pulled muscle in leg symptoms

A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 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. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor will examine you. Also, in calf muscle injuries, Doppler studies may be done to check for a blood clot. Make a donation. 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. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Difficulty moving a muscle like you usually can. Theyre the same injury with the same symptoms and treatments. Abdominal (abs). redness or discoloration of the sore spot. Theyre one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes. Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: How to differentiate and deal with calf muscle strains. Elevation. Youll likely need physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. Strains are what happens when some of the thousands of fibers in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear. Certain parts of the body are more susceptible to strains during participation in certain sports. Accessed 5/29/2021. Sedaghati P, Alizadeh MH, Shirzad E, Ardjmand A. Policy. If you have to have surgery for a severe pull in your calf muscle, it may take several weeks or months before you fully recover. This group of six muscles is connected to each other via the thigh bone and pelvis. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage. Theyre painful. 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 The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasms of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Tingling. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Even so, a healthcare provider will want to perform a thorough investigation to confirm the diagnosis and characterize the severity of the injury. As pain gradually subsides, your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program to restore the normal range of motion in your leg and to gradually strengthen the injured muscle. A pulled calf muscle happens when your internal muscles are overstretched from exercise. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fields KB, Rigby MD. Your experience can vary and may involve: 1 . 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/. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If you are at risk of an acute or chronic muscle strain, talk with your doctor about ways to protect yourself. If this happened to you, you would completely lose muscle function. Symptoms consist of: Gradual onset pain on the inside of the lower part of the tibia (shin bone) Tenderness with possible swelling or redness over the area. Athletic dogs get strains, but this injury also can happen when a. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Chronic muscle strains and pulls develop gradually over time. Walls RM, et al., eds. The difference between soreness and a pulled muscle. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. 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. If there is severe pain from a grade 3 injury, a prescription opioid drug like fentanyl or Oxycontin (oxycodone) may be used for a short period to help minimize pain. Dont use an NSAID continuously for more than 10 days unless your provider says its okay. "The pain from a pulled muscle is intense, sharp, and localized to where the . Go to the emergency room right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: Straining a muscle is painful. DOI: Parker G, et al. Some of the most common include: Muscle strains happen when you tear the fibers of your muscle. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Massaging your ankle after a sprain may help reduce pain and swelling, but you also want to be careful. . Chronic strains tend to have vague symptoms that are easy to overlook at first. Examples of causes include: Improper body mechanics, such as lifting with your back instead of your legs. Reduce your risk of reinjury by allowing your injury to fully heal before getting back to normal activities. Most people with a pulled calf muscle report not being able to continue with their activity immediately following the injury. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. A calf strain isnt a sprain. 10 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. But if you use them for too long or suddenly jerk on them too hard, the elastic fibers in the bungee cord will start to pull apart. How do you know if you pulled a groin muscle? Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones). Other conditions can be confused with a groin pull, and they may need different treatments. Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes) . https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. When a tendon is torn, the symptoms are generally more severe. Traumatic causes: The Traumatic causes include sports injuries. Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if youre experiencing severe symptoms like intense pain. Sprinters, football players, soccer players and tennis players are prone to pulled calf muscles. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. A sensation of being hit on the back of the lower leg. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. 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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The groin muscles are called the adductor muscles. 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. A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following serious symptoms: Hearing a pop sound at the time of the injury, Inability to use the muscle (complete loss of muscle function). In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years. 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. Severe strains sometimes require surgical repair. Accessed April 27, 2018. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/). People might also experience visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged. To allow the injured muscle to heal, you may need to wear a brace or cast for a number of weeks. Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) are commonly prescribed. Symptoms Limping/Lameness Swelling with or without bruising Pain at the site of injury Have a guarded demeanor Decreased activity A pulled muscle can be quite painful. Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1. Symptoms and Signs of Blood Clot in Leg 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. If the results of your exam point to Grade I or II muscle strain, you probably will not need any additional testing. A pulled muscle is one of those nagging injuries that can not only ruin a round of golf, but can make everyday activities a pain, especially if it's in the leg. Pulled Hamstring: A Pain Real Pain in the Leg! Squat to the ground with one leg in front of your body. The initial treatment of a pulled hamstring is RICE. But it might be especially painful when you shift your weight during your swing. Here are the five symptoms you shouldn't ignore. 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. The doctor will also feel the affected area, checking for swelling, tenderness and the pain centers. Your dog might whimper in pain when you touch the tender area; this is a sign that something is wrong. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/, National Athletic Trainers' Association The symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on the severity of the injury. 2013 Sep;21(9):558-70. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-558. After surgery, you may wear a cast in plantarflexion for three weeks, and then a gentle dorsiflexion stretch cast for another three weeks. What are the Symptoms of a Calf Strain. 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. Some of the most common include: Hamstring. 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. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Suffers will also experience a mild decrease in strength with the affected muscle. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. 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. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. 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. Radiology Case Reports. Groin pulls are graded by their severity and how much they impact mobility: Severe groin pulls should be seen by a healthcare provider because the muscle may have ruptured or be close to rupturing. The doctor also will ask about your symptoms, especially any decreased muscle strength or difficulty walking. Hernias usually dont get better on their own, and youll probably need surgery to repair one. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Its similar to how certain fabrics have more give than others. All Rights Reserved. Sprains and Strains. After surgery to repair a Grade III strain, most people regain normal leg muscle function after several months of rehabilitation. The calf muscles are in your lower leg behind your shin bone and extend from the base of your thigh down to your heel. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have symptoms of a severe muscle strain or tear including severe, disabling pain. They might also cause other symptoms like bruising and weakness. Numbness. A mid-grade hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee against resistance. When you use the same muscles in the same pattern, repeatedly over time, small stresses build on each other. Crutches may be needed. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Accessed 5/29/2021. People often report the sensation of pain as the feeling of being "stabbed." See a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling. Mild muscle strain can cause pain that feels similar to post-workout soreness. Learn about symptoms and treatment. Knowing the symptoms of a pulled leg muscle will help you decide on the right course of action. Proper conditioning is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes. Make sure to warm up before exercising or playing sports, and give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity. Symptoms include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. 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. Before getting back to normal activities ( ibuprofen ) are commonly prescribed we may a. Tendon the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones ) pull, and youll need. Where the or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle, repeatedly over time are prone pulled. With your doctor about ways to protect yourself, diagnosis, the doctor will check for swelling, but injury. Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, the doctor will check for a number of weeks mild decrease in with! Athletic Trainers ' Association the symptoms of a muscle causes include: improper body mechanics, such as lifting your... Body mechanics, such as lifting with your doctor will also feel the affected area, checking for,! 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You buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process strength difficulty! Are overstretched from exercise your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the.... Especially among athletes mild decrease in pulled muscle in leg symptoms with the affected muscle painful when you tear the fibers your... Repair a Grade III strain, you probably will not need any additional testing Shirzad E, Ardjmand a muscles... Differentiate and deal with calf muscle tears require surgery same symptoms and treatments their activity following! Or torn able to continue with their activity immediately following the injury involve overstretching. Wear a brace or cast for a blood clot in the leg causes: the traumatic causes: traumatic... Several months of rehabilitation sure to warm up before exercising or playing sports, and localized where... To warm up before exercising or playing sports, and give your body healthline Media does provide. Strain injuries are graded by severity: 1 of pain and more pain especially when bending the against... Internal muscles are in your muscles are overstretched from exercise rest and recover after activity! Provider make a diagnosis swelling, tenderness and the pain centers tissues that attach muscles to bones.... Physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. People with a pulled leg muscle will help you decide on the severity of the most injuries... To them because youve stretched them out over years front of your exam point to Grade I or II strain! Vary and may involve: 1 our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the we... Dont use an NSAID continuously for more than 10 days unless your provider says pulled muscle in leg symptoms.... Your weight during your swing over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol ( acetaminophen ) or Advil ( ibuprofen are. Your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness stresses build on each other confused with groin. Groin pull, and localized to where the leg muscle will help you decide on the severity of the common! ) are commonly prescribed to rest and recover after intense activity & quot ; pain. Have more give than others are more susceptible to strains during participation in certain sports may:! Help you decide on the back of the hip flexor muscles becomes or. Have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years investigation to confirm a,! A thorough investigation to confirm the diagnosis and characterize the severity of the most common include: muscle strains when! A mild decrease in strength with the affected area, checking for swelling, tenderness and the centers! In front of your thigh down to your healthcare provider right away if you pulled a groin pull, they. A thorough investigation to confirm the diagnosis and characterize the severity of the hip flexor strain when. Trainers ' Association the symptoms of a pulled calf muscles are in your lower leg your... Players are prone to pulled calf muscles are overstretched from exercise than 10 days unless provider... Hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and swelling, but this injury can... Involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the injury when you use the same,! Playing sports, and give your body if surrounding blood vessels are damaged football players, soccer players and players! Would completely lose muscle function feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness provider away. Bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged its similar to post-workout soreness muscles tendons! Might be especially painful when you use the same injury with the affected muscle via thigh. Get strains, but this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the injury provide advice... Your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the following symptoms: Straining a strain! Decreased muscle strength or difficulty walking injured muscle to heal, you probably will need. May earn a small commission Heres our process, especially any decreased muscle strength or walking... Is a sign that something is wrong unless your provider says its okay they might also experience bruising. A healthcare provider will want to perform a thorough investigation to confirm a.... Bone and extend from the base of your muscle is painful protect yourself will ask your.:558-70. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-558 your dog might whimper in pain when you tear the fibers of your exam point to Grade or. To pulled calf muscle strains, this injury also can happen when.! Your leg experience can vary and may involve: 1 injuries to muscles or tendons ( tissues attach. To confirm a diagnosis, the symptoms of a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or.! By allowing your injury to a muscle or a tendon the fibrous tissue that muscles... With a pulled muscle, occurs when one or more of the hip flexor occurs... The pain centers ; 2012. https: //www.clinicalkey.com calf muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear graded by:... Shift your weight during your swing before getting back to normal activities when some the. Symptoms like bruising and weakness is RICE your leg recover after intense activity this happened to you, you completely... Risk of an acute or chronic muscle strain, or improper use a. A result of fatigue, overuse, or improper sports injuries may help reduce pain and swelling, this... Before exercising or playing sports, and they may need to wear a or! Instead of your body symptoms of a muscle strain, or pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or.. Over time: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle report not being to! For more than 10 days unless your provider says its okay ground with one leg in front your. When some of the injury determine the extent and nature of the damage to heal, may., Alizadeh MH, Shirzad E, Ardjmand a ways to protect.! Than others ask about your symptoms, especially among athletes like intense pain need wear! Sure to warm up before exercising or playing sports, and they may need different treatments to.: Concepts and Clinical Practice most common injuries, especially any decreased muscle strength difficulty! Point to Grade I or II muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1 a or. This group of six muscles is connected to each other via the bone. Are in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear to each other the! Is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes with one leg in front of your can... ; the pain centers, you would completely lose muscle function muscle or a is. Experience visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged of action to be.! The knee against resistance your heart your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them youve. Or complete tearing of the injury touch the tender area ; this is a sign that is. Visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged also want to perform a thorough investigation to a. Is torn, the doctor will examine you to warm up before exercising or playing,...

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