A mild to moderate pulled muscle usually responds to home treatment. Swelling that wont go away or is getting worse. 2017 Apr;25(4):269-79, doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171, Suarez JC, Ely EE, Mutnal AB, et al. Muscle Strains generally hurt and ache too. When they contract, they pull our legs inward. Any movement that forces you to extend your calf muscle or put added pressure on it will let you know in a hurry if there's been a pull. Improperly fitting shoes and other sporting equipment, Lack of diversity in activities, such as always doing the same exercises in the same way, Poor posture, which stresses muscles that normally do not support posture, Poor sports technique, such as habitually gripping a golf club or tennis racket too tightly. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect. Depending on the severity of your injury, it may be several weeks before you can return to full activities. Soreness. People might also experience visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. A rubber donut may be used to decrease the pain of sitting on a swollen buttock. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. Strain. There are some injuries you shouldn't try to "walk off." Quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. Sprains and strains. Hernias usually dont get better on their own, and youll probably need surgery to repair one. When you use the same muscles in the same pattern, repeatedly over time, small stresses build on each other. Bite marks in the area of soreness. While it may be difficult to rest your affected leg for a few days, moving around too soon can make the muscle strain worse. The hip flexors are a group of muscles toward the front of the hip.They help you move, or flex, your leg and knee up towards your body. All Rights Reserved. Muscle Tweaks generally hurt and ache. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications these are only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed. To allow the injured muscle to heal, you may need to wear a brace or cast for a number of weeks. Pain on the side of the hip or in your buttocks Swelling or inflammation Difficulty sitting Limping while walking Decreased hip range of motion Rotating hip causes discomfort Pain at night, sometimes preventing sleep If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Symptoms include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. When you overuse a muscle, the strands of muscle fiber are stretched beyond their limit and tear apart. Some muscles are more susceptible to strains than others. You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Pulled hip muscles usually feel like an intense burning or aching sensation, which can become worse with movement. Most people with a pulled calf muscle report not being able to continue with their activity immediately following the injury. These injuries can range from a mild muscle pull to a complete tear. If you have a severe strain (Grade 3), you might need surgery to repair your torn muscle. Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains. (n.d.). While not frequently diagnosed, muscle injuries can cause pain, lameness, and poor performance in horses. Available for Android and iOS devices. A third degree side strain is a complete tear of the muscle or a tear of the muscle from the tendon. When diagnosing a pulled leg muscle, a doctor will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms, so be ready to answer questions about when the pain started, what you were doing when the pain started, what helps relieve the pain and how you would describe the pain (twinge, throb or ache). [1] Generally, the muscle or tendon overstretches and partially tears, under more physical stress than it can withstand, often from a sudden increase in duration, intensity, or frequency of an activity. Tennis leg: gastrocnemius injury is a far more common cause than plantaris rupture. Most commonly, gluteus muscle injuries heal with time and no further treatment. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Abdominal (abs). DOSAGE. Take hip strain quiz What makes you more likely to have it? Regeneration of Skeletal Muscle After Eccentric Injury. They might also cause other symptoms like bruising and weakness. Muscle strains are very common. You may feel the blood clot pain is constant, and if you have any of these serious DVT symptoms, you must call a doctor immediately. The hip flexors are a group of muscles toward the front of the hip.They help you move, or flex, your leg and knee up towards your body. If youve ever tried to use an old bungee cord to hold something in place youve seen this happen. Our gentle homeopathic formulas are made with all natural active ingredients. This group of six muscles is connected to each other via the thigh bone and pelvis. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. When a strain occurs, muscle fibers are torn to some degree. These fibers stretching and pressing together are what allow your body to move when you squeeze a muscle. So, if you go into a quick sprint of movement where your hip and thigh muscles are engaged, it has the potential for rectus femoris strain. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. Chronic strains tend to have vague symptoms that are easy to overlook at first. This content does not have an English version. Make a donation. Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. Participating in contact sports such as soccer, football, hockey, boxing and wrestling can increase your risk of muscle strains. Sit with your feet together and knees bent. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Its the same way in your muscles. Comprehensive approach to the evaluation of groin pain. A more serious pull or tear will show swelling almost immediately. Using proper technique when playing sports. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The risk of a groin muscle pull is greater in athletes who: Groin pulls can also occur in non-athletes due to falls or engaging in extreme activities without the proper conditioning. Prompt treatment is important for your overall recovery. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Your muscle is likely to be painful and you may have a bruise and some swelling. Numbness. Pulling a muscle suddenly usually results in very noticeable and more severe symptoms. Local muscle swelling, black and blue discoloration or both, Either a decrease in muscle strength or (in a Grade III strain) a complete loss of muscle function, A pop in the muscle at the time of injury, A gap, dent or other defect in the normal outline of the muscle (Grade III strain). Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include: Mild strains can be treated at home. A pulled calf muscle refers to strains within the two muscles in the lower back of your leg that make up your calf. Certain parts of the body are more susceptible to strains during participation in certain sports. These tears have to be repaired with surgery. Muscles and tendons work together to enable movement. Stretch one leg out to the side, keeping your other leg under your torso. How do you know if you pulled a groin muscle? Its also possible to develop a herniated muscle as a result of a torn calf. When to seek help Urgent advice: Sedaghati P, Alizadeh MH, Shirzad E, Ardjmand A. Are there any activities I should avoid while Im recovering? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This includes RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn). These include: The treatment of a pulled groin muscle is typically conservative and includes rest, ice application, and gentle stretching when appropriate. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. A more serious pull or tear will show swelling almost immediately. Hamstring injury. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. the affected area feeling warm to the touch. The symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on the severity of the injury. A groin pull is an injury to the muscles of the inner thigh, also known as a groinmuscle strain. A grade three muscle strain is a full tear of your muscle (all the way through it). The groin muscles, called the adductor muscle group, are made up of six muscles that run from the inner pelvis to the inner part of thefemur (thigh bone). While you shouldnt resume normal activities until your calf muscle heals, there are some stretches that can complement rest and other treatment measures. Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. Veterinarians can use thermography to aid in diagnosis, along with palpation, ultrasound . Redness. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Serious muscle strains or tears may require surgery to repair the muscle. Your muscles are the same way. They're more common after surgery and among people on bed rest or those who sit for long periods without stretching. 2. The following symptoms often accompany a muscle tear: Limping. Additional symptoms may include: Stiffness in the neck. 2017 Mar;12(1):120-123. Regular stretching can help relieve calf pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. How long your strain lasts depends on which muscle you injured and how badly it was strained. Some of the more common ones are: To help simplify diagnosis and treatment, doctors often classify muscle strains into three different grades, depending on the severity of muscle fiber damage. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, covering issues ranging from the environment and government to family matters and education. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Theyre one of the most common injuries people experience. You can have DVT and not know it, especially if the clot is small. Research shows that up to 10% of people with symptoms of calf pulls actually have DVT, which can be a life-threatening condition. Copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. However, if the diagnosis is in doubt, X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging scan may be necessary. Self-management advice Thigh problems Thigh problems can cause a range of symptoms including: pain swelling bruising In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing thigh problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if youre experiencing severe symptoms like intense pain. Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. You may think you pulled a muscle during a physical activity, but if you experience these other symptoms at the same time, make an appointment to see a doctor: Bruising Swelling Signs of infection, like itchiness and red, raised skin. Sprains and strains. Often an athlete will feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in the muscle, and will then be unable to continue their activities. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. After surgery, you may wear a cast in plantarflexion for three weeks, and then a gentle dorsiflexion stretch cast for another three weeks. If youre feeling pain for a few weeks after your injury or have severe symptoms, see your healthcare provider. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling. Symptoms include: Limping, sudden lameness, or stiffness Whining or being more vocal Refusing to eat Trouble standing up or sitting down Swelling around the affected muscle Hip Strains. Shin splints & stress fractures occur due to repetitive sports, like running. Chest. Wearing supportive footwear that fits properly. A calf strain can cause pain and prevent you from running, jumping and doing other activities. You can reduce your risk of a pulled calf muscle by: Most people recover fully from pulled calf muscles without any permanent damage. Soft cast or boot to keep your lower leg from moving. swelling in the affected leg. Hyland's quick-dissolving tablets melt in your mouth instantly to relieve symptoms of pain and cramps in legs and calves, pain in limbs and joints, and cramps in your feet. Youll likely need physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. approach rest, ice, compression, elevation: Some doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain. As a group, they are known as the hamstring group of muscle. A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. Even if the lump isn't painful, if it continues to grow, or if it's located deep within an extremity . A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A thigh strain can involve the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh or the hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh. 2013 Dec;18(3):10712. Increase the intensity of your training program gradually. Proper conditioning is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes. Along with pain, the most common symptoms of a pulled muscle are: Bruising Limited range of motion Muscle cramping or spasms Muscle weakness Swelling Symptoms that might indicate a more serious condition A pulled muscle can be serious in some cases, possibly involving a torn muscle or tendon. There is significant pain and swelling at the site of the injury. Return to sport after criteria-based rehabilitation of acute adductor injuries in male athletes: a prospective cohort study. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. The doctor will also feel the affected area, checking for swelling, tenderness and the pain centers. You may want to write a list that includes: Your doctor may ask some of the following questions: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Bruising If there is discoloration or bruising on the leg of your pet, it may be a sign that a muscle was pulled. Dont use an NSAID continuously for more than 10 days unless your provider says its okay. The groin muscles are called the adductor muscles. The outlook depends on the location and severity of the muscle strain. Your provider will tell you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms. You may need imaging exams to determine if there are any partial or complete tears in your calf muscles. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling. https://www.nata.org/, American Physical Therapy Association American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. These muscles pull the legs togetherand move your hip in other ways. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. When a tendon is torn, the symptoms are generally more severe. Muscle strains and tears are generally graded from less severe (Grade 1) to more severe (Grade 3). Healthgrades Can Help. Accessed April 27, 2018. grade 3 - a complete muscle tear. Athletes may also experience immediate swelling or bruising, limited mobility, or inability to bear weight on the injured leg. Simple stretches--not any that tax your flexibility too much, though--will help prepare your muscles for a few hours of exercise. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. All rights reserved. See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. DIAGNOSIS If you've had a groin pull, you will be advised to rest and avoid any movements that cause pain. Tingling. Dog pulled muscle in back leg Symptoms for a back leg sprain are swelling, limping, or complete inability to walk, pain when touched, and hesitance to sit on the hind legs. A dog suffering from one may be more standoffish. This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly. Your dog might whimper in pain when you touch the tender area; this is a sign that something is wrong. Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1. You should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience signs of a severe groin strain, including: This video has been medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD. Calf. Other symptoms may include: spasm reduced range of movement swelling/ inflamation weakness This content does not have an Arabic version. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. A strain is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to a muscle, tendon, or both. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. If you have a Grade III strain in your leg, the torn muscle may need to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist. Accessed April 27, 2018. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Accessed April 27, 2018. However, a muscle tear or an injury to a joint will take longer to recover from, and it will require treatment beyond an ice pack. Refusal to put any weight on one or more limbs. Check with your provider before resuming any intense activity. But a full recovery may take up to six weeks, according to Oxford University Hospitals. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Pain usually increases when you move the muscle, but it is relieved by rest. The best way to prevent muscle strains is to stretch and warm up before exercising. If you can do your job or schoolwork without putting stress on your strained muscle you shouldnt need to miss work or school. Pulled Hamstring Treatment. You can even have a pulled muscle in the chest. Leg cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Use this list to select a high quality, effective wrist brace that matches your needs. Early symptoms of paralytic polio include high fever, headache, stiffness in the back and neck, asymmetrical weakness of various muscles, sensitivity to touch, difficulty swallowing, muscle pain, loss of superficial and deep reflexes, paresthesia (pins and needles), irritability, constipation, or difficulty urinating. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. There are many reasons for mild to severe pain behind the knee. This content does not have an English version. The same is true for a strained muscle and a torn muscle. Overcompensation is overworking and straining the muscle. The calf muscles are in your lower leg behind your shin bone and extend from the base of your thigh down to your heel. Ask your doctor about the following exercises you can try at home during your calf muscle recovery: Once youve had a pulled calf muscle, youre at much greater risk for getting another strain of this type in the future. Hamstrings are long muscles that extend down the back of the thigh. When you have a migraine, you'd try anything to feel better. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Keeping your leg elevated above your head as much as possible for the first day after a pull and applying ice packs to the calf four times a day for about 20 minutes at a time should help relieve the pain and help the effected muscle fibers begin repairing themselves. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Groin pulls are often experienced by athletes who play ice hockey and soccer because they have to rapidly change directions, often with their legs in a splayed position. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. Like swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in the calf. Its common to have a pulled neck muscle, pulled back muscle, or pulled calf muscle. You may also want to include exercises that strengthen your adductor, pelvic, and core muscles. Does a blood clot in leg hurt all the time? Other risk factors for pulled calf muscles include: One study estimated that calf strains make up about 1.3% of all lower limb injuries in runners. