Muscular Calf Injuries in Runners

Curr Sports Med Rep. 2016 Sep-Oct;15(5):320-4. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000292.

Abstract

Calf pain is a common complaint among runners of all ages but is most frequent in masters athletes. This article focuses on injuries to the triceps surae or true 'calf muscles.' The most common calf injury is a tear of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (Tennis Leg) but other structures including the lateral gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus also may be the cause of muscular pain. This article looks at the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of these injuries. We also highlight some examples of musculoskeletal ultrasound which is a valuable tool for rapid diagnosis of the cause and extent of injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Compression Bandages
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced / methods
  • Leg Injuries / diagnosis
  • Leg Injuries / therapy
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries*
  • Myalgia / diagnosis
  • Myalgia / therapy
  • Return to Sport
  • Running / injuries*