Pulled Calf Muscle Treatment and Therapies

If you suffer from a calf pull, it’s important to take steps towards recovery as soon as you can. Often just after the muscle pull, the calf muscle will swell. If you have some ice on hand, you can use it to help keep swelling down. Apply ice for 5-10 minutes on, then 5-10 minutes off. You can repeat this process a few times in a row, a few times per day as needed. Don’t use ice too often or for too long, since too much cooling can damage the calf skin and muscle tissue. Also, make sure you don’t apply ice directly. Wrapping the ice in cloth will prevent too much cooling.

Ice is often prescribed along with rest, compression and elevation. The main goal is to limit swelling, which can slow the recovery process. While ice and rest may work for mild injuries, often when a muscle is in spasm or is more severely damaged, this approach takes a long time.

For a full recovery, you need to accomplish the following:

• Increase circulation to your calf muscle. More energy and blood flow means faster recovery.
• Eliminating toxins is essential for a full recovery.
• Reduce calf swelling. Whether you see it or not, internal and external swelling is the root of your pain and needs to be alleviated.

For more treatment options, check out our general article on muscle pull treatments.

As the circulation to your calf improves and you feel you are on the road to recovery, we also recommend that you begin lightly using the injured leg muscle. Don’t stress it too much, but a little stretching and strengthening will help reduce swelling and also help break down scar tissue and ensure proper muscle regeneration.

Related Pulled Hamstring Articles:
Pulled Calf Muscle
Causes & Symptoms of Pulled Calf Muscle
Pulled Calf Muscle Severity
Preventing Pulled Calf Muscle