A calf strain is an injury to the muscles in the back of your leg, below the knee. The calf is made up of nine muscles. It is possible to injure one or more of these muscles at the same time. This kind of injury often occurs during fast movements like running or jumping, or during longer activities like hiking or uphill running. It can also happen from a sudden, awkward movement. Calf strains are a well-known problem for athletes, such as runners, soccer and basketball players, gymnasts, and dancers. Athletes between the ages of 22 and 28 years have a higher rate of calf strains. Advancing age and a prior calf or lower-leg muscle strain can increase the likelihood of this injury. Physical therapists help people with calf strains by reducing their pain, restoring muscle flexibility and strength, and helping them return to the activities they enjoy.

Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.

Find a PT Near You

On this page

• What Is a Calf Strain?
• How Does It Feel?
• Signs and Symptoms
• How Is It Diagnosed?
• How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
• How Can a Physical Therapist Help Before or After Surgery?
• Can This Injury or Condition Be Prevented?
• What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?

What Is a Calf Strain?

How Does It Feel?

With a calf strain, you may experience:

• A feeling of tightness, tenderness, or weakness in the calf area.
• Sharp pain in the lower back leg. The pain can resolve quickly or last for a while.
• Throbbing pain at rest, with sharp stabs of pain when you try to stand or walk.
• Spasms (a gripping or severe tightening in the calf muscle).
• Sharp pain in the lower back leg when trying to stretch or move the ankle or knee.
• A pulling sensation at the time of injury.
• A "snapping" or "popping" sound at the time of injury.
• A feeling like something hit your leg.

Signs and Symptoms

With a calf strain, you may notice:

• Swelling in the calf.
• Bruising in the calf.
• Weakness in the calf when trying to walk, climb stairs, or stand.
• Stiffness in the calf.
• A limp when walking.
• Difficulty with daily activities that require standing and walking.
• You can’t run, jump, or put weight on the affected leg.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A physical therapist will conduct a thorough initial evaluation. They will ask you about your health, daily activities, and how your injury happened. They will look at your posture, movement, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.

For a calf injury, a physical therapist may:

• Look at how you walk and climb stairs.
• Test the strength of your calf with the knee in different positions.
• Look at the range of motion at your knee and ankle.
• Test the movement and strength of your calf and other areas.
• Skillfully and gently touch the injured area to see what tissue is injured.
• Look at your balance.

After an evaluation, your physical therapist will discuss their findings with you. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment program to begin your recovery.

In some cases, your physical therapist will work with another healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis. They may order more tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, are not usually needed for a calf strain but can help confirm the exact location and extent of the injury.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapists help people heal from calf strains and return to their daily activities. Treatment programs can include hands-on care, exercises, and education. Your physical therapist will design a targeted treatment program to speed your recovery. This program will be based on your evaluation and your goals for a safe return to sport or daily activities.

The First 24 to 48 Hours

Your physical therapist may:

• Advise you to rest and avoid walking or any activity that causes pain.
• Prescribe crutches or a brace and teach you how to use them.
• Apply ice packs to the area and teach you how to apply them at home.
• Compress the area with an elastic bandage wrap.
• Insert heel lift pads into both of your shoes.
• Consult with another healthcare provider as needed.

Treatment Plan

Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan to achieve your specific goals. Your plan will progress based on your response to treatment and daily activities and may include:

Patient education. Your physical therapist will work with you to identify and change any external factors causing your pain. They may discuss the type and number of exercises you perform, your athletic activities, or your footwear. Your physical therapist may recommend changes to your daily activities. They will also develop a personalized exercise program to help ensure a pain-free return to your desired activity level.

Pain management. Your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan to address your pain as your symptoms change. It may start with rest, compression, and ice and advance to specific stretching, joint mobility, and activity recommendations. They may use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or other methods to help decrease your pain. Physical therapists are experts in prescribing pain-management techniques that reduce or eliminate the need for prescribed pain medicines.

Range-of-motion exercises. Your injury may cause increased tension in your calf muscles and stiffness in your knee or ankle. Your physical therapist may guide you through safe stretching and range-of-motion exercises to restore normal lower leg movement.

Manual therapy. Your physical therapist may provide "hands-on" treatment to your muscles and joints. These techniques help improve motion and strength and decrease pain.

Muscle strengthening. Muscle weaknesses or imbalances can contribute to calf muscle strains. They can also be a side effect of your injury. Based on your condition, your physical therapist will design a safe strengthening program just for you. It likely will include your core (midsection) and lower body muscles, which all contribute to leg function.

Functional training. As your pain, strength, and motion improve, functional training helps you return safely to your normal activities. Your physical therapist will work with you to restore the strength and endurance you need to return to your activities of choice.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help Before or After Surgery?

Surgery is rarely needed for a calf strain. If your calf requires surgical repair, your physical therapist will guide you through the healing process. They will help you restore movement and strength so you can return to normal activities as safely and quickly as possible.

Can This Injury or Condition Be Prevented?

Physical therapy is a great tool for avoiding injuries. People of all ages can see a physical therapist for a wellness visit. If you have a specific sport or activity you want to participate in, a physical therapist can help you prepare your body for it. They will assess your readiness for the activity by assessing your strength and mobility and design a plan to optimize your participation.

The following tips can help to avoid a calf strain:

• Do an active warm-up (such as brisk walking or light jogging) before you begin a competition or a demanding physical activity.
• Stretch regularly to help keep your muscles flexible.
• Participate in strength training to help maintain good form during physical activity.
• Wear shoes that are in good condition and fit well.
• Wear compression socks to help reduce tension in your calves while you exercise or help them relax after activity.

What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?

All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat patients with a calf strain. You may want to consider seeing:

• A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with a calf strain or other sports injuries.
• A physical therapist whose practice focus is in orthopedics or sports physical therapy.
• A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic or sports physical therapy. These physical therapists have advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition.

You can find physical therapists near you with specific experience or expertise using the American Physical Therapy Association’s Find a PT tool.

General tips when you're looking for a physical therapist (or any other healthcare provider):

• Ask family, friends, or other healthcare providers to recommend a physical therapist.
• Ask about the physical therapists' experience in helping people with calf strains when you contact the clinic for an appointment.
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible. Make a note of what makes your symptoms better or worse.