Signs and Symptoms . Symptoms and Signs of Blood Clot in Leg Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones). To get the care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and hospital. 2020 Jan;8(1):2325967119897247. doi:10.1177/2325967119897247, Lynch TS, Bedi A, Larson CM. If the results of your exam point to Grade I or II muscle strain, you probably will not need any additional testing. Walls RM, et al., eds. The symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on the severity of the injury. Suffers will also experience a mild decrease in strength with the affected muscle. Calf. everyday foods can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms. 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. This can result in a pulled muscle in the back. One exception is a Grade III plantaris strain, which usually is treated without surgery. Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Sprains and strains. They can be caused by fatigue or overuse. These are usually short term. You need general anesthesia for this procedure and may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Complications of muscle injuries. 2013 Dec;18(3):10712. Swelling Swelling may sometimes be present on a leg with a pulled muscle. In more severe injuries, where the muscle or tendon has been completely ruptured, your doctor may be able to see or feel a defect in the area of injury. Other complications include chronic pain, disability, loss of mobility, weakness, and poor quality of life. Mild strains can be successfully treated at home. 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. These tears have to be repaired with surgery. After a knee injury, it is common for the damaged area to be stiff and to experience a decrease in your range of motion. The adductor muscles pull the legs together. The amount of pain and other symptoms will depend on the severity of the strain. 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/. The most common symptoms of DVT are swelling in an arm . The same may occur with people who play basketball, football, or rugby. Your provider will tell you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms. A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. grade 3 - a complete muscle tear. While you shouldnt resume normal activities until your calf muscle heals, there are some stretches that can complement rest and other treatment measures. Examples include: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your sport, fitness or work activity, as part of an overall physical conditioning program, can help to minimize your risk of muscle strains. The groin muscles are called the adductor muscles. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Pain along the front of the thigh or groin is the most typical symptom of a pulled quad. Mild muscle strain can cause pain that feels similar to post-workout soreness. How exactly were you moving when the injury occurred? To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor will examine you. Its similar to how certain fabrics have more give than others. Can you have blood clots and not know it? Youll likely need physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Strains are what happens when some of the thousands of fibers in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and 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. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Serious muscle strains or tears may require surgery to repair the muscle. People most likely to have pulled or strained hamstrings are sprinters, football players and other athletes in high-speed sports. Are unable to walk or bear weight on your leg. By initially resting the muscle, the amount of spasm and scarring can be minimized. 9th ed. 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. These include: The treatment of a pulled groin muscle is typically conservative and includes rest, ice application, and gentle stretching when appropriate. Last medically reviewed on July 23, 2018. While it may be difficult to rest your affected leg for a few days, moving around too soon can make the muscle strain worse. Increasing your overall flexibility will also protect your muscles from future injuries. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage. 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. Muscles pull against the periosteum (outer bone layer) causing pain and inflammation. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. A strain of the thigh/hip is a stretching or tearing of a muscle and is commonly referred to as a "pulled muscle.". Keeping your calf muscles strong and conditioned. Muscle strains are very common. Some of the most common include: Hamstring. The doctor also will ask about your symptoms, especially any decreased muscle strength or difficulty walking. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Tingling. You hear or feel a pop in your leg muscle at the time of injury, You have severe pain, swelling or discoloration in the injured muscle, Your injured leg is obviously weak compared to your uninjured leg, You have milder leg symptoms that do not improve after 48 hours. Notice swelling in your lower leg, foot or ankle. Increase the intensity of your training program gradually. Bruising If there is discoloration or bruising on the leg of your pet, it may be a sign that a muscle was pulled. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. These fibers stretching and pressing together are what allow your body to move when you squeeze a muscle. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: thigh pain from overuse Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: upper leg injury, severe upper leg pain Urgency: Self-treatment Repetitive strain injury of the hamstring The adductor musclesare especially important to athletes like sprinters, swimmers, soccer players, and football players. Difficulty tensing your calf muscles or standing on toes. The outlook for muscle strains is positive. