The cramping calf: An ache that wants to be heard.

What we refer to as the calf muscle actually consists of three separate muscles: the gastrocnemius, the soleus and the plantaris muscles.

Newmarket, Australia (prHWY.com) September 20, 2012 - What we refer to as the calf muscle actually consists of three separate muscles: the gastrocnemius, the soleus and the plantaris muscles. A recent article in Sports Physio Magazine brought forward an interesting discussion on injuries to the soleus muscle. The muscle originates just below the knee joint at the tibia and fibula and attaches (along with the tendons of the plantaris and gastrocs) via the Achilles tendon at the calcaneus (the heel bone). Its action is to plantarflex your foot. In other words, it allows you to point your toes downwards. The muscle is made up of slow twitch, type I muscle fibres, which means that it is more resistant to fatigue than the more power generating gastrocs muscle. Despite this however, in the high level athlete who undergoes multiple training sessions per week, this muscle can be aggravated through repetitive use.

Athletes are prone to developing a level of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) following training sessions, however, the sensation of a deep dull ache or even a mild cramp that lasts 1-2 days post training or following a game may be an indication of injury to the soleus muscle ( grade 1 or 2 strain). In some cases, when pain levels are elevated and accompanied by swelling and loss of function, there may be a full thickness tear of the muscle. Other possible causes of calf pain include injury to the gastrocnemius muscle or Achilles tendon while cramping may also be caused due to a lack of potassium (hypokalemia).

Following a comprehensive assessment, the physiotherapist may be able to determine the cause of the calf pain. In the event that the athlete's symptoms have risen from an injury to the soleus muscle, rehabilitation for this injury needs to commence as soon as possible in order to prevent further injury as well as avoid delays in returning to sport. Treatment for the injury depends on the severity of the injury. The varying degrees of injury are outlined below and better physiotherapy which include Podiatry Services can help you out in this:

Grade 1 strain: Mild injury; 10 degrees muscle fibre disruption

Grade 2 strain: Moderate injury; 10-50% muscle fibre disruption

Grade 3 strain: Severe injury; 50 - 100% disruption of muscle fibres.

Treatment involves the RICER (rest, ice , compression, elevation and referral) to alleviate any inflammation, a progressive strengthening program provided that the athlete experiences improvement in symptoms, proprioceptive training and sports-specific training. It may take a minimum of three weeks for the injury to recover (and that's just for a grade I or occasionally grade II injury) and as you can imagine, this is a long time off training for the athlete at any level!

While all you sporting enthusiasts have rather blazay attitude about the less painful stuff, we hope reading this reminds you to be aware of the subtle presentations in your muscles that can indicate more serious injury!


Log on to http://www.pivotalmotion.com.au for complete details!


Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy
Shop 213A, Level 1
Newmarket Reading Centre
Cnr Newmarket & Enogerra Rd, Newmarket QLD
Contact us: (07) 33525116
Q 4051

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Tag Words: physiotherapy services, physiotherapy treatments, podiatry services, brisbane physio

Categories: Health

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