How to Tell If You Have a Torn Ligament in Your Calf

Suffering from a calf injury is a common occurrence, especially for those who are frequently active or participate in sports. Diagnosing a tear, while easier for a trained physician, can be accomplished through a few relatively easy steps. Judging the severity of the tear can be more difficult and can only be fully realized with a professional's inspection.

Things You'll Need

• Physician

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Instructions

• 1

  Take note of mild lower calf pain. An individual who has suffered a minor calf injury will experience a twinge in the lower calf. You may be able to continue physical activity, but will feel aching and tightness 2-5 days after the injury has occurred.

• 2

  Note any signs of pain while walking. If walking causes sharp pain in the lower calf, then you may have experienced a moderate tear. You may also notice swelling and bruising around the injury. A moderate tear of the calf ligament will cause tightness and aching for a week.

• 3

  Visit your physician. If you experience severe calf pain and cannot contract the calf muscle, then you may have experienced a severe calf injury. A calf muscle that cannot contract is a sign that the calf has been completely ruptured and cannot properly move the ankle. The calf muscle will be completely immobile. There will also be severe bruising and swelling associated with this degree of tear. The calf may be visibly "bunched up".