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Should I exercise with a calf strain?
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Running too soon after a calf strain increases the potential for further damage to the injured muscle tissue. Your calf strain will recover faster if you take a rest from running and focus on physical therapy treatment and exercises.
Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery.
How long should you rest a strained calf muscle?
In the less severe cases it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. In the most severe cases that don’t require surgery a full recovery may take up to six weeks. In the case that the injury requires surgery the recovery period may extend up to six months to a full year.
Should you massage a calf strain?
The No HARM Protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.
Should I exercise with a calf strain? – Related Questions
Is walking good for calf strain?
Avoid walking on the injured leg, use crutches or a stick if provided. When resting elevate the leg to discourage swelling. Frozen peas or crushed ice in a damp tea towel can be applied to the injured area.
Is Deep heat good for calf strain?
Deep Heat is a great way to reduce pain and warm up the calf. A few weeks for a strain but a longer recovery period for a tear.
Should you massage a cramped calf?
A light stretch on gastrocnemius might be introduced as the spasm is subsiding. Once the spasm has been alleviated, a massage technique is used to flush out the area of cramping. Massage is also recommended a few days after a spasm to help keep muscles loose and increase blood flow to the area.
How do you massage a calf injury?
How do you relax a calf strain?
Stretches to relieve tight calves
Stand near a wall with one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent.
Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall.
Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg.
Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.
Should you massage a pulled muscle?
Massage. Therapeutic massage helps loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to help heal damaged tissues. Applying pressure to the injured muscle tissue also helps remove excess fluid and cellular waste products. A 2012 study found that massage immediately following an injury may even speed strained muscle healing.
How to Speed Up Your Recovery After a Tough Workout
Drink a lot of water. Hydrating after a workout is key to recovery.
Get enough sleep. Getting proper rest is easily one of the most effective ways to recover from any form or degree of physical exertion.
Eat nutritious food.
Massage.
What helps a pulled muscle heal faster?
approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation:
Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
Ice. Even if you’re seeking medical help, ice the area immediately.
Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
Elevation.
Is stretching a pulled muscle OK?
Don’t stretch!
While it may seem counterintuitive, stretching a strained muscle only makes it worse. Your best bet involves avoiding any movement that agitates the affected area and continue to rest until the pain subsides.
Is it better to rest or exercise a pulled muscle?
The most important thing you can do for a pulled muscle is resting it. Even if it’s light stretching, continuing to stress a pulled muscle could result in further damage to muscle and a much longer healing time.
How do you know if you have a calf strain?
Throbbing pain at rest, with sharp stabs of pain when you try to stand or walk. A feeling of tightness, tenderness, or weakness in the calf area. Spasms (a gripping or severe tightening in the calf muscle). Sharp pain in the back lower leg when trying to stretch or move the ankle or knee.
Can you make a muscle strain worse?
Playing through your injury or returning to work after an accident without seeking medical attention ultimately worsens it. Your muscles don’t heal correctly and the rest of your body has to compensate for the weakened area. This aspect can result in additional strain, overuse injuries or fractures.
No, in most cases anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) don’t help healing. In fact, in some cases it may even delay healing.
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