Orthopaedic Surgery | Sports Medicine Questions Calf muscle pain

How can I tell if I pulled a muscle?

I'm 30, and I run quite frequently. But over these past couple of days, the back of my calf has been in pain. Do you think that this could be a pulled muscle?

4 Answers

Yes, calf strains are very painful and notorious for not healing well or quickly.

If only 1-3 days, then unlikely. If severe pain, likely strained. Confirm with MRI.
Certainly a solid possibility. Need more info to know for sure
Probably so, but other things can cause calf pain (blood clot). You need an eval by a Dr.
It is possible, or your calf may be tight. If a pulled/strained muscle then rest, ice, compression & gentle range of motion/stretching. Should not return to running until full motion without pain. Warm Stretching before & after exercise is often helpful to prevent injuries. Assuming no bruising, swelling, or defect.