![\"runnersbjsm\"](\"http:\/\/farm4.static.flickr.com\/3006\/2945632383_bb32e7ba82_o.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
CALF STRAIN (also known as tennis leg)<\/strong> What is it?<\/strong> What causes it?<\/strong> Symptoms \u2013 what you notice<\/strong><\/p>\n Signs \u2013 what the doctor finds<\/strong><\/p>\n Investigations<\/strong> Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n Recovery time<\/strong> Recovery sequence<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nBY Dr Chris Milne, Sports Physician\t<\/p>\n
\nIt is a strain of one of the muscles of the lower leg. Usually it is the medial gastrocnemius muscle that is injured.<\/p>\n
\nIt usually occurs when you are running fast or changing direction. Because the gastrocnemius muscles pass over two joints, they have a difficult job to do and are prone to overload when they are lengthening against resistance.<\/p>\n\n
\nYou may notice tracking of blood below the skin a few days after the injury. This is a good sign, as it helps the injured muscle heal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\nThere may be some evidence of referred pain from the low back.<\/li>\n
\nUsually none are required. If the injury is not healing as expected, an ultrasound scan may be ordered.<\/p>\n\n
\nAverage recovery time is 2-4 weeks. Don\u2019t be tempted to push things too quickly, as recurrent strain in a partially healed injury is quite common.<\/p>\n