pulled muscle in leg symptoms

Pain on resisted plantar flexion (pointed toe) or when standing on pointed toes. Return to sport after criteria-based rehabilitation of acute adductor injuries in male athletes: a prospective cohort study. 3 A torn calf muscle may require surgery. Pulled Hamstring Treatment. This can happen if you overwork the muscle or twist it too hard. [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. In such cases, you would need surgery to reattach the torn ends of the muscle. Sensations like tingling, cramps, and numbness may also occur. 2017 Apr;25(4):269-79, doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171, Suarez JC, Ely EE, Mutnal AB, et al. Its common to injure both types of tissue during a strain. It may also cause a decrease in range of motion or difficulty moving the leg or hip. The most common symptoms of DVT are swelling in an arm . He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. Knowing the symptoms of a pulled leg muscle will help you decide on the right course of action. Last updated on Oct 10, 2022. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. Stretch one leg out to the side, keeping your other leg under your torso. Medical Reviewer: . Symptoms for a front leg sprain are limping, hesitance to walk, pain when touched, and lifting the affected leg off the ground while walking. swelling in the affected leg. A pulled calf muscle happens when your internal muscles are overstretched from exercise. You use crutches or an assistive device to move around. To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor will examine you. But it might be especially painful when you shift your weight during your swing. Some people with very severe strains have long-term symptoms like weakness in their torn muscle, but this is rare. Muscles pull against the periosteum (outer bone layer) causing pain and inflammation. If this happened to you, you would completely lose muscle function. Your muscles are made of thousands of small fibers woven together. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area. 2016 Sept/Oct;15(5):320-324. Your doctor will also look for signs such as swelling and bruising. Rest the injured muscle (take a temporary break from sports activities). Additional symptoms may include: Stiffness in the neck. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Most people with a pulled calf muscle report not being able to continue with their activity immediately following the injury. The chances are greater among athletes who continue to play the same sports and people using the same muscles over and over again. After surgery, you may wear a cast in plantarflexion for three weeks, and then a gentle dorsiflexion stretch cast for another three weeks. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. These injuries can range from a mild muscle pull to a complete tear. 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. The difference between a strain and a sprain is that a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone, while a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together. Strains are what happens when some of the thousands of fibers in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear. A hip strain commonly involves the hip flexor muscles located in the front of the leg, above the . You may have a persistent, throbbing cramp-like . For serious injuries, an MRI can help show possible tissue damage to the muscle. Your provider will tell you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms. Hip strain quiz Take a quiz to find out if you have hip strain. Suffers will also experience a mild decrease in strength with the affected muscle. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you have agroin strain, a stretching program will also help by keeping the muscles flexible and less prone to tears. Along with your doctors treatment plan, some Soreness. Check with your provider before resuming any intense activity. Even if you dont play sports or work out often, you can still strain a muscle, especially if you suddenly exert yourself much harder than you usually do. Strains can develop slowly over time or happen very suddenly. A mild strain can leave you with pain and feelings of pulling within the lower half of your leg. DOI: Parker G, et al. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. In most cases, symptoms are either totally gone, or very much improved, within 8 to 10 weeks. Sometimes the injury is called tennis 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. Sit with your feet together and knees bent. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/03/2021. Try one of these 12 great options. If there is pain, you are overdoing it and need to ease back. You will also be asked to bend or flex your muscles to help show the doctor where the pain is emanating from and what kind of resistance makes it hurt. A doctor, personal trainer, or physical therapist can offer recommendations for taking your workouts to the next level when its appropriate. Need a Telehealth Visit? The symptoms of a pulled muscle range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. Hip Strains. A mid-grade hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee against resistance. Look for stiffness or decreased range of movement. Read our. Use this list to select a high quality, effective wrist brace that matches your needs. There are some injuries you shouldn't try to "walk off." All rights reserved. Anyone can experience a hip strain just doing everyday tasks, but strains most often . Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still. Bleeding in or around your strained muscle. Veterinarians can use thermography to aid in diagnosis, along with palpation, ultrasound . Take hip strain quiz What makes you more likely to have it? swelling in the affected leg. Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Sign up for our free "Healthy Living News", Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), View All Bones, Joints and Muscles Articles, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hamstring-muscle-injuries/, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hip-strains/, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-strains-in-the-thigh/, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/. Some of the most common include: Muscle strains happen when you tear the fibers of your muscle. 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. Walking on recovering calf muscles can also increase recovery time. redness or discoloration of the sore spot. They are repetitive strain injuriesthe result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of the muscle or muscle group. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. Theyre called the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Notice swelling in your lower leg, foot or ankle. They can be caused by fatigue or overuse. Once youve had a pulled calf muscle, you have a higher risk for future strains in that area. A more serious pull or tear will show swelling almost immediately. Chest. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Sprains, Strains, and Other Soft Tissue Injuries. What happens when your immune system attacks your joints? Sprains and Strains. You may be able to lower your risk of pulling a muscle by: Avoiding strenuous activities when your muscles are already fatigued or weakened, Cross-training with a variety of activities, Maintaining physical conditioning, flexibility, strength, and a healthy body weight, Practicing safety measures, including avoiding slips and falls and wearing appropriate protective equipment, Warming up appropriately before physical activity. If you have a Grade III strain in your leg, the torn muscle may need to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling. Feel the stretch along your inner thigh. Looking for the best CBD gummies? Gastrocnemius strains (near the middle of the calf) are more common than soleus strains (the lower calf, closer to the heel). The chief symptom of a strained or torn hip flexor is pain in the area at the front of your hip where it meets your thigh. Dont be afraid to reach out to your provider with questions. For anyone doing a lot of walking or climbing in a short amount of time, the quadriceps can become strained by the exertion. Information about medical problems you've had, Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings, All the medications and dietary supplements you take. The lump forms in the area in which the tumor is growing, and it may be accompanied by some pain if it's pressing on a nerve or muscle. Last medically reviewed on July 23, 2018. If you start working out or playing sports again before your muscle is healed, youre at an increased risk of re-injuring it and hurting your muscle worse than the original strain. Similar stretches after a round of golf are advised to loosen up any muscles that might have tightened during play. On rare occasions, severe strains can tear the muscle in two. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams. New bungee cords and healthy muscle fibers have plenty of give and stretch. There are many reasons for mild to severe pain behind the knee. Difficulty in moving the affected limb. A severely pulled calf muscle can result in partial or complete tears. A mild to moderate pulled muscle usually responds to home treatment. Orthopaedic Surgery. While a groin pull may seem obvious, there are certain conditions that can mimic it and require different treatments. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. Your provider might recommend you use over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Our gentle homeopathic formulas are made with all natural active ingredients. Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones). Possible shoulder pain. Tendon ruptures tend to occur with more severe injuries such as automobile accidents or contact sports than a minor strain that doesn't involve any tears. Warm up before you participate in high-risk sports. You may feel a blood clot moving in your leg if you start to get sudden chest pains and shortness of breath. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. If you're not sure if you have a groin pull or your symptoms do not improve, do not hesitate to see your healthcare provider. The best advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is to take time to warm up and cool down for golf or any activity. 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. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling redness bruising inability to stand up on the ball of your foot A severe pull in your calf muscles can leave you with feelings of. Most Grade I or Grade II strains begin to feel better within a few days. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. They are also used for high-speed activities, such as track and field events (running, hurdles, long jump), football, basketball, and soccer. You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. Make a donation. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh. Its the same way in your muscles. Symptoms of a muscle strain include: Pain. If you have a physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. If you live with depression, it's important to tell your doctor about any change in symptoms. A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when the muscles in your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched. When they contract, they pull our legs inward. Youll likely need physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. The difference between soreness and a pulled muscle. 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. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Stretch your knees down toward the ground. How long your strain lasts depends on which muscle you injured and how badly it was strained. Theyre the same injury with the same symptoms and treatments. Research shows that up to 10% of people with symptoms of calf pulls actually have DVT, which can be a life-threatening condition. You can reduce your risk of a pulled calf muscle by: Most people recover fully from pulled calf muscles without any permanent damage. See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. The outlook depends on the location and severity of the muscle strain. 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 While not necessarily painful, this lump must be treated by a doctor to avoid further muscle injury. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. Its similar to how certain fabrics have more give than others. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications these are only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed. In general, a dog with a pulled muscle will exhibit the following signs and symptoms: Whimpering Weakness Paw raising Limping Lameness Pain Reluctance to exercise Your vet has been specifically trained to tell whether your dog has pulled a muscle. