by Farm Sanctuary

Aching Calf Muscle

The lower portion of the leg or the calf consist of the Gastrocnemius which is the big muscle at the back of the lower leg and the Soleus muscle which is a smaller muscle lower down in the leg and under the Gastrocnemius. Either of these two muscles can be strained or torn resulting in an aching calf muscle. A common problem in athletes is tight calf muscles, especially in runners. The symptoms are a gradual tightening in the calf muscles which can get worse when running or improve while running only to tighten up later.

The symptoms of a tear or strain in the calf, which gives you that aching calf muscle, are a sudden pain at the back of the leg, difficulty in contracting the muscle or standing on tip toe and/or pain and swelling or bruising in the calf muscle. Tiny micro tears in the muscles cause them to go into spasm causing the aching calf muscle. When they are in spasm or contracted then blood cannot easily get into them. The muscles have squeezed the blood out like a sponge. If the muscles do not get enough blood then they will not get enough nutrients and so will tighten up to protect themselves and weaken and so on.

The best formula for treating that aching calf muscle is R.I.C.E., which is rest, ice, compression and elevation. This is the best bet for the athlete to get his or her calf muscle to heal and ease the pain. If this is not working and the pain persists, it could be a more serious injury or strain and in the event the individual should see a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation. Another treatment that can be adopted is to wear a heel pad. This will raise the heel and shorten the calf muscle, thereby taking some of the strain off it.