What does a calf muscle tear feel like?

Dec 06, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

The sensation of a calf muscle tear typically includes pain, loss of muscle continuity, and muscle dysfunction. When a calf muscle tear occurs, patients usually experience sudden pain, which is often severe. Another symptom of calf muscle tear is limited range of motion. Patients are advised to pay attention to proper exercise techniques, avoid excessive force, and refrain from using substandard equipment.

The sensations associated with a calf muscle tear generally include pain, loss of muscle continuity, and muscle dysfunction.

1. Pain

When a calf muscle tear occurs, patients quickly experience pain, which is often severe. The pain may feel like a tearing sensation, followed by symptoms such as bruising and swelling. Patients may be unable to stand or flex/extend the lower leg. For closed injuries, applying an ice pack for cold compression can help reduce inflammation. During cold therapy, patients may feel a stinging or needle-like pain, which is common; in such cases, the ice pack can be temporarily removed and reapplied after a short break.

2. Loss of Muscle Continuity

After a calf muscle tear, a visible indentation may appear at the injury site, indicating disruption of muscle continuity. Patients should seek medical evaluation with a muscle tissue ultrasound examination. Ultrasound can assess the extent of injury, degree of muscle tear, and blood flow. If ultrasound results are inconclusive, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required under a doctor's guidance.

3. Muscle Dysfunction

When the calf muscle tears, it loses its normal contractile function. The affected leg may feel weak, and moving the ankle may cause intense pain. In open (complete) tears, the wound may bleed continuously and muscle tissue may be exposed. Immediate wound dressing and hemostasis are essential to prevent infection.

In addition, restricted movement is another common symptom of calf muscle tears. It is recommended that individuals maintain proper exercise techniques, avoid excessive exertion, and refrain from using substandard exercise equipment.

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What causes bruising after muscle cramps?

Bruising after muscle cramps may be caused by local inflammatory exudation, which can be treated with medications such as cephalexin capsules or ceftazidime capsules. It could also result from muscle tearing, for which physical therapies like acupuncture and moxibustion, or certain functional exercises, may be helpful. Alternatively, it might stem from trauma; in such cases, local cold compresses or warm compresses can be applied. If there is an open wound, timely wound debridement and suturing are recommended.

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What is the difference between ligaments and muscles?

Ligaments are primarily distributed around joints and on the surface of bone shafts, covered by skeletal muscles; muscles are located in the trunk, limbs, and joint areas. Ligaments mainly function in weight-bearing and facilitating limb movement through contraction; muscles generate motion when muscle cells contract, pulling on ligaments and bones to produce limb movement. Ligament injuries heal slowly and often require surgical repair, whereas partial muscle tears can be managed with conservative treatment.