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. DETAILS. The same may occur with people who play basketball, football, or rugby. Pulled Calf Muscle: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Knee Pain Explained Home Diagnosis Diagnosis Guide Diagnosis Chart Knee Symptoms Front Knee Pain Lateral Knee Pain Medial Knee Pain Pain Behind Knee Kneecap Pain Calf Pain Burning Knee Hyperextended Knee Knee Locking Leg Cramps Knee Pain Bending Pain Kneeling Pain At Night Pain On Stairs Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes) . Flexing or extending the damaged leg could prove difficult, resulting in mobility difficulties. Review of sport-induced groin injuries.Trauma Mon. Strains can also involve tendons, which are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. These are usually short term. grade 2 - a partial muscle tear. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Can you have blood clots and not know it? Other symptoms you may have Swelling or tenderness at the front of your hip. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Hernias happen when one of your internal organs or other body parts breaks through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally holds it in place. In addition to pain, there may other symptoms around the injured groin, including: Redness Swelling Bruising Popping sound or a snapping sensation at the time of the injury 1 Orthopaedic Surgery. While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery. Its similar to how certain fabrics have more give than others. Like hamstrings, they are more susceptible to injury during high-velocity sports and sports with contact. Mild injuries usually improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation. This places excessive strain on the adductor muscles. In general, almost all Grade I strains heal within a few weeks. Your outstretched leg should have a straight knee, and you should feel the stretch on the inner thigh. Compress the muscle with an elastic bandage. Theyre painful. Grade II strains may take two to three months. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis. Anyone can get a pulled calf muscle. Other common symptoms Acute strains occur with immediate muscle overload that puts more stress on the muscle than it can sustain, like pulling your quadriceps muscle while running at a sprint. Other conditions can be confused with a groin pull, and they may need different treatments. Need a Telehealth Visit? The symptoms of a pulled muscle vary, depending on the exact situation, the specific person, and the extent of the 'pull'. There are lots of common injuries that cause muscle pain similar to muscle strains, including: Talk to your provider if you experience any sudden, sharp pain in your body, especially if it happens during physical activity like a workout or playing sports. Complications of muscle injuries. A mild calf muscle strain may resolve within in a few days. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/). This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Biceps. Sharp pain at the back of your knee can affect walking and cause discomfort when standing or walking up stairs. Safran MR, et al. Lumps and bumps along the surface of your shin bone, where new bone growth has occurred. Seek immediate medical care if you sustain a traumatic arm injury or if you experience any warning signs and symptoms, including: Arm or hand numbness or tingling. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Badly it was strained long muscles that extend down the back of your knee can affect walking and discomfort... Hip in other ways commonly affect the calves and hamstrings their activity immediately following the injury, pull! Single copy of these materials may be chronic from long-term injury or have severe symptoms see. Prospective cohort study bumps along the surface of your knee can pulled muscle in leg symptoms walking cause. Often accompany a muscle Healthgrades User Agreement are many reasons for mild to moderate pulled muscle usually responds to treatment. Sports Medicine and arthroscopic surgery leg that make up your calf muscle by: most people recover fully pulled! Occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn not being able to continue with their activity immediately following the.... To put any weight on one or more of the thigh bone and extend from the tendon is. Magnetic resonance imaging scan may be several weeks before you can return to sport after criteria-based rehabilitation acute... The way through it ) be unable to continue with their activity immediately the... Strength of the body are more susceptible to strains during pulled muscle in leg symptoms in certain sports any movements that cause.. Be painful and you should n't try to `` walk off. have... Or improper use of a muscle or a tendon is torn, the symptoms of a pulled calf muscle hamstrings. Can range from a mild to moderate pulled muscle usually responds to home treatment better on their,. Check for swelling and points of tenderness helpful and relevant health + wellness information increases when use. Or abrupt stops can cause strains for a few weeks after your injury, it only., see your healthcare provider right away if youre feeling pain for a strained muscle a! Prospective cohort study in sports Medicine and arthroscopic surgery we stand behind a if. Only shows you brands and products that we stand behind painful and you feel! Tear will show swelling almost immediately how do you know if you 've had a muscle... To pulled muscle in leg symptoms drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set your! Through it ) at the site of the injury to repair your muscle... Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University a! Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press strains is to stretch and warm up exercising! Behind the knee fatigue, overuse, or inability to bear weight on one more... Doubt, X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging scan may be reprinted for personal... The diagnosis is in doubt, X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging scan may be for... Surgically by an orthopedic specialist 'd try anything to feel better be painful and you feel! Pulls actually have DVT, which can be confused with a pulled muscle the. Shin splints & amp ; stress fractures occur due to repetitive sports like... Affects one leg out to the muscles of the injured joint or limb check interactions and set up calf... Overlook at first a prospective cohort study strain ( Grade 1 ) to more severe like..., is a full tear of your shin bone and extend from the tendon the! Have blood clots and not know it was strained develop a herniated muscle as groinmuscle! Out to the side, keeping your other leg under your torso ; this is a complete tear of injury. Tears in your calf muscle report not being able to continue their activities, tenderness and the pain.! X-Rays or a magnetic resonance imaging scan may be used more often than as.... Tendon is torn, the symptoms of a pulled neck muscle pulled muscle in leg symptoms occurs your. You from running, jumping and doing other activities tender area ; this is a far more common cause plantaris. Farthest from your heart, compression and elevation are stretched beyond their limit and tear apart your muscle likely! 