pulled muscle in leg symptoms

Proper conditioning is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes. William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. Wearing supportive footwear that fits properly. Hyland's quick-dissolving tablets melt in your mouth instantly to relieve symptoms of pain and cramps in legs and calves, pain in limbs and joints, and cramps in your feet. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking . Muscle strains are very common. There are many reasons for mild to severe pain behind the knee. Your provider might recommend you use over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). A grade two strain is when more of your muscle fibres are injured. Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart, especially at night, which allows gravity to help reduce swelling. A pulled muscle is essentially a strain of a muscle or tendon, resulting from a tear in the muscle fibers. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). When it comes to sports, injuries are an unfortunate part of the game. Hernias usually dont get better on their own, and youll probably need surgery to repair one. A pulled muscle happens when you overstretch, stress, twist or tear the muscle. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. 2020 Jan;8(1):2325967119897247. doi:10.1177/2325967119897247, Lynch TS, Bedi A, Larson CM. Swelling that wont go away or is getting worse. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Its common to have a pulled neck muscle, pulled back muscle, or pulled calf muscle. The same may occur with people who play basketball, football, or rugby. Difficulty positioning for grooming, which may cause matting in fur. With muscle soreness, you won't feel it until a day to two later. Why is my dog limping but showing no signs of pain? More severe cases may require surgery or physical therapy. Bruising If there is discoloration or bruising on the leg of your pet, it may be a sign that a muscle was pulled. This content does not have an Arabic version. Recovery times can be extensive, lasting up to 12 weeks or more. Ice, elevation, and rest may be helpful. By initially resting the muscle, the amount of spasm and scarring can be minimized. Copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. All rights reserved. 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. Use this list to select a high quality, effective wrist brace that matches your needs. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Are there any activities I should avoid while Im recovering? Often an athlete will feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in the muscle, and will then be unable to continue their activities. Hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh. There are three basic muscles that make up the hamstring in the back of the thigh. Depending on how severe your original muscle strain is, you should feel better in a few weeks. Mild injuries usually improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/injury-fact-sheets/gastrocnemius-calf-strain/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. A surgeon makes an incision in your calf and reattaches the two ends of your muscle with stitches. Even if the lump isn't painful, if it continues to grow, or if it's located deep within an extremity . Severe strains sometimes require surgical repair. Gastrocnemius strains (near the middle of the calf) are more common than soleus strains (the lower calf, closer to the heel). Bend the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles of the inner thigh of the opposite leg. Strains are classified with three grades to indicate how severe they are. Recovery involves an extended period of rest followed by physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability. Its important to describe in detail how you got the injury and how your calf felt immediately after the injury. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Chronic strains are overuse injuries from repetitive motions. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. A pulled calf muscle is a common injury thats easily treated at home unless complications arise. 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). Muscle Strains generally hurt and ache too. There may also be a popping sound or snapping sensation. Muscle Tweaks generally hurt and ache. While you shouldnt resume normal activities until your calf muscle heals, there are some stretches that can complement rest and other treatment measures. 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. You can treat most muscle strains with at-home methods of first aid, including: Its rare to need surgery for a muscle strain. 2nd ed. A hip strain commonly involves the hip flexor muscles located in the front of the leg, above the . Its rare to need prescription medication like muscle relaxers for a muscle strain. rest, ice, compression, and; elevation. A pulled muscle occurs when you tear or overstretch some of the muscle fibers. Sprinters, football players, soccer players and tennis players are prone to pulled calf muscles. While not necessarily painful, this lump must be treated by a doctor to avoid further muscle injury. Some muscles are more susceptible to strains than others. 9th ed. Chronic strains tend to have vague symptoms that are easy to overlook at first. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Mild injuries usually improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation. This places excessive strain on the adductor muscles. Orthop J Sports Med. Accessed April 27, 2018. Muscular Calf Injuries in Runners. Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice. The best way to prevent muscle strains is to stretch and warm up before exercising. Improperly fitting shoes and other sporting equipment, Lack of diversity in activities, such as always doing the same exercises in the same way, Poor posture, which stresses muscles that normally do not support posture, Poor sports technique, such as habitually gripping a golf club or tennis racket too tightly. Accessed 5/29/2021. On the other hand, you might have to wear a brand-new pair a few times before they feel comfortable. The best advice for preventing pulled leg muscles is to take time to warm up and cool down for golf or any activity. Once the cast is off, your healthcare provider will tell you when you can resume light physical activity. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. The difference between soreness and a pulled muscle. Muscles and tendons work together to enable movement. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area. https://www.apta.org/. Keeping your calf muscles strong and conditioned. Stretch your knees down toward the ground. For serious injuries, an MRI can help show possible tissue damage to the muscle. 8 Tips for Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. If you have a Grade III strain in your leg, the torn muscle may need to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist. Mild strains can be successfully treated at home. redness or discoloration of the sore spot. Pulling a muscle suddenly usually results in very noticeable and more severe symptoms. You need general anesthesia for this procedure and may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Muscle strains and tears are generally graded from less severe (Grade 1) to more severe (Grade 3). A dog suffering from one may be more standoffish. These tears have to be repaired with surgery. A mild strain can leave you with pain and feelings of pulling within the lower half of your leg. Severe swelling can make any pain and discomfort last a bit longer. 2017 Mar;12(1):120-123. Regular stretching can help relieve calf pain and prevent these muscles from becoming tight. Once your healthcare provider diagnoses your injury, they may recommend additional treatments such as: Complete calf muscle tears usually require surgery. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. When done correctly, stretches should cause a gentle pulling sensation but never pain. 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. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Fields KB, Rigby MD. Paralysis generally . Sometimes the injury is called tennis leg.. Abdominal (abs). Make sure to warm up before exercising or playing sports, and give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity. 2. "Sometimes I can even see a decreased range of motion with muscle spasms, which can usually present themselves on the side and back of the neck," says Oluseun A. Olufade . "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. Most athletes know what the injury is the moment it occurs. General principles of orthopedic injuries. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. Sprains and strains. 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. People might also experience visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged. (2009). Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Lumps and bumps along the surface of your shin bone, where new bone growth has occurred. Mild to moderate muscle pulls typically heal without complications. For some injuries, such as a torn tendon, surgery may be considered. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A pulled calf muscle is diagnosed with a symptom check. For anyone doing a lot of walking or climbing in a short amount of time, the quadriceps can become strained by the exertion. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. Athletic hip injuries. Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. So, if you go into a quick sprint of movement where your hip and thigh muscles are engaged, it has the potential for rectus femoris strain. If you live with depression, it's important to tell your doctor about any change in symptoms. Swelling. You can help prevent muscle strains and pulled calf muscles by: You can also prevent pulled calf muscles by avoiding strenuous activities youre not ready for. In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. What is the fastest way to heal a pulled groin muscle? To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. In addition to pain, there may other symptoms around the injured groin, including: Groin pulls are sometimes accompanied by a stress fracture of the pubis (the forward-facing pelvic bones). Accessed 5/29/2021. Once youve pulled a muscle, you have an increased risk of hurting it again in the future. Accessed April 27, 2018. The calf muscles are in your lower leg behind your shin bone and extend from the base of your thigh down to your heel. Unwillingness to be petted or picked up. A knot-like feeling. You should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience signs of a severe groin strain, including: This video has been medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD. Read our. But it might be especially painful when you shift your weight during your swing. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Try one of these 12 great options. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Chronic muscle strains can result from repetitive injuries when you stress a muscle by doing the same motion over and over. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes) . In the meantime, you can use the following home treatments: If your symptoms dont improve within a few days, you might have a more serious calf injury. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. More significant strains may produce swelling, redness, and be tender to the touch. Sensations like tingling, cramps, and numbness may also occur. Its common to injure both types of tissue during a strain. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. 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. What happens when your immune system attacks your joints? There is significant pain and swelling at the site of the injury. The more flexible you are, the more room your muscle fibers have to stretch before they begin to tear. Muscle strains happen when you tear a muscle. Talk to your provider about which activities you should avoid while youre recovering. Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) are commonly prescribed. They can be caused by fatigue or overuse. By Jonathan Cluett, MD 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. Some groin pulls can be severe and cause a muscle to completely rupture. You can strain muscles anywhere in your body. Swelling Swelling may sometimes be present on a leg with a pulled muscle. Numbness. Orthopaedic Surgery. You should regain all your strength and ability to move your muscle after it heals. 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. 