Calf

Calf muscles can be torn, pulled or experience cramping due to extreme stretching or overuse. Abrupt acceleration or changes in direction can often be the culprit. Calf injuries are much more common in men than in women, especially among middle-aged athletes. They most always occur acutely, or all at once due to the forceful and abrupt acceleration. Unfortunately, once one has had a calf tear, that individual is more likely to have another in the future.

The resulting pain and tightness can be painful, sometimes severe. Often times an audible pop is heard and the individual reports feeling like they were shot in the leg or hit with a stick. More often than not the pain radiates to the feet and to the knee where the muscles start and end. Swelling is common but should be taken very seriously if severe.

Everyone will recover from calf injuring at a different rate, but using KT Tape will help speed the process, relax the muscles, and relieve the associated pain*. Rest, ice, and compression will also be valuable treatments. Severe conditions such as DVT (deep venous thrombosis – blood clot), or compartment syndromes, could be the cause of pain. If there is any doubt, please seek professional medical care. Be very careful with NSAIDs as they may cause more internal bleeding and a great risk for DVT movement due to their blood-thinning effects.

*Not clinically proven for all injuries.