stretched calf muscle?

any advice on what to do with a stretched calf muscle?

If I was treating myself for this injury I would start out with RICE, non-weight bearing for 48-72 hrs and some NSAIDs of one kind or the other. Then I would, depending on the recovery and the degree of injury, start back up with some light stretching increasing to moderate activity. I would give myself about 10-14 days for recovery. This is what I would do. Hope it helps, heal well.

chansmeyer907 wrote:any advice on what to do with a stretched calf muscle?

Honestly, I have no idea what a "stretched" calf muscle is. If you could be more specific/appropriate with your injury terminology, that would be helpful. My only guess is that you mean you strained your calf muscle...

Tobin's advice is pretty good as general responses go to such an ambiguous post, but if your calf is truly strained, I would actually avoid stretching it initially as this can actually hinder your recovery. Also, compressing the calf with a wrap (esp. while elevating it) is a good idea (i.e. the 'C' part in RICE).

Once acute pain is gone, very gentle, passive stretching is okay. Later, you can work into active stretching and rehabilitative strengthening. The timeframe all depends on the severity of the strain--IF that's what you have.

If you don't know what these things mean, it would be a really good idea to see a general ortho doc and get a diagnosis and some professional treatment advice in person.

Do you mean a strained calf muscle? (to repeat Aerili's question)

Ice is important. Also try massaging it with the topical ointment Arniflora Gel (available at a health food store). Be generous with the application. This stuff works wonders!

Use Bromelain instead of NSAIDs, since NSAIDs can injure the liver and kidneys:

lef.org/protocols/appendix/…

Taken on an empty stomach, Bromelain is an effective antiinflammatory with no side effects.

When you start to stretch it again, wait until you are warmed up and sit with your legs straight out in front of you and then pull your toes toward you until you feel the stretch. Stretching this way instead of leaning against a tree avoids overstretching and reinjury. Also, it strengthens the opposing muscle group.

If the Achilles tendon is involved, tape your feet with sports tape (don't use first aid tape). Tape three long overlapping strips along the bottom of your foot and up your calf a little ways. Do a keeper wrap around the bottom and top completely around your calf and foot. While taping, keep your foot at an orientation such that when you are done, the tape provides support and prevents straining again. Don't bend your foot forwards too much or the tape will be too tight. Put the keeper wraps on a little loose. Even if the Achilles isn't involved. this taping job should help.