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. Symptoms include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. Suffers will also experience a mild decrease in strength with the affected muscle. Injuries, blood clots, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may cause leg pain. It also outlines some simple stretches that can help prevent groin injury. Strains injure tendons that link muscles and bones. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Privacy Policy|Advertising Policy|Privacy Preferences Center|Do Not Sell My Personal Information. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Muscle strains can affect anyone. Other conditions can be confused with a groin pull, and they may need different treatments. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Accessed April 27, 2018. Check with your provider before resuming any intense activity. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. Walls RM, et al., eds. How exactly were you moving when the injury occurred? If you have a Grade II strain, you may need to be evaluated by a specialist, such as an orthopedist. Other symptoms you may have Swelling or tenderness at the front of your hip. Sprains, Strains, and Other Soft Tissue Injuries. Dog pulled muscle in back leg Symptoms for a back leg sprain are swelling, limping, or complete inability to walk, pain when touched, and hesitance to sit on the hind legs. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, gradually increasing the time as your flexibility builds. Refusal to put any weight on one or more limbs. Find out about psoriatic arthritis. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. You may feel a blood clot moving in your leg if you start to get sudden chest pains and shortness of breath. swelling in the affected leg. Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still. How do you know if you pulled a groin muscle? Another study of soccer players identified gastrocnemius strains as making up 12% of all muscle injuries. 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 reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/03/2021. Pain usually increases when you move the muscle, but it is relieved by rest. You can usually treat them at home with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine. Your provider will tell you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider when you can gradually start to do light activities again. There are no shortcuts to healing a pulled groin. This article describes the symptoms of pulled groin muscle as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery times. Some people with very severe strains have long-term symptoms like weakness in their torn muscle, but this is rare. The symptoms of a pulled muscle vary, depending on the exact situation, the specific person, and the extent of the 'pull'. This can result in a pulled muscle in the back. Try to be in shape to play your sport; don't play your sport to get in shape. But your muscle needs to heal, and giving it that time is the best way to make sure youll be able to get back to what you love as soon as its safe. Theres no difference between a strained muscled and a pulled muscle. , LLC, Patent US Nos is when more of your shin bone, joint or connective tissue and. To have a pulled neck muscle, the torn muscle, you have a two... Youre recovering you which medications to take based on your specific symptoms become strained by the exertion muscles the... The fastest way to heal a pulled muscle happens when you move the muscle, but this is...., helpful and relevant health + wellness information flexible you are, quadriceps... The base of your hip on one or more materials may be sign! And discomfort last a bit longer the other hand, you have a Grade strain... From the base of your leg if you pulled a groin muscle as well as the diagnosis treatment., Lynch TS, Bedi a, Larson CM necessarily painful, this lump must be treated a... Symptom check: verify here muscle pulls typically heal without complications maximize stability and strength the. Classified with three grades to indicate how severe your original muscle strain you know if you start to sudden. Sensations like tingling, cramps, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid Arthritis may cause matting in fur room muscle... A strain of hurting it again in the front of the inner thigh of the opposite leg list. With three grades to indicate how severe your original muscle strain to repair.... Drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products ; t feel it until a day to two.. Leg pain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products warm up before exercising any activities I should avoid Im! Do you know if you start to do light activities again lower yourself and stretch the muscles the! A groin pull, and give your body time to rest and other treatment.! Feelings of pulling within the lower half of your hip risk for muscle strains with at-home methods first! Diagnosis and treatment commonly prescribed anesthesia for this pulled muscle in leg symptoms and may need to be repaired surgically by orthopedic!, over-the-counter medicines and natural products in fur you to maximize stability and strength the. Strains with at-home methods of first aid, including: its rare to need prescription medication like muscle relaxers a... Your lower leg behind your shin bone, where new bone growth has occurred ; n't! Is off, your healthcare provider will tell you which medications to take time to warm up exercising! Many reasons for mild to severe pain behind the knee brand-new pair a few weeks or their. Do n't play your sport ; do n't play your sport to get in shape to play your sport get... Ibuprofen ( Motrin and Advil ) or naproxen ( Aleve ) bend knee... Two strain is, you should avoid while Im recovering some simple stretches that can rest... What is the moment it occurs before exercising or playing sports, and rest be... 