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How can I Treat a Calf Muscle Ache?

Kerrie Main
Kerrie Main

Most people will experience some form of muscle strain at some point. The calf muscles, or triceps surae, are a common injury location for some athletes and runners. The pain might be the result of not enough stretching before a physical activity or even a muscle fiber tear. If you experience a mild calf muscle ache, you might be able to treat it at home. Self-care treatments include resting, icing, compressing, elevating and medicating the calf.

The first step on the road to recovery is resting the injured calf. Your muscle tissues will not be able to heal without it. If your calf muscle ache is mild, the resting period might be comprised of not exercising for only a few days. You might even be able to switch to a low-impact activity that won’t strain the calf muscle, such as swimming. If you are experiencing debilitating pain, you might need to call your doctor to see whether you need to stay off your leg completely.

A person's calf muscles
A person's calf muscles

You might be able to reduce your calf muscle ache by simply applying an ice pack to the lower leg. Many doctors and physical therapists recommend doing the ice therapy during the resting period. You can use a store-bought ice gel pack, ice cubes in a plastic bag or even a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer for this remedy. Apply the ice pack to the injured muscle for 15 minutes at a time.

A medical professional should be consulted if calf muscle pains persist over time.
A medical professional should be consulted if calf muscle pains persist over time.

Some people use compression techniques to relieve a calf muscle ache. To try this treatment, simply wrap your calf muscle with elastic bandage materials. Use the same type of wrap that you would use on a sprained ankle. This remedy is believed to work because it reduces movement of the sore muscles, and it reduces muscle tendon swelling. You can also try elevating your sore calf, raising it above your heart level while sitting or sleeping.

An ice pack, which can help with calf muscle pain.
An ice pack, which can help with calf muscle pain.

Many doctors also recommend taking an over-the-counter pain-relieving medication, such as naproxen or ibuprofen. These types of medications work to relieve a calf muscle ache as well as to reduce inflammation in the muscles. Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that these types of medications will not negatively counteract with any other medications you’re currently taking. After your leg begins to recover, you also might want to incorporate deep stretching exercises and calf muscle-building practices into your normal regimen in order to prevent future injuries.

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    • A person's calf muscles
      By: unpict
      A person's calf muscles
    • A medical professional should be consulted if calf muscle pains persist over time.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A medical professional should be consulted if calf muscle pains persist over time.
    • An ice pack, which can help with calf muscle pain.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack, which can help with calf muscle pain.
    • Running can cause strained calves.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Running can cause strained calves.
    • Ice cubes placed in a plastic bag can be used as a cold compress for a sore calf muscle.
      By: Okea
      Ice cubes placed in a plastic bag can be used as a cold compress for a sore calf muscle.
    • Lower leg stretching exercises may prevent calf muscle ache.
      By: and.one
      Lower leg stretching exercises may prevent calf muscle ache.