Rupture Calf Muscle Diagnosis

The calf muscle is a large body of skeletal tissue located in the lower rear portion of each leg. It is designed to press the toes downward, an essential part of walking, running and jumping. Calf muscles can tear or become damaged by walking or running across uneven ground, holding an irregular gait or immoderate weight load and usage.

Severity of Tear

• Three categories are used to grade the severity of a strain. A class 1 tear is considered minor, with damage occurring in approximately 10% of the total muscle fibers. Class 2 is more severe, involving up to 90%. Class 3 is the rare diagnosis reserved for a full tear.

R.I.C.E.

• The R.I.C.E formula (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) embodies the standard procedure for repairing tears in the calf muscle. Applying ice to the affected area immediately will arrest internal bleeding and prevent further damage.

Class 1

• A class 1 rupture within the calf may be marked by a prickly pain in the lower leg that turns into a dull ache and stiffness over several days.

Class 2

• A class 2 tear is characterized by a cutting pain that intensifies when walking, local inflammation, and gradual bruising.

Class 3

• At class 3, or full rupture, pain is severe and unyielding. In this case, a person often loses his ability to flex the muscle, and the calf will appear to "clump up" toward the knee joint.

Rehabilitation

• Placing a heel pad inside of your shoes will raise the foot and relieve pressure from the muscle. Pads should always be placed in both shoes to ensure even walking. Additionally, wrapping the leg in a compression bandage will reduce swelling and stop internal bleeding.