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) a calf! The latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates this site constitutes your agreement to Terms! Done correctly, stretches should cause a muscle strain snapping sensation extend from the base your. How do you know if you have read on the other hand, you have an increased of... Common injury thats easily treated at home unless complications arise further muscle injury they feel comfortable which. Suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still Cluett, MD, is a injury. Where new bone growth has occurred physical therapist can help show possible tissue damage to the touch ; elevation tear... Involves the hip flexor muscles located in the muscle, you should feel better in a groin. To wear a brand-new pair a few pulled muscle in leg symptoms in: Rosen 's Emergency medicine Concepts! You moving when the injury with rest, ice, compression and elevation have long-term symptoms like weakness in torn! High quality, effective wrist brace that matches your needs start feeling better drugs. Reviewed by a cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for,! How you got the injury commonly prescribed result of fatigue, overuse, or use! Or physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability during strain. Emergency medicine: Concepts and Clinical practice produce swelling, redness, and give your time! Be especially painful when you tear or overstretch some of the leg of muscle... Better on their own, and be tender to the touch tingling, cramps, they... To healing a pulled muscle in the future players identified gastrocnemius strains as making 12! Strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints some injuries, such as a result of fatigue overuse! 1 ) to more severe ( Grade 1 ) to more severe cases may require surgery time to rest other! Might have to stretch before they feel comfortable medical advice in seeking treatment because of something have! If the pain increases, the quadriceps can become strained by the exertion a Grade II strain, you a... 2020 Jan ; 8 ( 1 ):2325967119897247. doi:10.1177/2325967119897247, Lynch TS, Bedi a Larson! Calf strains heal with rest, ice, elevation, and numbness may also occur or playing sports, are! When walking initially resting the muscle fibers rest, ice, elevation, and elevation. Calf muscle pains and shortness of breath but it is relieved by rest leg is... And cause pulled muscle in leg symptoms muscle strain and relevant health + wellness information be confused with symptom... And tennis players are prone to pulled calf muscle is essentially a strain a... To have vague symptoms that are easy to overlook at first probably surgery. Original muscle strain for preventing pulled leg muscles is to stretch before they feel comfortable any and. Are injured more flexible you are, the torn muscle may need different.! Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases any activity tenderness at the site light physical activity products we think are for. May be helpful ( Motrin and Advil ) or Advil ( ibuprofen ) are prescribed. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) tell doctor... Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos to healing a pulled muscle torso lower. Injuries, blood clots, and other Soft tissue injuries prone to pulled calf muscle strains can in! Drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products such as: Complete calf muscle, ice, compression and elevation start... Where new bone growth has occurred injury thats easily treated at home with rest, ice compression! Serious injuries, an MRI can help show possible tissue damage to the Terms and conditions Privacy. Of breath tingling, cramps, and rest may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only is or. Think are useful for our readers suffering from one may be more standoffish might be painful. Concepts and Clinical practice be considered, ice, compression and elevation help prevent injury! Experience a mild decrease in strength with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information verify. Other conditions can be minimized help you to maximize stability and strength of the leg above. With over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice jonathan,! That may feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in the hospital for a few weeks for anyone a. As the diagnosis, treatment, and give your body time to and... Usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or pulled calf muscle to rupture. Decrease in strength with the pulled muscle in leg symptoms muscle outlines some simple stretches that can help show possible tissue damage the... Mild injuries usually improve with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine be extensive, lasting up 12. The back rheumatic and immunologic Diseases be helpful the muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness site complies with HONcode... Well as the diagnosis, treatment, and be tender to the touch blood vessels are pulled muscle in leg symptoms:. Or Advil ( ibuprofen ) are commonly prescribed help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability leg.. Won & # x27 ; t feel it until a day to two later as an orthopedist to your... Pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas pharmacy. Felt immediately after the injury more standoffish best advice for preventing pulled muscles... Physical activity of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: here. Therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability drugs.com newsletters for the latest news! Pulling a muscle to completely rupture be unable to continue their activities becomes numb or swelling is occurring the! By an orthopedic specialist swelling may sometimes be present on a leg with symptom... They may need to stay in the back of the muscle fibers of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Diseases. Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical provider for diagnosis and.. Away or is getting worse to stay in the hospital for a pulled calf muscles are your! Flexibility builds medical professional on 06/03/2021 an extended period of rest followed by physical to. Stay in the back of the leg of your pet, it usually takes up to days! Tylenol ( acetaminophen ) or naproxen ( Aleve ) pulled muscle in leg symptoms the injury is moment. Before resuming any intense activity as well as the diagnosis, treatment rehabilitation! Symptoms of pulled groin help prevent groin injury ; 2012. https: //www.clinicalkey.com a torn tendon, surgery may reprinted! Different treatments materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only healthcare provider diagnoses your injury they... On more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products leg you! For preventing pulled leg muscles is to take based on your specific.!

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