A21 – Calf Muscle Tear

This is a soft tissue injury (sprain) to your calf muscle

Healing:

This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal depending on severity of the sprain.

Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your injury heals. Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and swelling:

An ankle being rested on two pillows and supported with an ice pack

Your calf will be swollen and painful. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help.

Taking pain medication, elevating your leg and using ice or cold packs will help. More information is in the next section.

Walking and your boot:

A fracture support boot

You may have been given a boot to make you more comfortable. Wear the boot when you are standing and walking for the first 2 weeks. You can take it off at night and at rest.

You are allowed to put weight through your leg. You may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages.

Exercises:

It is important to start exercises as soon as possible. Instructions are in the next section.

Follow up:

A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. We have discussed a referral to physiotherapy and will refer if required. Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if after 12 weeks you still have significant pain or swelling, or if you struggle to wean out of the boot.

Any questions:

If you are concerned about your symptoms, have pain other than in your calf or are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.

If you are unable to move your foot and ankle in all directions or you have pain in the heel or Achilles tendon area please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic Team.

Caring for your injury: Week 1-2

Use with boot for comfort when walking. Try to stop using them as soon as possible.

You can remove the boot when resting and at night. Wear a long sock in your boot.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your calf for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice isn’t in direct contact with your skin.

Try to rest your leg, especially in the first 24-72 hours. Raise your leg on a stool or cushions so that it is above the level of your hip. This will help to reduce your swelling.

Exercises

Early movement of the ankle and foot is important to promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot). If you notice any swelling or redness in the calf, please attend A&E.

Do these exercises 3-4 times a day. Start straight away, you do not need to push into pain.

1. Point your foot up and down. Repeat this 10 times.

Point your foot up and down. Repeat this 10 times.

2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn the foot outwards. Repeat this 10 times. Do this movement gently within comfort.

With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn the foot outwards. Repeat this 10 times. Do this movement gently within comfort.
3. Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction and then the other direction. Repeat this 10 times.

Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction and then the other direction. Repeat this 10 times.

Caring for your injury: Week 2-12

Try to stop using your boot and crutches. Start by walking without them around your own home. Build up to not using them outside and for longer walks. Wearing supportive shoes such as trainers will help.

Activity and Exercise

You can gradually increase your level of activity. It is normal to still have some mild symptoms. Contact our team if you struggle to return to sport or exercise after 12 weeks.

Balance exercises – start these 2 weeks after your injury:

Hold onto a firm surface in a safe space. Try to stand on one leg. Hold this for 30 seconds. Stop if you experience pain. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise. Try to stand on one leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise. You can try these exercises with your eyes closed. Make sure you are always in a safe environment with a support to hold if needed.

  1. Hold onto a firm surface in a safe space. Try to stand on one leg. Hold this for 30 seconds. Stop if you experience pain. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise.
  2. Try to stand on one leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise.
  3. You can try these exercises with your eyes closed. Make sure you are always in a safe environment with a support to hold if needed.

Stretches – start these 3 weeks after your injury:

1. 1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of the calf. Hold for 30 seconds.

Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of the calf. Hold for 30 seconds.

2. 2. Point your toes down as far as they go, place your other foot on top and apply some pressure. This will stretch the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.

Point your toes down as far as they go, place your other foot on top and apply some pressure. This will stretch the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am struggling with my boot. What do I do?

The boot has a thicker sole; this can make you feel uneven. Make sure you wear a supportive shoe or trainer on your uninjured foot. This will reduce stress on other joints.

If you need more advice contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

I am diabetic, does this change things?

If you are diabetic please contact us to discuss your boot. This is particularly important if you have problems with your skin or sensation. We may provide you with a different boot.

When can I start driving?

You can return to driving when:

  • You are no longer using your boot
  • You can walk comfortably and
  • You can perform an emergency stop pain free

Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

You can self-certify for the first 7 days following your injury. For any longer periods, please discuss the provision of a fitness to work statement with the Virtual Fracture Clinic Team or your GP.

What do I do with my boot and crutches when I no longer need them?

We are not able to use boots again. These should not be returned to the hospital.

Crutches can be returned to the Fracture Clinic or A&E.

Contact Details for Bedford and Luton

Please contact the hospital where you attended A&E as the other site will not be able to access your notes.

BEDFORD HOSPITAL PATIENTS

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)

How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?

  • Telephone 01234 792138

How do I contact the Plaster Room?

  • Telephone 01234 792031
  • Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)

LUTON & DUNSTABLE HOSPITAL PATIENTS

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC)

  • Telephone 01582 718121
  • Messages will be checked every morning Monday to Friday (except for Bank Holidays)
  • Email VFCLuton@ldh.nhs.uk

How do I contact the Fracture Clinic?

  • Telephone 01582 497194 or 01582 718993 (outpatient appointments)

How do I contact the Plaster Room?

  • Telephone 01582 491166 (ext. 2233)
  • Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (out of hours contact the Emergency Department)

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