calf injury-- when to go to the dr.?

mcgeorge5
mcgeorge5 Posts: 92 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Yesterday while I was jogging my calf felt funny, I dismissed the thought, and then 5 minutes later I felt something pop in my lower right leg in my calf. I did not fall, but I would have if I had lost my balance. I quit and went straight home and alternated ice and heat for the rest of the afternoon, keeping it elevated. I could hobble around but it hurt. It was slightly swollen last night. I made an appointment to see a Dr. who specializes in sports medicine for this afternoon.

This morning it didn't feel as bad. I went back to the gym and worked out (no leg stuff) and by the time I left I was told that it looked like I was walking better. It doesn't cause intense pain when I walk like it did yesterday, but after having google'd possible injuries, now I'm scared because of the pop I felt.

I am 100% certain it is not my Achilles.

So the dr is going to say "yes you strained your muscle" and "Stay off of it for XX days". Would you go get it checked out?

The thing is that I want to run...... I want to move...... I have been making better choices since May and I love my life. Its killing me inside that I didn't complete my workout yesterday and today, and that I didn't complete my 15K steps yesterday and probably won't today either.....

I just don't know what to do?

Replies

  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Yesterday while I was jogging my calf felt funny, I dismissed the thought, and then 5 minutes later I felt something pop in my lower right leg in my calf. I did not fall, but I would have if I had lost my balance. I quit and went straight home and alternated ice and heat for the rest of the afternoon, keeping it elevated. I could hobble around but it hurt. It was slightly swollen last night. I made an appointment to see a Dr. who specializes in sports medicine for this afternoon.

    This morning it didn't feel as bad. I went back to the gym and worked out (no leg stuff) and by the time I left I was told that it looked like I was walking better. It doesn't cause intense pain when I walk like it did yesterday, but after having google'd possible injuries, now I'm scared because of the pop I felt.

    I am 100% certain it is not my Achilles.

    So the dr is going to say "yes you strained your muscle" and "Stay off of it for XX days". Would you go get it checked out?

    The thing is that I want to run...... I want to move...... I have been making better choices since May and I love my life. Its killing me inside that I didn't complete my workout yesterday and today, and that I didn't complete my 15K steps yesterday and probably won't today either.....

    I just don't know what to do?

    I do this quite a bit, and personally don't stay off of it, but I've never heard a pop. It sounds like a strain or pull IMHO.

    Listen to your body. If you can exercise on it, than do so. The only injuries that have kept me from my run has been sprained ankles. What I usually do is find an alternate cardio (elliptical, stairs climber, etc..) to do until I can run again.

    It's up to your body, but missing a workout or not getting steps due to an injury shouldn't "kill you". It could be your body saying "hey, we need a rest day here".
  • mcgeorge5
    mcgeorge5 Posts: 92 Member
    Thank you for your reply. I usually take 'rest days' on the weekends, where I don't do cardio or circuit training, but do still walk instead of jogging.
  • ayalowich
    ayalowich Posts: 242 Member
    If you can't run in 2-3 days, then you probably have a grade 2 strain and it is going to be a 6 week process until it is fully healed (on average, everyone is different).

    I would still go to an orthopedist/running doctor just to be sure. Why chance it?
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Those are symptoms of a torn calf. A tear in a muscle is the same thing as a "strain" or "pull". When i tore my calf, it started as Grade 1 tear, which is minor. I continued to play on it, which progressed it to a Grade 2 tear - which sucks! Torn calves take a few weeks to heal, so accept the fact that you will be less active, and therefore should reduce your calorie & carb intake accordingly. I stayed active by doing things like medicine ball slams, the rowing machine, and upper body strength training, and also squats. Avoid any activities that cause any pain.

    I didn't see a doctor. I spent a few hours researching what doctors and studies had to say about torn calves online. I learned that it's best to stretch the calf regularly (but not if it causes pain), keep the foot dorsiflexed (foot pointed upward), and sit with your knees as straight as possible. Warmth is better than ice in most cases, because it increases circulation, which promotes healing.
    Once it's healed work on improving calf flexibility.
    This is a good, thorough article by an M.D.: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/91687-overview
    If you have difficulty understanding its medical terminology, then yes, seeing a doctor and physical therapist is a good idea.
  • mcgeorge5
    mcgeorge5 Posts: 92 Member
    Well I went to the dr. word is that I ruptured my plantaris tendon. he said it is not necessary and not everyone even has one. I am not restricted by anything except my own pain. ice and ibuprofen. it will not re-injure because it will remain unattached. I am glad that I went and am relieved that it is nothing that requires surgical treatment.

Categories