Gastrocnemius Calf Strain/Tear
06-11-09, 04:55 PM
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Gastrocnemius Calf Strain/Tear
Would like to know how long this takes to heal since I can not ride my road bike. Apparently did a slight pull/tear about one month ago & thought I had recovered. Last Wednesday(one week ago) while running, about 20 minutes in, had a sharp pain - actually 3 in a row in the lower right calf muscle which knotted up my calf. Knot is gone. Each day it is easier to walk, & go upstairs. Today is 1st day I can walk normally. Can feel it tighten up/spasm on stairway. Starting two days ago my calf burns sometimes & convulses for no particular reason. No appearance of hemorage in the muscle but it is sore. Done nothing for over a week now.
Just get back from Sports Medicine Doctor. Diagnosis is Gastrocnemius Calf Tear/strain. I am scheduled for four weeks x 3 days/week physical therapy. Doctor also says to stay away from cycling since "cycling requires toe down motion" for at least two weeks & maybe 6 weeks. His words. He recommended I could use elliptical machine in a 7-10 days since it does not require toe down action if all goes well in physical therapy.
Anyone go through this? Looking for any idea how long this will take & not reinjure myself.
Just get back from Sports Medicine Doctor. Diagnosis is Gastrocnemius Calf Tear/strain. I am scheduled for four weeks x 3 days/week physical therapy. Doctor also says to stay away from cycling since "cycling requires toe down motion" for at least two weeks & maybe 6 weeks. His words. He recommended I could use elliptical machine in a 7-10 days since it does not require toe down action if all goes well in physical therapy.
Anyone go through this? Looking for any idea how long this will take & not reinjure myself.
Last edited by BILL_W_WV; 06-11-09 at 04:59 PM.
06-11-09, 05:27 PM
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I wouldn't say cycling "requires" a toe-down motion; I tend toward a neutral heel position, though even this requires use of the calf muscles. Cycling does stress the gastroc and soleus (since the knee is bent, the soleus is likely highly involved). how much depends on your style. The soleus and gastroc share the tendon, and it sounds like the injury is in the belly of the gastroc, so I could probably get by on a hurt gastroc with my stroke. Still, whenever one is active, the other will be to some degree.
With all skeletomuscular injuries, recovery time is very individualized. It also depends on the degree of the injury. If no MRI was performed and the muscle is improving and functional, it sounds like it shouldn't take too long. Then again, I don't even know such basic facts as your age, and since you sought medical advice, I assume the injury is potentially serious. The worst muscle injury I had was a horrible calf cramp that required 10 days for the soreness to subside. I was 21 at the time. Someone 60 yoa, for example, may have taken much longer and required therapy.
Do you know what types of activities the doc is going to have you do for rehab? Just curious...it's not a range of motion issue, seems like mostly rest and reconditioning are needed. He's a specialist in his field, and I would take his advice. I know it's frustrating; I recently lost 20 lbs due to an appendectomy and its complications. I was 6'1" and 145 lbs. Thankfully, I'm young enough that i recovered very quickly, but I know the feeling.
If you're making good progress in your therapy, gaining strength and normal function returning, he will probably clear you to bike. he is probably concerned by the lingering spasms and cramps and has to err on the side of caution so as to not make matters worse. I am young and make imprudent decisions, so I would probably stay on my bike unless it caused me discomfort.
With all skeletomuscular injuries, recovery time is very individualized. It also depends on the degree of the injury. If no MRI was performed and the muscle is improving and functional, it sounds like it shouldn't take too long. Then again, I don't even know such basic facts as your age, and since you sought medical advice, I assume the injury is potentially serious. The worst muscle injury I had was a horrible calf cramp that required 10 days for the soreness to subside. I was 21 at the time. Someone 60 yoa, for example, may have taken much longer and required therapy.
Do you know what types of activities the doc is going to have you do for rehab? Just curious...it's not a range of motion issue, seems like mostly rest and reconditioning are needed. He's a specialist in his field, and I would take his advice. I know it's frustrating; I recently lost 20 lbs due to an appendectomy and its complications. I was 6'1" and 145 lbs. Thankfully, I'm young enough that i recovered very quickly, but I know the feeling.
If you're making good progress in your therapy, gaining strength and normal function returning, he will probably clear you to bike. he is probably concerned by the lingering spasms and cramps and has to err on the side of caution so as to not make matters worse. I am young and make imprudent decisions, so I would probably stay on my bike unless it caused me discomfort.
Last edited by tadawdy; 06-11-09 at 05:31 PM.