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Current Sports Medicine Reports. If you are at risk of an acute or chronic muscle strain, talk with your doctor about ways to protect yourself. Refusal to put any weight on one or more limbs. You can treat most muscle strains with at-home methods of first aid, including: Its rare to need surgery for a muscle strain. To help prevent muscle strains in your legs, you can: If you have a Grade I or Grade II strain, your doctor will probably recommend that you follow the RICE rule: In addition, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brand names) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn and others), to ease pain and relieve swelling. Chronic muscle strains and pulls develop gradually over time. Have you ever injured this part of your body before? A sensation of being hit on the back of the lower leg. Make a donation. Severe groin strains can take up to 12 weeks or longer if surgery is involved. Most athletes know what the injury is the moment it occurs. You may also want to include exercises that strengthen your adductor, pelvic, and core muscles. A severe strain can limit your ability to move your hip. Stretch your knees down toward the ground. 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. 1. Symptoms and Causes What are muscle strain symptoms? Finding medical care as soon as possible offers the best chance of healing successfully without complications. Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injury. Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. Knowing the symptoms of a pulled leg muscle will help you decide on the right course of action. Compress the muscle with an elastic bandage. Stand on your uninjured leg and gently lift your damaged leg to see if your knee feels especially weak or unstable. Proper conditioning is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes. New bungee cords and healthy muscle fibers have plenty of give and stretch. Recovery involves an extended period of rest followed by physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability. When done correctly, stretches should cause a gentle pulling sensation but never pain. When you have a migraine, you'd try anything to feel better. A calf strain can cause pain and prevent you from running, jumping and doing other activities. How long your strain lasts depends on which muscle you injured and how badly it was strained. With rest and proper treatment, most groin pulls will heal on their own within four to six weeks. Most of the time, these strains involve small tears to the muscles and can usually be treated with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain medications. Chronic strains tend to have vague symptoms that are easy to overlook at first. A calf strain isnt a sprain. Find qualified telemedicine providers for a variety of symptoms and conditions. 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. Leg, calf and thigh pain are symptoms of conditions that may involve the muscles, nerves, and more. Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/). Our gentle homeopathic formulas are made with all natural active ingredients. Chest. 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. These muscles pull the legs togetherand move your hip in other ways. This particular strain is usually caused by a forceful movement. 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. You use crutches or an assistive device to move around. Ultrasound often can help distinguish among several different types of soft tissue injuries. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: A severe pull in your calf muscles can leave you with feelings of sharp pain. The key symptoms of a muscle strain are: sudden pain that worsens while contracting the muscle, swelling and bruising, loss of strength and range of motion. 2017 Mar;12(1):120-123. 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. Swelling. Most people with a pulled calf muscle report not being able to continue with their activity immediately following the injury. Muscle pain and tenderness, especially after an activity that stretches or violently contracts the muscle. Athletic dogs get strains, but this injury also can happen when a. 10 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis. A similar injurya sprainaffects ligaments, which hold bones to other bones at a joint. Certain parts of the body are more susceptible to strains during participation in certain sports. All Rights Reserved. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Like swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in the calf. redness or discoloration of the sore spot. In the leg, muscle strains happen when a muscle is either stretched beyond its limits or forced into extreme contraction. In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. A pulled muscle occurs when you tear or overstretch some of the muscle fibers. This can happen if you overwork the muscle or twist it too hard. 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). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. A burning/stabbing sensation. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Muscle spasms in the thigh or groin areathe muscle suddenly tightens. Rest the injured muscle (take a temporary break from sports activities). Muscle strains can affect anyone. The same is true for a strained muscle and a torn muscle. Stretching not only helps with recovery of your affected muscles, but it can also help your knee and ankle joints remain stabilized and mobile. Find out about psoriatic arthritis. Crutches may be needed. 9th ed. However, if the diagnosis is in doubt, X-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging scan may be necessary. 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. Poor circulation or numbness in the area where the muscle pain is felt. "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. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, covering issues ranging from the environment and government to family matters and education. A hip strain occurs when one of the muscles supporting the hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or torn. Accessed April 27, 2018. Paralysis generally . Injuries, blood clots, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may cause leg pain. Pulled Hamstring: A Pain Real Pain in the Leg! For some injuries, such as a torn tendon, surgery may be considered. (2009). How do you know if you pulled a groin muscle? The stretch will emphasize the muscles of the inner thigh and front of the thigh. Once your healthcare provider diagnoses your injury, they may recommend additional treatments such as: Complete calf muscle tears usually require surgery. Try one of these 12 great options. He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It may also cause a decrease in range of motion or difficulty moving the leg or hip. A pulled calf muscle is a common injury thats easily treated at home unless complications arise. 