gastrocnemius muscle tear

gastrocnemius muscle tear

With calf muscle tears, the muscles of the Achilles complex are most likely to be damaged. A torn calf muscle (gastrocnemius) is similar to an Achilles tendon tear or rupture, but occurs higher up in the back of the leg. Muscle attaches to bone via tendon. Gastrocnemius considered at high risk for strains because crosses two joints (knee and ankle) and has high density of type II fast-twitch muscle fibers Classic mechanism of injury: sudden knee extension with foot in dorsiflexion resulting in immediate pain, disability, and swelling This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Exercising too much or not warming up properly can weaken the gastrocnemius muscle. Injury to a calf muscle can range from a strain or pull that you can treat at home to a more serious tear that may need a … At 9-month follow-up post injury, there was no residual impairment in the gastrocnemius muscle function. All rights reserved. Middle-aged athletes with tight calf muscles taking part in physical activity are commonly affected by this injury; however, People who play sports like tennis or basketball are more likely to suffer such a muscle tear. Your doctor will listen to your report of the injury and do a physical examination. These help reduce pain and swelling. A torn plantaristendon may also be identified. At the time of injury, you may hear a popping sound or feel a tearing sensation in your calf. Call 1-612-273-3780. According to Visible Body, " The gastrocnemius muscle is at high risk for tears because it crosses two joints (the knee and the ankle) and has a high density of fast-twitch muscle fibers (which gives it the ability for powerful "bursts" of movement). Walking boot or crutches. 2009;2(2):74-77. doi:10.1007/s12178-009-9045-8. It extends from the base of the femur (thigh bone) behind the knee, to the calcaneus (heel bone). Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT, Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH, Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD, Medically reviewed by Mohamad Hassan, PT, DPT, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. © 2000-2020 The StayWell Company, LLC. This is often referred to as ‘Tennis leg’ because it was so common in Tennis players. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. The severity will also affect how long it takes to heal. Stuart Hershman, MD, is a board-certified spine surgeon. Elevation. Injury to the calf muscle can occur during athletic activities. Discrimination is Against the Law. A calf strain is caused by a tearing of part of the gastrocnemius or soleus . These are placed inside your shoes. Persons with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunication Relay Service. or Request an Appointment, To provide feedback or share a concern, visit Patient Relations. A muscle strain occurs when the muscle is stretched too far, which causes tears to occur within the muscle. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and Minnesota laws. It also helps you do quick movements, such as jumping and sprinting. Localized to musculotendinous junction. While treatment is almost always accomplished with si… Summary: This case demonstrates the importance of epidemiology, clinical assessment, and the use of diagnostic ultrasound and MRI imaging in the diagnosis of a tear of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Strengthening and stretching exercises. The muscle’s main roles are to plantar flex the foot (point toes away from yourself ) and to assist in flexing (bending) the knee. SUMMARY This case demonstrates the importance of epidemiology, clinical assessment, and the use of diagnostic ultrasound and MRI imaging in the diagnosis of a tear of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. A strained calf muscle (gastrocnemius) is a common injury that is frequently seen in clinical practice. Treatment depends on how severe the muscle tear is. With a more serious strain, it's important to distinguish which muscle is involved to the greater extent: the deeper soleus or the more superficial "heads" of the gastrocnemius. A torn calf muscle, also known as a calf strain or pulled calf, is a common and often painful injury. A medial gastrocnemius strain (MGS) is a specific type of injury to the calf muscle in the back of the leg. Medically reviewed by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D. Nsitem V. Diagnosis and rehabilitation of gastrocnemius muscle tear: A case report. Prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Click below and just hit send! A tear in the deep surface of gastrocnemius may be seen as a disruption in contour and echogenicity of muscle fibers. Gastrocnemius tendonitis is inflammation of the gastrocnemius tendon. It also helps you do quick movements, such as jumping and sprinting. Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Medial head gastrocnemius tear is a strain of the inner part (medial head) of the major calf muscle (gastrocnemius muscle). The plantaris muscle is a slender muscle located at the posterior side of the lower leg. Br Med J. 24/7 appointment scheduling: Because the gastrocnemius muscle spans two joints, the injury typically occurs during full extension of the knee with simultaneous forced dorsiflexion of the ankle, which implies sudden and maximal overstretching of the gastrocnemius. When wearing them, your calf won’t stretch as much, easing pain. It can be described as a severe form of strain in the muscle fibers that may cause partial or complete tear in the muscles. A gastrocnemius muscle tear is a severe, sudden injury to your calf muscle. Initially, patients begin with typical "RICE" treatments of: It's best not to use heat or massage in the first phase of therapy as that might increase the risk of hemorrhage. doi:10.1136/bmj.4.5996.552, Pitsillides A, Stasinopoulos D. Cyriax friction massage-suggestions for improvements. Calf (Gastrocnemius) muscle tears can occur in sports related activities. The symptoms of a medial gastrocnemius strain include:. If the name has you thinking about your gastrointestinal tract, there is a great reason for that as gastrocnemius has some … The calf muscle will often be tender to touch at the point of injury and swelling and bruising may appear within hours or days. The tear of gastrocnemius muscle medial head and myotendinous junction associated with a large intramuscular hematoma measuring about 8*10*18 cm and marked subcutaneous edematous changes Abnormal intrasubstance increased fluid signal along with gastrocnemius muscle lateral head and myotendinous junction due to partial thickness tear Ultrasound demonstrates fluid deep to medial gastrocnemius and superficial to the soleus muscle, most prominent at the level of the myotendinous junction. A torn gastrocnemius muscle is a severe injury to the back of the calf area of the leg. Read our, Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD. muscle at the back of the lower leg , and the Soleus muscle, which . These muscles stretch from the calf down to the Achilles tendon … They are the soleus and gastrocnemius. This injury can happen if you make a sudden quick movement that overstretches the muscle. Gastrocnemius. Such movements include jumping or quickly changing direction. Acute compartment syndrome, when pressure builds up in the muscles of the foot and impedes blood flow, Deep vein thrombosis, when blood clots form in the veins of the legs. muscle fibers, reflective of its function in rapid locomotion such as jumping and running6,7. By using Verywell Health, you accept our. Propping up your calf slightly above the level of your heart may lessen swelling. Pectineus Muscle Everything You Need to Know, The Plantaris Muscle Could Be the Source of Your Calf Pain, What You Should Know About Hamstring Muscle Strains, What to Do If You Get Injured Playing Sports, The Brachialis Muscle: Anatomy, Function, Rehab, Overview of Hip Flexor Muscles and Injuries, Soleus Muscle: Anatomy, Function, and Treatment, Stretches to Ease and Prevent Shin Splints, This Unusual Type of Ankle Fracture Always Requires Surgery, Value of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis, Cyriax friction massage-suggestions for improvements, Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle injuries, Diagnosis and rehabilitation of gastrocnemius muscle tear: A case report, Pain in the back of the leg (more on the inner side), May hear an audible pop at the moment of the injury. Wrap these in a soft cloth and place on your calf for 10 minutes. 1975;4(5996):552–554. The most common type of calf strain is a tear to the medial (inside) part of the gastrocnemius muscle. Hsu D, Chang KV. An injury to this muscle is sometimes called “tennis leg.” This muscle helps flex the lower leg. Find out about the causes, symptoms and available treatments. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these: Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider, Pain that gets worse despite pain medicine and rest, Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse. Compression sleeve. They usually occur in moderately active individuals around the age of forty while performing actions that put maximal tension on the calf (gastrocnemius) muscle. MRI or diagnostic ultrasound may be needed to best diagnose the location and degree of the injury. If you speak another language, assistance services are available to you free of charge. It is also known as a calf strain or gastroc strain. You must be able to walk without pain before you are ready to return to exercise and sports. The injury occurs at this junction between the muscle and tendon. Avoid walking or other activities that cause pain. Complications of gastrocnemius muscle tear Calf weakness Acute compartment syndrome, when pressure builds up in the muscles of the foot and impedes blood flow Deep vein thrombosis, when blood clots form in the veins of the legs © 2019 Fairview Health Services. Tennis leg is a condition where there the plantaris muscle and/or the medial head of the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) is torn or ruptured. It attaches externally above the knee and travels down the calf posteriorly and inserts into the heel bone. The muscle inserts into the Achilles Tendon along with other muscles. Other symptoms include: Problems walking or putting weight on the injured leg. A calf strain occurs when the muscle in the back of the leg sustains this type of injury. 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