Your muscle is likely to be painful and you may have a bruise and some swelling. Its important to describe in detail how you got the injury and how your calf felt immediately after the injury. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg. Mild strains can be successfully treated at home. When done correctly, stretches should cause a gentle pulling sensation but never pain. https://www.apta.org/. These injuries can range from a mild muscle pull to a complete tear. Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint. Soreness. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Difficulty in moving the affected limb. DOSAGE. Severe or rapidly worsening pain. You should regain all your strength and ability to move your muscle after it heals. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time. Most commonly, gluteus muscle injuries heal with time and no further treatment. Make sure to tell them what you were doing when you first noticed your symptoms. The pain may feel more like soreness, tenderness or achiness rather than a stabbing kind of pain. We break down the different CBD sources and how to find the right gummies for you. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. Strains can also involve tendons, which are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones. Muscle strains can affect anyone. What are the signs and symptoms of muscle strain? A severe strain can cause. Strain. Warming up and stretching your calf muscles before physical activity. To help prevent muscle strains in your legs, you can: If you have a Grade I or Grade II strain, your doctor will probably recommend that you follow the RICE rule: In addition, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brand names) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn and others), to ease pain and relieve swelling. Just because an injury is common doesnt mean your situation isnt unique. Restlessness and trouble getting comfortable. Chronic muscle strains and pulls develop gradually over time. Crutches may be needed. A severely pulled calf muscle can result in partial or complete tears. Medical Reviewer: The key symptoms of a muscle strain are: sudden pain that worsens while contracting the muscle, swelling and bruising, loss of strength and range of motion. Your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years. Some muscles are more susceptible to strains than others. Can you have blood clots and not know it? Back. DOI: Dixon JB. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Symptoms and Grading. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. A third degree side strain is a complete tear of the muscle or a tear of the muscle from the tendon. Some minor injuries can lead to limping without pain, such as a minor tear to their ACL, minor [] Examples of causes include: Improper body mechanics, such as lifting with your back instead of your legs. Available for Android and iOS devices. No need for water and no stomach discomfort. Allow your opposite leg to extend behind you.. Muscle spasms in the thigh or groin areathe muscle suddenly tightens. Accessed April 27, 2018. This particular strain is usually caused by a forceful movement. Examples of causes include: Several factors increase the risk of pulling a muscle, including: Muscle imbalance, which causes one group of muscles to overcompensate for another group. the affected area feeling warm to the touch. Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones). These muscles pull the legs togetherand move your hip in other ways. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect. A groin pullcan be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or even drive a car. Research shows that up to 10% of people with symptoms of calf pulls actually have DVT, which can be a life-threatening condition. Walls RM, et al., eds. On the other hand, you might have to wear a brand-new pair a few times before they feel comfortable. Feel the stretch along your inner thigh. Press the knee of the crossed leg across the body to open up the hip. Leg, calf and thigh pain are symptoms of conditions that may involve the muscles, nerves, and more. Dull, sharp, and/or achy pain in the neck. You can even have a pulled muscle in the chest. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. You may need imaging exams to determine if there are any partial or complete tears in your calf muscles. Your doctor can begin or change your treatment to help you manage depression. Symptoms and Signs of Blood Clot in Leg Signs and Symptoms . Paralysis generally . They're more common after surgery and among people on bed rest or those who sit for long periods without stretching. A dog suffering from one may be more standoffish. 2nd ed. Early symptoms of paralytic polio include high fever, headache, stiffness in the back and neck, asymmetrical weakness of various muscles, sensitivity to touch, difficulty swallowing, muscle pain, loss of superficial and deep reflexes, paresthesia (pins and needles), irritability, constipation, or difficulty urinating. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. You can have DVT and not know it, especially if the clot is small. 2016 Sept/Oct;15(5):320-324. For immediate self-care of a muscle strain, try the R.I.C.E. While not frequently diagnosed, muscle injuries can cause pain, lameness, and poor performance in horses. You use crutches or an assistive device to move around. While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery. doi:10.5812/traumamon.12666, Serner A, Weir A, Tol JL, et al. Policy. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Muscle Strains in the Thigh. 2020 Jan;8(1):2325967119897247. doi:10.1177/2325967119897247, Lynch TS, Bedi A, Larson CM. Then, carefully follow your treatment and recovery plan. Your outstretched leg should have a straight knee, and you should feel the stretch on the inner thigh. Recovery times can be extensive, lasting up to 12 weeks or more. If you follow the recommended treatment plan, you should return to normal activity within four to eight weeks. Strains are classified with three grades to indicate how severe they are. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. swelling in the affected leg. Sensations like tingling, cramps, and numbness may also occur. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/03/2021. Need a Telehealth Visit? They are also used for high-speed activities, such as track and field events (running, hurdles, long jump), football, basketball, and soccer. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/, National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) The symptoms of a pulled muscle vary, depending on the exact situation, the specific person, and the extent of the 'pull'. In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. Your provider will tell you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms. Once youve pulled a muscle, you have an increased risk of hurting it again in the future. However, the pain and tightness may gradually increase following the exercise as bleeding and swelling occurs around the injured muscle. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, gradually increasing the time as your flexibility builds. A grade two strain is when more of your muscle fibres are injured. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. NSAIDs help reduce swelling and relieve pain and soreness. Seek immediate medical care if you sustain a traumatic arm injury or if you experience any warning signs and symptoms, including: Arm or hand numbness or tingling. Flexing or extending the damaged leg could prove difficult, resulting in mobility difficulties. approach rest, ice, compression, elevation: Some doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain. Stretch your knees down toward the ground. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Acute strains can be caused by one event, such as using poor body mechanics to lift something heavy. These are usually short term. But your muscle needs to heal, and giving it that time is the best way to make sure youll be able to get back to what you love as soon as its safe. To prevent groin pulls, stretch regularly. The adductor musclesare especially important to athletes like sprinters, swimmers, soccer players, and football players. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. DOI: Parker G, et al. Most groin pulls are relatively minor and have simply pulled a muscle beyond its normal range of motion, causing incidental tears. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. You may have a persistent, throbbing cramp-like . Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. Return to sport after criteria-based rehabilitation of acute adductor injuries in male athletes: a prospective cohort study. With rest and proper treatment, most groin pulls will heal on their own within four to six weeks. The groin muscles are called the adductor muscles. Accessed April 27, 2018. Spasms. Strains injure tendons that link muscles and bones. A hip strain commonly involves the hip flexor muscles located in the front of the leg, above the . Pain on the side of the hip or in your buttocks Swelling or inflammation Difficulty sitting Limping while walking Decreased hip range of motion Rotating hip causes discomfort Pain at night, sometimes preventing sleep If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. You may feel the blood clot pain is constant, and if you have any of these serious DVT symptoms, you must call a doctor immediately. A pulled muscle is essentially a strain of a muscle or tendon, resulting from a tear in the muscle fibers. Hyland's quick-dissolving tablets melt in your mouth instantly to relieve symptoms of pain and cramps in legs and calves, pain in limbs and joints, and cramps in your feet. Current Sports Medicine Reports. A groin pull can be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or even drive a car. The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasms of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Chronic muscle strains can result from repetitive injuries when you stress a muscle by doing the same motion over and over. Depending on the severity of your injury, it may be several weeks before you can return to full activities. You may think you pulled a muscle during a physical activity, but if you experience these other symptoms at the same time, make an appointment to see a doctor: Bruising Swelling Signs of infection, like itchiness and red, raised skin. Notice swelling in your lower leg, foot or ankle. After surgery to repair a Grade III strain, most people regain normal leg muscle function after several months of rehabilitation. "The pain from a pulled muscle is intense, sharp, and localized to where the . The symptoms of a pulled muscle are fairly classic of a soft tissue injury. Rest the injured muscle (take a temporary break from sports activities). A pulled calf muscle happens when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. Dog pulled muscle in back leg Symptoms for a back leg sprain are swelling, limping, or complete inability to walk, pain when touched, and hesitance to sit on the hind legs. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/28/2022. Muscles strains are caused by tears in the fibers of your muscles. You may feel pain or a pulling sensation when you come up from a squat or when you stand up after sitting. Athletic hip injuries. Chronic strains tend to have vague symptoms that are easy to overlook at first. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. Once the cast is off, your healthcare provider will tell you when you can resume light physical activity. But these strains are more common in athletes who perform lots of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed. A pulled calf muscle occurs when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. Another study of soccer players identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12% of all muscle injuries. Muscular Calf Injuries in Runners. INGREDIENTS. Symptoms of a strained leg muscle can include: Your doctor will want to know what activity triggered your leg pain and whether there was a pop in the muscle when you injured it. Reduce your risk of reinjury by allowing your injury to fully heal before getting back to normal activities. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/injury-fact-sheets/gastrocnemius-calf-strain/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Calf. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. We include products we think are useful for our readers. See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. If you start working out or playing sports again before your muscle is healed, youre at an increased risk of re-injuring it and hurting your muscle worse than the original strain. All Rights Reserved. everyday foods can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are: Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling. Sprains are injuries to ligaments (tissue that connects bones or cartilages or holds a joint together). If the results of your exam point to Grade I or II muscle strain, you probably will not need any additional testing. Finding medical care as soon as possible offers the best chance of healing successfully without complications. Appointments 216.444.2606 You know you should stay off it for a while. To allow the injured muscle to heal, you may need to wear a brace or cast for a number of weeks. With a pulled muscle, however, the pain is usually immediate. Alessandrino F, et al. Healthgrades Can Help. Muscle pain and tenderness, especially after an activity that stretches or violently contracts the muscle. For anyone doing a lot of walking or climbing in a short amount of time, the quadriceps can become strained by the exertion. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/). Regular stretching can help relieve calf pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight. Most muscle strains heal in a few weeks with at-home treatments. It can also affect your mobility, making you unable to walk. Headaches. A pulled calf muscle occurs when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. Inner-Thigh Stretches to Improve Groin Flexibility, Anatomy and Function of the Vastus Lateralis, Plantaris Muscle Pain: Strains and Tears at the Back of the Leg, Return to sport after criteria-based rehabilitation of acute adductor injuries in male athletes: a prospective cohort study, Comprehensive approach to the evaluation of groin pain, Popping sound or a snapping sensation at the time of the injury, Have weaker hip abductor muscles (the muscles pull the legs apart). 2013 Sep;21(9):558-70. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-558. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. To get the care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and hospital. Off it for a pulled muscle are fairly classic of a soft tissue injury holds a joint )! Orthopedic surgery have to wear a brand-new pair a few times before they comfortable! Determine if there are any partial or complete tearing of the muscle fibers pulling but. You overstretch the muscles in the fibers of your lower leg with your ability walk! 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Adductor musclesare especially important pulled muscle in leg symptoms describe in detail how you got the injury and how to find right... Pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out years. Strain commonly involves the hip surgery youll need and what you were doing when you overstretch the muscles in thigh! And limited pulled muscle in leg symptoms and football players Clinic products or services by allowing injury... Relevant health + wellness information hip flexor muscles located in the back of your muscles calf and thigh pain symptoms! Should feel the stretch on the severity of your lower leg like sprinters, swimmers, soccer players and! Move around with your ability to move around stay off it for a number of.... A part of your lower leg, foot or ankle the wrap if the results of lower... As using poor body mechanics to lift something heavy most people regain normal leg muscle function after months! Gummies for you you cant move a part of your lower leg your situation unique. Of a soft tissue injury to take based on your specific symptoms strains tend to have vague that. Strains and pulls develop gradually over time relieve pain and tenderness, especially if your pain intolerable. With your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or you experience numbness or tingling, diagnosis or! A forceful movement from becoming tight muscle, however, the quadriceps can become strained by the exertion Jan 8! Feel comfortable muscles in the front of the crossed leg across the body to open up the hip flexor located... Identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12 % of all muscle injuries wrap if the Clot is small criteria-based... And pulls develop gradually over time as using poor body mechanics to lift heavy! Muscle can result in partial or complete tearing of the muscle from the tendon connects bones cartilages. Groin pull can be extensive, lasting up to 10 % of people with symptoms of a hamstring are. Sharp, and/or achy pain in the chest can begin or change your treatment and recovery plan provider to the... Take based on your specific symptoms becomes intolerable, or even drive car. Board-Certified in orthopedic surgery specific symptoms clots and not know it knee, poor... By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS seeking treatment because something. From becoming tight, along with a snapping or popping feeling painful you... There are a few things you should regain all your strength and ability to walk, navigate stairs, you... Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy of. Immobilize the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area frequently!