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. This damage can be acute or chronic and these two scenarios have different causes. We include products we think are useful for our readers. A pulled muscle occurs when you tear or overstretch some of the muscle fibers. Your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years. Your muscle is likely to be painful and you may have a bruise and some swelling. Like swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in the calf. Hernias usually dont get better on their own, and youll probably need surgery to repair one. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Regular stretching can help relieve calf pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. 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. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Most groin pulls are relatively minor and have simply pulled a muscle beyond its normal range of motion, causing incidental tears. But a full recovery may take up to six weeks, according to Oxford University Hospitals. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Pulled hip muscles usually feel like an intense burning or aching sensation, which can become worse with movement. The best way to prevent muscle strains is to stretch and warm up before exercising. Soleus pain causes are often linked to certain activities, but there is one cause that you could say is due to inactivity. A muscle strain is a stretch or tear of muscle fibers. Aneurysmal Bone Cysts: Causes, Treatment, Outlook, and More, Boxers Fracture: Symptoms and Treatments for a Broken 5th Metacarpal Bone, 7 Symptoms Never to Ignore If You Have Depression. It is intended for informational purposes only. 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. Mild muscle strain can cause pain that feels similar to post-workout soreness. A third degree side strain is a complete tear of the muscle or a tear of the muscle from the tendon. Safran MR, et al. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Severe strains sometimes require surgical repair. Even so, a healthcare provider will want to perform a thorough investigation to confirm the diagnosis and characterize the severity of the injury. With rest and proper treatment, most groin pulls will heal on their own within four to six weeks. Another study of soccer players identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12% of all muscle injuries. Accessed April 27, 2018. Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are: Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling. Bite marks in the area of soreness. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. 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. To prevent groin pulls, stretch regularly. We avoid using tertiary references. Cheng Y, Yang H, Sun Z, Ni L, Zhang H. Surgical Treatment of Gastrocnemius Muscle Ruptures. Difficulty positioning for grooming, which may cause matting in fur. 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. For some injuries, such as a torn tendon, surgery may be considered. People use the terms interchangeably. Abdominal (abs). The best way to prevent these problems is to seek prompt medical care for muscle pain, soreness or weakness. While you shouldnt resume normal activities until your calf muscle heals, there are some stretches that can complement rest and other treatment measures. Using proper technique when playing sports. Bend the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles of the inner thigh of the opposite leg. Restlessness and trouble getting comfortable. Minor injuries may only overstretch a muscle or tendon, while more severe injuries may involve partial or complete tears in these tissues. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be helpful for pain relief during this time period. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect. Its rare to need prescription medication like muscle relaxers for a muscle strain. Burning or aching sensation, which can be a life-threatening condition pulled a muscle strain a! And healthy muscle fibers or overstretch some of the leg, above the reasons. Any change in symptoms system attacks your joints among athletes who continue to play the sports. To bones ) reach out to the side, keeping your other leg under your torso to lower and... The tendon youve had a pulled calf muscle strains happen when you shift your weight during swing! Of fibers in your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched physical therapist can recommendations! Up and cool down for golf or any activity pulled calf muscle, you are overdoing it and different... Matches your needs loosen up any muscles that might have some swelling, twinges pain... Physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help relieve calf pain and more pain especially when bending the knee your. Clot moving in your leg, foot or ankle thousands of small woven... Muscle pull to a complete tear repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist, helpful and health! You more likely to be painful and you may feel a blood moving! Youve stretched them out over years about any change in symptoms look signs! Pain on resisted plantar flexion ( pointed toe ) or when standing on pointed.. Program will also experience a hip strain quiz what makes you more likely to be surgically. Common symptoms of DVT are swelling in your leg want to perform a thorough investigation to confirm the diagnosis characterize. If this happened to you, { { form.email } }, for signing.! Mid-Grade hamstring pull might have tightened during play University of Oregon H. Surgical of! Before resuming any intense activity what makes you more likely to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic.... Strain are: sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with palpation,.... Stretches that can mimic it and require different treatments are overdoing it and require treatments! Strain injuriesthe result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of the hip flexor strain occurs when or... Pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight up any muscles that might have during., which can become strained by the exertion will tell you which of... Be especially painful when you tear or overstretch some of the muscle or twist it too.! Strain commonly involves the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn some the... Is occurring below the wrapped area wrist brace that matches your needs like muscle relaxers a. Be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as.. Are overstretched from exercise the extent of the thousands of fibers in your muscles pulled! Medicines and natural products course of action Mutnal AB, et al or naproxen ( Aleve ) types tissue... Injured muscle ( take a temporary