Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Calf Strain
What is a calf strain?
The calf refers to the group of muscles at the back of the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle. It consists of two main muscles: the gastrocnemius, which lies closer to the surface, and the soleus, which sits deeper. A calf strain occurs when one of these muscles is overstretched or torn. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for calf strains, helping to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future injury.
How does a calf strain happen?
A calf strain often occurs when the muscle is forcefully contracted while already in a stretched position — for example, during sudden acceleration from a stationary stance or when lunging forward.
Several factors can contribute to a calf muscle strain, including inadequate warm-up, muscle stiffness or tightness, fatigue or overuse, insufficient recovery between training sessions, reduced muscle strength, and poor biomechanics or movement patterns.
What are the symptoms of a calf strain?
The initial symptom of a calf muscle tear is usually a sudden, sharp pain in the calf region, often described as a stabbing or tearing sensation. In the case of a minor tear, you may still be able to walk or even run with little difficulty. However, as the muscle cools down and bleeding and swelling begin, pain typically intensifies. Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling or bruising in the calf
- Tenderness when touching the affected area
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Difficulty rising onto your toes or pushing off when walking
- A visible dent or gap in the muscle (in more severe cases)
What should I do if I have a calf strain?
To reduce the severity of the injury and promote faster recovery, you should stop activity immediately, begin the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), and book a physiotherapy appointment as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy treatment for a calf strain.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of a calf muscle strain. During your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will diagnose the injury, identify the specific tissues affected, and determine the severity of the muscle damage. Based on this assessment, they can also provide an estimated recovery timeline. Treatment will vary depending on the extent of the tear, but the initial focus is on reducing pain and swelling, while promoting the healing of the injured muscle fibres. Treatment may include:
- Ice or cryotherapy to manage inflammation
- Soft tissue techniques and gentle manual therapy
- Compression and elevation to reduce swelling
- Education on activity modification and rest
- Progressive stretching and strengthening exercises
- Gradual return-to-activity planning and biomechanical correction
What shouldn’t I do if I have a calf strain?
In the initial days following a calf strain, it’s important to avoid activities that increase blood flow to the injured muscle, as this can prolong bleeding and worsen swelling.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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