice for about 20 minutes.
– Keep the leg raised, e.g. on a cushion on the sofa.
– Take paracetamol if the pain is too severe.
– Take it easy for the first few days. Do keep moving, but let the pain be your guide. Don’t force anything. Movement is important to stimulate blood flow, which helps the muscle to heal. If you can, try to move a little more each day.
– Stretching the calf can make the tear worse, so it is best to avoid this.
A calf strain often heals by itself. Depending on the severity of the injury, this takes roughly between 2 and 12 weeks.
Osteopathy can help to speed up recovery as well as to find the cause of the calf strain. For example, if there is reduced blood flow to the organs in the pelvis, or if the mobility of the ankles and knees is disturbed, the osteopath can offer a solution. He will release the restrictions with gentle techniques, improving the blood supply to the calf muscle so that you are free of pain sooner. This is also what sets the osteopath apart from the physiotherapist or GP: the osteopath examines the whole body and does not focus only on the site of the complaint.
The osteopath will also advise you on exercises you can do and on gradually returning to sport. If necessary, you will receive lifestyle advice or be referred to a specialist (e.g. if the complaints are so severe that something else may be going on, such as a ruptured Achilles tendon).
You do not need a referral letter from your GP to see an osteopath, so you can make an appointment with the osteopath yourself, directly.
The osteopath will examine where the complaint comes from and ask about your medical history. He will also ask about things such as lifestyle, sport, stress, sleep patterns, etc. This gives him a complete picture of you as a person and of previous complaints that may affect your recovery.
Please note: if your leg/foot feels cold, you should see your GP. This may indicate a deep vein thrombosis, which requires prompt medical attention. You should also contact your GP if you feel tingling in your lower leg or if the pain keeps getting worse.