Whether you’re running, jumping, or simply walking along normally, calf pain can stop you in your tracks. Is it something to be worried about? Is it a tear? Is it a strain? What do I do? Who can I ask?
Understanding what’s wrong and whether it’s a tear or a strain is the first step in your recovery, and your best option is to visit Gena Wallis, one of our expert physios, who offers specialised calf tear and calf strain treatments in Redcliffe. She’ll relieve your discomfort, diagnose the problem, and design a plan that gets you back on your feet, pain-free, as soon as possible.
Understanding the Calf Muscles
Your calf is made up of two main muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, which work together to push you forward when walking, running, or jumping. These muscles take a lot of load, particularly in sports that involve sprinting or sudden changes in direction. When the fibres are overstretched or overloaded, an injury can occur, ranging from a mild strain to a complete tear.
What is a Calf Strain?
Most calf strains are minor and occur when muscle fibres are overstretched or partially torn, typically from a sudden burst of activity, such as sprinting or pushing off when playing a sport.
Key signs of a calf strain include
- A tight or cramping sensation in the lower leg.
- Mild to moderate pain when walking or rising onto your toes.
- Tenderness or stiffness after activity.
Gena’s calf strain treatments in Redcliffe focus on reducing inflammation, restoring flexibility, and gradually rebuilding strength in your lower leg. With early intervention and expert guidance, recovery from a mild strain usually takes one to three weeks.
Common causes include
- Insufficient warm-up before activity.
- Sudden increases in training intensity.
- Fatigue or muscle imbalance between the calves and hamstrings.
What is a Calf Tear?
A calf tear is a more significant injury involving partial or complete rupture of the muscle fibres. You’ll typically feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your calf, sometimes described as being “kicked” in the leg. Swelling and bruising usually appear within hours.
Key signs of a calf tear include
- A sudden, intense pain that stops you mid-activity.
- Swelling or bruising around the calf.
- Difficulty walking or standing on tiptoe.
- A visible indentation where the muscle has torn.
Physiotherapy for a calf tear at our Newport clinic promotes healing, prevents scar tissue from limiting movement, and safely rebuilds strength in your muscle. Depending on the severity of the tear, recovery can take anywhere from four weeks to several months.
Common causes include
- Sudden explosive movement or change in direction.
- Poor warm-up or muscle fatigue.
- Overstretching or excessive load on the calf.
How Gena Wallis Helps You Recover From Calf Injuries
Gena brings years of experience and a deep understanding of lower-limb biomechanics to her role at Newport Physio & Health. She tailors your treatment plan to your specific needs, combining hands-on therapy with progressive exercise rehabilitation.
When to See a Physiotherapist
If you experience sudden calf pain, don’t ignore it. Continuing to train through discomfort can worsen the injury and lengthen your recovery. Whether it’s a calf strain or tear, booking an early physiotherapy session allows for a proper assessment, accurate diagnosis, and a plan tailored to your specific needs.
Gena determines whether your injury is a strain or a tear using a thorough clinical examination and movement testing, as well as an ultrasound or MRI if needed.
Moving Forward Safely
Whether you’re seeking physiotherapy for a calf tear or strain in Newport, Gena helps you move better, recover fully, and prevent future injuries. A thorough assessment, hands-on care, and guided rehabilitation all contribute to creating a personalised plan that meets your individual needs and goals. With the right support, you can regain your strength, improve your mobility, and return to the activities you enjoy without the fear of re-injury.