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. The names of the muscles are adductor brevis, adductor magnus, adductor longus, pectineus, and gracilis. If you follow the recommended treatment plan, you should return to normal activity within four to eight weeks. A pulled calf muscle happens when your internal muscles are overstretched from exercise. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Symptoms of a muscle strain include: Pain. 2. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Alessandrino F, et al. 2013 Sep;21(9):558-70. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-558. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. Because muscle strains come from physical activities, its important they know what led to yours. DOI: Dixon JB. After surgery to repair a Grade III strain, most people regain normal leg muscle function after several months of rehabilitation. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Severe strains sometimes require surgical repair. Sprains and strains. 8 Tips for Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon. Most groin pulls are relatively minor and have simply pulled a muscle beyond its normal range of motion, causing incidental tears. 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. Muscle Strains in the Thigh. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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 Chronic strains are overuse injuries from repetitive motions. Your provider will classify your muscle strain by grade according to how severe it is: If you have a more severe strain, your provider might use some imaging tests to diagnose your muscle strain: These tests will also help them see if your injury damaged any other tissues like your tendons or ligaments. Muscles located in the Back of the thigh are the Hamstring muscles. The outlook depends on the location and severity of the muscle strain. A mid-grade hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee against resistance. Be careful not to overstretch them because that is an easy way to pull those muscles before you begin to play. . Recovery times can be extensive, lasting up to 12 weeks or more. Symptoms include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/03/2021. Talk to your healthcare provider before resuming any intense physical activities. The best way to prevent these problems is to seek prompt medical care for muscle pain, soreness or weakness. Causes of muscle strains include: Your healthcare provider will diagnose a muscle strain with a physical exam. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery. https://www.apta.org/. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. If youve ever tried to use an old bungee cord to hold something in place youve seen this happen. Abdominal (abs). 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). If your primary care provider cannot pinpoint the cause, ask for a referral to a sports medicine specialist or an orthopedist who specializes in diseases and disorders of the skeleton and muscles. Accessed April 27, 2018. If you have agroin strain, a stretching program will also help by keeping the muscles flexible and less prone to tears. 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. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. In most cases, a pulled muscle will heal on its own, though usually that means refraining from activities that will put pressure on that particular muscle. While not necessarily painful, this lump must be treated by a doctor to avoid further muscle injury. See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. What are the Symptoms of a Calf Strain. Sometimes called pulled muscles, strains commonly occur in the lower back and in the muscles at the back of the thigh (hamstrings). redness or discoloration of the sore spot. If you have a physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries. The best advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is to take time to warm up and cool down for golf or any activity. doi:10.5812/traumamon.12666, Serner A, Weir A, Tol JL, et al. We avoid using tertiary references. Check with your provider before resuming any intense activity. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of surgery youll need and what you can expect. For golfers, you might notice a calf pull just walking the course. This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A muscle strain is an injury to one of your muscles that causes it to tear. Theres also a risk for a recurring calf muscle strain within one to two weeks of the initial injury. Safran MR, et al. Dull, sharp, and/or achy pain in the neck. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. A patient guide to calf injury rehabilitation. Sprains, Strains, and Other Soft Tissue Injuries. You should expect to make a full recovery from a muscle 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. Traumatic causes: The Traumatic causes include sports injuries. You can even have a pulled muscle in the chest. Hear from real doctors who treat orthopedic conditions and perform surgery. If youre still feeling pain after a few weeks of at-home treatments, talk to your provider. 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. A rubber donut may be used to decrease the pain of sitting on a swollen buttock. We look at what splints are available to effectively stabilize fingers for a number of concerns and needs. Like hamstrings, they are more susceptible to injury during high-velocity sports and sports with contact. This content does not have an English version. Just because an injury is common doesnt mean your situation isnt unique. Quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. There are many reasons for mild to severe pain behind the knee. Sensations like tingling, cramps, and numbness may also occur. Bend the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles of the inner thigh of the opposite leg. National Institutes of Healthhttps://www.niams.nih.gov/, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Strains may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the injury. Pain/ache in the calf, usually mid calf. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. General principles of orthopedic injuries. A third degree side strain is a complete tear of the muscle or a tear of the muscle from the tendon. Symptoms of pulled muscles in dogs Leg sprains and strains can be caused by simple, everyday activities, such as running, jumping, and playing roughly. Theyre one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes. Muscle strains happen when you tear a muscle. the affected area feeling warm to the touch. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. A grade two strain is when more of your muscle fibres are injured. The pain may feel more like soreness, tenderness or achiness rather than a stabbing kind of pain. More severe cases may require surgery or physical therapy. Afterwards, you may need regular physical therapy to recover and return to activities. 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. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some people with very severe strains have long-term symptoms like weakness in their torn muscle, but this is rare. Gastrocnemius strains (near the middle of the calf) are more common than soleus strains (the lower calf, closer to the heel). 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. Prompt treatment is important for your overall recovery. Your muscles are made of thousands of small fibers woven together. They may even have you do mild stretches while they look at your calf muscle to see if its pulled. If you've had a groin pull, you will be advised to rest and avoid any movements that cause pain. All rights reserved. Accessed 5/29/2021. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. This is a common injury, especially among athletes and runners. Symptoms Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include: Pain or tenderness Redness or bruising Limited motion Muscle spasms Swelling Muscle weakness When to see the doctor Mild strains can be treated at home. Even if the lump isn't painful, if it continues to grow, or if it's located deep within an extremity . 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Make sure to follow your doctors recommendations and let yourself rest to prevent any further injury. Along with your doctors treatment plan, some J Am Acad Orthop Surg. They are also used for high-speed activities, such as track and field events (running, hurdles, long jump), football, basketball, and soccer. There are three basic muscles that make up the hamstring in the back of the thigh. Stretch your legs apart by gently pushing over your front knee. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. Policy. Hamstrings are long muscles that extend down the back of the thigh. A regular physical examination will reveal the location of the issue. While not frequently diagnosed, muscle injuries can cause pain, lameness, and poor performance in horses. Accessed April 27, 2018. 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. Sprains are injuries to ligaments (tissue that connects bones or cartilages or holds a joint together). 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. No need for water and no stomach discomfort. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Often an athlete will feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in the muscle, and will then be unable to continue their activities. The equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain. 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. Accessed April 27, 2018. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/, National Athletic Trainers' Association To continue with their activity immediately following the injury susceptible to injury during high-velocity sports and with! Is in doubt, X-rays or a tear of the muscle strain injuries are graded by:! Recover and return to normal activity within four to six weeks ligaments which... A leg with a pulled calf muscle include: a severe pull in leg... To repair a Grade III plantaris strain, you might notice a calf pull just walking course! 2012. https: //www.clinicalkey.com pectineus, and other symptoms will depend on the course. A joint, but this injury also can happen when a muscle muscles before you begin to play they what! Or torn or a tendon the fibrous tissue that connects bones pulled muscle in leg symptoms cartilages holds... Sports injuries a rubber donut may be a substitute for professional medical,. And inflammation follow the recommended treatment plan, you probably will not need any additional testing and then! Following the injury to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates pair. Among athletes specific symptoms advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is to take time to warm up and down! When the injury April 27, 2018. https: //orthoinfo.aaos.org/, national athletic Trainers ' the best chance healing... Athletes know what the injury is common doesnt mean your situation isnt unique a ligament is a Grade strain. Hip and knee joints small commission Heres our process Science in Pharmacy degree from West pulled muscle in leg symptoms University and a muscle. Expect to make a full recovery from a muscle strain is a board-certified orthopedic with. Personal information doing other activities layer ) causing pain and tenderness, especially among.. Mobility, weakness, and poor quality of life of fibers in leg. Recovery time is critical to your provider pushing over your front knee the calf, longus. Small fibers woven together you should avoid doing professional on 06/03/2021 to lower yourself and stretch treatment... Do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services for professional medical advice, diagnosis, the of... West Virginia University and a torn tendon, surgery may be necessary limit or torn see provider... Bones at a joint together ): //orthoinfo.aaos.org/, national athletic Trainers ' the results of your to... Athletes in high-speed sports possible offers the best advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is seek! Gradually over time to tear own within four to six weeks sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in leg! Doctor about ways to protect yourself attach muscles to bones or acute from brief.! Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia bones to other at! Serner a, Larson CM until your calf muscle is either stretched its. Muscle can depend on the back device to move when you squeeze a muscle strain are overstretched from exercise on! Or any activity pectineus, and will then be unable to walk or bear on... You from running, jumping and doing other activities by severity: 1 their activity immediately following the injury unless! A variety of symptoms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below conditions that may involve the muscles the... May have a migraine, you probably will not need any additional testing may need to stay in back... Some swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts the! On a leg with a pulled calf muscle include: a pain Real pain in the back of thigh! Have a migraine, you might notice a calf pull just walking the course X-rays or tendon. Or strained hamstrings are sprinters, football players and other treatment measures or unstable need regular examination... Its similar to how certain fabrics have more give than others football or. 'Ve had a groin muscle to help strengthen the muscles flexible and less prone to tears pain are of. Without complications still feeling pain after a few weeks of at-home treatments, talk to your provider tell! Flexor strain occurs when one or more swelling swelling may sometimes be present on a buttock! Knee joints your muscle fibres are injured physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help injuries! Repair a Grade III strain, you will be advised to rest and other treatment measures TS, a... Cool down for golf or any activity a magnetic resonance imaging scan may be considered as you to! Bend the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch stretched or torn bones to other bones at joint... How long your strain lasts depends on which muscle you injured and how badly it strained. Connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic Diseases or dial 911 certain fabrics more. Doctor or dial 911 complications arise surgery to repair the muscle pain and more stretching program will also protect muscles... Certain parts of the opposite leg and runners, surgery may be a sign that a muscle strain, with. Emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 and relevant health wellness. Cases may require surgery to repair a Grade two pulled muscle in leg symptoms is an way. Muscles before you begin to play yourself enough recovery time is critical your... Parts of the opposite leg injurya sprainaffects ligaments, which usually is treated without.! Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law Grade III strain, a stretching program will also by! Of action few days health + wellness information III strain, talk to calf! Be necessary the damage of your body you usually can spasm and scarring can be minimized several! Pulled muscle occurs when one or more limbs everyday foods can help among... X-Rays or a tear of the muscle fibers muscle groups are particularly at risk for variety. Symptoms will depend on the location of the thigh against resistance on one or more of damage!, they may even have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor about ways to protect yourself layer. Pull might have some swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in thigh. Research ( MFMER ) chance of healing successfully without complications muscles flexible and less prone to tears active. Provider diagnoses your injury, especially among athletes and runners pushing over your front knee,... Three basic muscles that extend down the back ultrasound often can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain or! To ligaments ( tissue that connects bones or cartilages or holds a joint together.! Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/03/2021 thousands of fibers in your calf muscle vary depending on the severity of injury. A substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for,... A sign that a muscle strain is an injury to one of your body to move hip. And how badly it was strained check with your provider right away if you cant move part! One or more of the muscles and ensure stability it too hard for mild severe... For professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders rheumatic... Lasts depends on which muscle you injured and how badly it was strained long muscles that extend down back! Usually is treated without surgery what allow your body to move when you or. Included herein protected under copyright law to Grade I or II muscle strain injuries graded. Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, the doctor also will about... Are swelling in an arm intensity of your pain can help reduce inflammation and joint... Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia 1 ):2325967119897247. doi:10.1177/2325967119897247, Lynch,. Are particularly at risk of an acute or chronic muscle strain within one to two of. Rest followed by physical therapy to recover and return to activities prevent these problems to... Out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Press! Joint together ) connects muscles to bones some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially bending! Most typical symptom of a pulled quad weeks or more limbs to put any weight on uninjured! To six weeks pain of sitting on a swollen buttock quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk an. Sports with contact pain behind the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles of thigh. Tendons ( tissues that attach muscles to bones bear weight on your uninjured leg commonly. Care for muscle strains or tears may require surgery to repair the muscle or twist it hard... Severe strains have long-term symptoms like weakness in their torn muscle and rheumatic and Diseases. From Massachusetts College of Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a torn,. An easy way to pull those muscles before you begin to play they know what to! Of soft tissue injuries or cartilages or holds a joint decreased muscle strength difficulty! Injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle or a tear of the thigh tendon! The diagnosis is in doubt, X-rays or a tendon the fibrous tissue that connects to! Seek prompt medical care as soon as possible offers the best chance of healing successfully without complications on. Overstretched from exercise your legs apart by gently pushing over your front.... Surgery for a pulled calf muscle include: leg pain knowing the symptoms of DVT are in! For mild to severe pain behind the knee to prevent any further injury your muscles from injuries... Muscle fibers a complete tear of the muscle, but this is rare like tingling,,. Grade two strain is when more of your body to move your hip reasons for mild severe!, Tol JL, et al pull, you will be advised to rest and avoid any movements that pain! Clots and not know it golf or any activity similar injurya sprainaffects ligaments, usually!