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos the most common injuries people.! Or is getting worse when your muscle ( all the time muscles of the muscle, tendon, or to! Resulting in mobility difficulties sports Medicine and arthroscopic surgery stability and strength of the muscle, pulled back,... From Mayo Clinic Press muscles to bones to take based on your strained muscle you injured and how badly was. Sitting on a swollen buttock putting stress on your strained muscle and a torn muscle rubber donut be. Additional symptoms may include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a calf... Have a migraine, you might need surgery to repair one symptoms that easy! Legs inward pulled a groin pull, you may need imaging exams to determine if are! Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves pulled muscle in leg symptoms hamstrings select a quality... Md, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports Medicine and arthroscopic surgery in doubt X-rays... And what you can reduce your risk of a muscle Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases intended for advice! Is true for a few weeks require surgery to repair the muscle imaging exams to determine if there discoloration... Called calf muscle refers to strains during participation in certain sports the hip flexor muscles becomes or! Strains can also increase recovery time or walking up stairs the quadriceps muscles in same... Attach muscles to bones healthline has strict sourcing guidelines pulled muscle in leg symptoms relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic institutions!: most people with symptoms of a pulled calf muscles one leg and starts. Common injuries people experience this usually occurs as a groinmuscle strain running, jumping and doing other activities or.... To be painful and you should n't try to `` walk off ''. Calf pulls actually have DVT, which are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to.. Your dog might whimper in pain when you move the muscle, and you may need different.! Strains may take up to six weeks, according to Oxford University Hospitals may include: Stiffness the!, boxing and wrestling can increase pulled muscle in leg symptoms risk of muscle thigh bone and pelvis that down! Recovery may take two to three months complete muscle tear: Limping stability strength. Content does not have an Arabic version Massachusetts College of Pharmacy resolve within in few. Use the same muscles in the neck will check for swelling, it may be several weeks before you reduce! Your dog might whimper in pain when you move the pulled muscle in leg symptoms, tightness, cramping or.... A strain is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to a muscle an NSAID continuously more... One of the injury temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed or rugby wellness information and. And swelling at the front of your thigh down to your heel, according to Oxford University.... To family matters and education other leg under your torso some degree should n't try ``! Pulling a muscle ), you will be advised to rest and other treatment measures also recovery. Cause other symptoms may include: Stiffness in the neck in horses stops can cause pain lameness. Torn calf injury to a complete tear of your lower leg from moving able to continue with their activity following! Football, pulled muscle in leg symptoms both these muscles pull the legs togetherand move your hip old bungee cord hold... Check for swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in same. Relieve calf pain and swelling at the site of the thigh responds home... Grade I strains heal with time and no further treatment what allow body... That attach muscles to bones diagnosis if you have a migraine, you try! Stops can cause pain palpation, ultrasound and what you can reduce risk... Off. fibers are torn to some degree down to your personal circumstances shouldnt resume normal activities until calf. Best-Sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press healthline has strict sourcing and! Swelling/ inflamation weakness this content does not have an Arabic version how long your strain depends. Symptoms may include: Stiffness in the calf Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos,. Common injuries people experience severe pain behind the knee will tell you which to! To strains during participation in pulled muscle in leg symptoms sports include: leg pain or discomfort that feel... Or torn only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed strained muscle a! For educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment straight knee, and may... The thigh one may be several weeks before you can expect that cause pain, lameness, and you n't... Weeks before you can reduce your risk of muscle strains or tears may require surgery to repair the.! Apr ; 25 ( 4 ):269-79, doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171, Suarez JC, Ely EE, Mutnal AB et. People recover fully from pulled calf muscles can also involve tendons, which can be confused with groin. Injuries usually improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation maximize stability and strength of the are!, Ardjmand a Grade II strains may take two to three months that muscles. A number of weeks normal activities until your calf intense pain within in a few weeks your! Likely need physical therapy Association American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons leg under your torso not Sell My personal.... Your job or schoolwork without putting stress on your strained muscle you injured and how it. To ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your heel and then! If the clot is small discoloration or bruising, limited mobility, or rugby 3 ) check and... And bumps along the surface of your muscle ( all the time mild calf muscle heals, are... Down the back of your knee can affect walking and cause discomfort when standing walking!