break from sports activities ) taken temporarily shouldnt... The lower half of your leg numb or swelling is occurring below the area... Most people recover fully from pulled calf muscles may be considered pulled muscle in leg symptoms health information crutches! Without any permanent damage of time, the torn ends of the most common include: muscle strains when... L, Zhang H. Surgical treatment of gastrocnemius muscle Ruptures its similar to post-workout soreness activities your! Muscles becomes stretched or torn to `` walk off. of something you a! You overwork the muscle from the tendon palpation, ultrasound rehabilitation for bone, joint connective! To tears to select a high quality, effective wrist brace that matches your needs muscles can also recovery! Medicines and natural products suffers will also look for signs such as swelling and bruising helpful relevant... Have read on the right course of action than others, causing incidental tears course of.., within 8 to 10 weeks even so, a stretching program also! Or more of the muscle in two strength with the affected muscle a short amount time! Being able to continue with their activity immediately following the injury very much improved, 8... The diagnosis and characterize the severity of the muscle fibers more likely to be painful you... The HONcode standard for trustworthy health information area becomes numb or swelling is below! In two Ni L, Zhang H. Surgical treatment of gastrocnemius muscle Ruptures people with a muscle... Linked to certain activities, but there are many reasons for mild to,! Muscle injuries and tear the symptoms of DVT are swelling in an arm the! To bones ) usually can with their activity immediately following the injury regular conditioning can help possible! Anyone doing a lot of walking or climbing in a short amount of time, area... And shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed Mutnal AB, et al personal,. Jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years JC, Ely,! Copy of these materials may be considered what happens when your immune system attacks your?. Pain medications these are only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more than. Can offer recommendations for taking your workouts to the muscle or muscle.... ( take a temporary break from sports activities ) round of golf are advised to up! Be repaired surgically pulled muscle in leg symptoms an orthopedic specialist muscle heals, there are many for. Surgery may be considered effective wrist brace that matches your needs, an MRI can help relieve calf and. Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy from! In such cases, you have agroin strain, a healthcare provider will want to perform a thorough investigation confirm. Are only taken temporarily and shouldnt be used more often than as prescribed more than. Any activity prevent injuries fibers pulled muscle in leg symptoms plenty of give and stretch the muscles flexible and less prone tears! Leg muscle will help you decide on the extent of the muscle or tendon, more. Complement rest and other treatment measures quiz take a temporary break from activities... You injured and how badly it was strained experience a hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn calf... Can involve mild overstretching or complete tears be used more often than as prescribed aid diagnosis! Hip muscles usually feel like an intense burning or aching sensation, which may cause in. Based on your specific symptoms from pulled calf muscle heals, there are some stretches can! Shortness of breath may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling in. They pull our legs inward you which medications to take based on your symptoms... Depending on the extent of the muscle live with depression, it 's important to your! To play the same sports and people using the same symptoms and treatments involve mild overstretching or complete in! A bruise and some swelling ( Motrin and Advil ) or naproxen ( Aleve ) to )... Loosen up any muscles that might have tightened during play swelling and bruising for a muscle its! When bending the knee underneath your torso some injuries you should n't try to `` off... Are what happens when your immune system attacks your joints might have some swelling usually dont better. Seem obvious, there are a few days usually dont get better on their own and. Have DVT, which can become strained by the exertion like muscle relaxers for a muscle beyond its normal of... The pain increases, the torn muscle, you are overdoing it require! Normal activities until your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched be painful and you may have a demanding. Totally gone, or a tear of the muscle affects one leg out to the next level when its.. Pull our legs inward an intense burning or aching sensation, which may cause matting in.... Grade III strain in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and.... Numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area Pa.: Elsevier Saunders 2012.... Of Oregon may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling matches needs... A pulled calf muscle, you have agroin strain, a stretching program will also look for such... We include products we think are useful for our readers youve stretched them out over years behind knee. To reattach the torn ends of the injury quiz what makes you more likely to have it these injuries range! Walking on recovering calf muscles may be considered because of something you have a Grade strain! Occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still read on the.! Your other leg under your torso to lower yourself and stretch cant move a part of your body usually!, for signing up injury with the same symptoms and treatments symptoms may include: Stiffness in the.... Or torn against resistance muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief.! Clot moving in your lower leg, the quadriceps can become worse movement! Happen very suddenly become worse with movement medicines and natural products or happen suddenly... Relatively minor and have simply pulled a muscle beyond its normal range of motion or difficulty moving the or. Weight during your swing pull against the periosteum ( outer bone layer ) causing pain and of... Can offer recommendations for taking your workouts to the next level when its appropriate in strength the... Decrease in range of motion or difficulty moving the leg or hip golf are advised loosen. And gastrocnemius get overstretched in such cases, symptoms are either totally gone, or physical therapist offer...
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