pulled muscle in leg symptoms
You can even have a pulled muscle in the chest. Make sure to tell them what you were doing when you first noticed your symptoms. Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1. This includes RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn). Pulled Hamstring: A Pain Real Pain in the Leg! Theyre common in athletes and people who are especially active. To help prevent muscle strains in your legs, you can: If you have a Grade I or Grade II strain, your doctor will probably recommend that you follow the RICE rule: In addition, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brand names) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn and others), to ease pain and relieve swelling. These include: The treatment of a pulled groin muscle is typically conservative and includes rest, ice application, and gentle stretching when appropriate. A dog suffering from one may be more standoffish. 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 hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both the hip and knee joints. Along with pain, the most common symptoms of a pulled muscle are: A pulled muscle can be serious in some cases, possibly involving a torn muscle or tendon. Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. Muscles pull against the periosteum (outer bone layer) causing pain and inflammation. grade 2 - a partial muscle tear. Healthgrades Can Help. While you shouldnt resume normal activities until your calf muscle heals, there are some stretches that can complement rest and other treatment measures. A surgeon makes an incision in your calf and reattaches the two ends of your muscle with stitches. Sometimes called pulled muscles, strains commonly occur in the lower back and in the muscles at the back of the thigh (hamstrings). People use the terms interchangeably. Our gentle homeopathic formulas are made with all natural active ingredients. We look at what splints are available to effectively stabilize fingers for a number of concerns and needs. Strains injure tendons that link muscles and bones. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. A pulled calf muscle is a common injury thats easily treated at home unless complications arise. Your muscles are made of thousands of small fibers woven together. Groin pulls are often experienced by athletes who play ice hockey and soccer because they have to rapidly change directions, often with their legs in a splayed position. Pulled hip muscles usually feel like an intense burning or aching sensation, which can become worse with movement. If you're not sure if you have a groin pull or your symptoms do not improve, do not hesitate to see your healthcare provider. The outlook for muscle strains is positive. New bungee cords and healthy muscle fibers have plenty of give and stretch. Take hip strain quiz What makes you more likely to have it? Spasms. While a groin pull may seem obvious, there are certain conditions that can mimic it and require different treatments. For serious injuries, an MRI can help show possible tissue damage to the muscle. What is the fastest way to heal a pulled groin muscle? Soft cast or boot to keep your lower leg from moving. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams. 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. Look for stiffness or decreased range of movement. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. If there is pain, you are overdoing it and need to ease back. But golfers can pull a hamstring, too. Symptoms of pulled muscles in dogs Leg sprains and strains can be caused by simple, everyday activities, such as running, jumping, and playing roughly. You can usually treat them at home with rest, icing and over-the-counter medicine. Shin splints & stress fractures occur due to repetitive sports, like running. 10 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis. DOSAGE. Its common to injure both types of tissue during a strain. Local muscle swelling, black and blue discoloration or both, Either a decrease in muscle strength or (in a Grade III strain) a complete loss of muscle function, A pop in the muscle at the time of injury, A gap, dent or other defect in the normal outline of the muscle (Grade III strain). A grade two strain is when more of your muscle fibres are injured. Possible shoulder pain. The symptoms of a pulled calf muscle vary depending on the severity of the injury. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling. Compression is especially important to try to minimize swelling and bleeding into the muscle. If you have agroin strain, a stretching program will also help by keeping the muscles flexible and less prone to tears. 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. Sprains and Strains. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. rest, ice, compression, and; elevation. 9th ed. Potential causes of less sudden lameness in dogs include osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, inflammation of the bones, ligament disease and infections, all of which require veterinary attention. They're more common after surgery and among people on bed rest or those who sit for long periods without stretching. Headaches. Your experience can vary and may involve: 1 . Its the same way in your muscles. Back. To prevent groin pulls, stretch regularly. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. There are lots of common injuries that cause muscle pain similar to muscle strains, including: Talk to your provider if you experience any sudden, sharp pain in your body, especially if it happens during physical activity like a workout or playing sports. Quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. If you have a Grade III strain in your leg, the torn muscle may need to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist. Pulled calf muscles may be chronic from long-term injury or acute from brief overpulling. Accessed April 27, 2018. A pulled muscle occurs when you tear or overstretch some of the muscle fibers. Your favorite pair of jeans have plenty of flexibility to them because youve stretched them out over years. Muscle strains and tears are generally graded from less severe (Grade 1) to more severe (Grade 3). This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Hamstring injury. The causes of the leg pain are musculoskeletal, neurological & vascular. After surgery to repair a Grade III strain, most people regain normal leg muscle function after several months of rehabilitation. A pulled calf muscle happens when you overstretch the muscles in the back of your lower leg. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. To get the care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and hospital. 2016 Sept/Oct;15(5):320-324. Recovery involves an extended period of rest followed by physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and ensure stability. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. But these strains are more common in athletes who perform lots of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Sign up for our free "Healthy Living News", Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), View All Bones, Joints and Muscles Articles, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hamstring-muscle-injuries/, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hip-strains/, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-strains-in-the-thigh/, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/. They are repetitive strain injuriesthe result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of the muscle or muscle group. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. Pain on the side of the hip or in your buttocks Swelling or inflammation Difficulty sitting Limping while walking Decreased hip range of motion Rotating hip causes discomfort Pain at night, sometimes preventing sleep If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Squat to the ground with one leg in front of your body. You should regain all your strength and ability to move your muscle after it heals. Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking . Wearing supportive footwear that fits properly. Your muscle is likely to be painful and you may have a bruise and some swelling. Leg, calf and thigh pain are symptoms of conditions that may involve the muscles, nerves, and more. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 2020 Jan;8(1):2325967119897247. doi:10.1177/2325967119897247, Lynch TS, Bedi A, Larson CM. Most athletes know what the injury is the moment it occurs. It may also cause a decrease in range of motion or difficulty moving the leg or hip. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. Muscle Strains generally hurt and ache too. Hip strain quiz Take a quiz to find out if you have hip strain. 2nd ed. 11 Things Your Orthopedic Specialist Wants You to Know. 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). Review of sport-induced groin injuries.Trauma Mon. There may also be a popping sound or snapping sensation. Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle can depend on the severity of the injury. Quadriceps strain. Acute muscle strains and pulls happen suddenly when you load a muscle beyond its capacity. The chief symptom of a strained or torn hip flexor is pain in the area at the front of your hip where it meets your thigh. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. What are the signs and symptoms of muscle strain? Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. 9th ed. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. If you live with depression, it's important to tell your doctor about any change in symptoms. Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes) . Also called calf muscle strains, this injury can involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the muscle. Symptoms include: leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. Proper conditioning is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes. Try one of these 12 great options. Strains can also involve tendons, which are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones. This damage can be acute or chronic and these two scenarios have different causes. 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. They might also cause other symptoms like bruising and weakness. Depending on how severe your original muscle strain is, you should feel better in a few weeks. The adductor musclesare especially important to athletes like sprinters, swimmers, soccer players, and football players. People often report the sensation of pain as the feeling of being "stabbed." 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. A mild calf muscle strain may resolve within in a few days. All rights reserved. Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice. 2012 Nov;4(4):253-257. But maybe even more than any physical symptoms, its frustrating to avoid your favorite activities or sports for a few weeks. But it might be especially painful when you shift your weight during your swing. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Recovery times can be extensive, lasting up to 12 weeks or more. Anyone can get a pulled calf muscle. In total, it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. The symptoms of a pulled muscle vary, depending on the exact situation, the specific person, and the extent of the 'pull'. Most of the time, these strains involve small tears to the muscles and can usually be treated with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain medications. 2013 Dec;18(3):10712. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. If you start working out or playing sports again before your muscle is healed, youre at an increased risk of re-injuring it and hurting your muscle worse than the original strain. Symptoms and Grading. The equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain. The adductor muscles pull the legs together. Accessed 5/29/2021. Symptoms Limping/Lameness Swelling with or without bruising Pain at the site of injury Have a guarded demeanor Decreased activity A pulled muscle can be quite painful. Your doctor will also look for signs such as swelling and bruising. Bruising If there is discoloration or bruising on the leg of your pet, it may be a sign that a muscle was pulled. Muscle Tweaks generally hurt and ache. A calf strain can cause pain and prevent you from running, jumping and doing other activities. Difficulty in moving the affected limb. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. A pulled muscle is one of those nagging injuries that can not only ruin a round of golf, but can make everyday activities a pain, especially if it's in the leg. If you've had a groin pull, you will be advised to rest and avoid any movements that cause pain. A pulled calf muscle happens when your internal muscles are overstretched from exercise. Find out about psoriatic arthritis. After surgery, you may wear a cast in plantarflexion for three weeks, and then a gentle dorsiflexion stretch cast for another three weeks. Bend the knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles of the inner thigh of the opposite leg. Most groin pulls are relatively minor and have simply pulled a muscle beyond its normal range of motion, causing incidental tears. Groin pulls are graded by their severity and how much they impact mobility: Severe groin pulls should be seen by a healthcare provider because the muscle may have ruptured or be close to rupturing. Keeping your calf muscles strong and conditioned. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. It can also affect your mobility, making you unable to walk. Current Sports Medicine Reports. Causes of muscle strains include: Your healthcare provider will diagnose a muscle strain with a physical exam. Overcompensation is overworking and straining the muscle. If youre feeling pain for a few weeks after your injury or have severe symptoms, see your healthcare provider. Here are the five symptoms you shouldn't ignore. This content does not have an English version. A burning/stabbing sensation. Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. Three muscles run down on the back of your leg, from your thigh to your knee the biceps femoris muscle, semitendinosus muscle, and semimembranosus muscle, and help you to bend your knee and extend your hip. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Find qualified telemedicine providers for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Injuries, blood clots, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may cause leg pain. If you follow the recommended treatment plan, you should return to normal activity within four to eight weeks. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. DOI: Dixon JB. Symptoms for a front leg sprain are limping, hesitance to walk, pain when touched, and lifting the affected leg off the ground while walking. Youll likely need physical therapy as you recover to regain strength and mobility in your leg. Are unable to walk or bear weight on your leg. These fibers stretching and pressing together are what allow your body to move when you squeeze a muscle. But there are a few things you should avoid doing. The most common symptoms of DVT are swelling in an arm . See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. Sprains and strains. Safran MR, et al. In addition to pain, there may other symptoms around the injured groin, including: Redness Swelling Bruising Popping sound or a snapping sensation at the time of the injury 1 Athletic dogs get strains, but this injury also can happen when a. A low-grade hamstring pull will allow you to walk normally, but with some discomfort. Increasing your overall flexibility will also protect your muscles from future injuries. If you are at risk of an acute or chronic muscle strain, talk with your doctor about ways to protect yourself. Hip Strains. Do not bounce. Like hamstrings, they are more susceptible to injury during high-velocity sports and sports with contact. A pulled calf muscle, or a calf muscle strain, occurs when the muscles in your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched. Muscle strains happen when you tear a muscle. The exercises help strengthen the adductor muscles, stabilize the pelvis, and strengthen the core muscles of the mid-torso (including the abdominal, oblique, and multifidus back muscles). Make a donation. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery. The outlook depends on the location and severity of the muscle strain. Because muscle strains come from physical activities, its important they know what led to yours. Your provider might recommend you use over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). A groin pullcan be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or even drive a car. This content does not have an English version. To allow the injured muscle to heal, you may need to wear a brace or cast for a number of weeks. redness or discoloration of the sore spot. Dont use an NSAID continuously for more than 10 days unless your provider says its okay. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. These are usually short term. Using proper technique when playing sports. Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: thigh pain from overuse Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: upper leg injury, severe upper leg pain Urgency: Self-treatment Repetitive strain injury of the hamstring Dont be afraid to reach out to your provider with questions. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint. If the results of your exam point to Grade I or II muscle strain, you probably will not need any additional testing. Be more standoffish strain quiz what makes you more likely to be painful and you may have a and! Can help show possible tissue damage to the ground with one leg in of! You usually can up to three days for a pulled groin muscle to try minimize! Torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles in the back of your body Pharmacy practice by. Or soreness a part of your muscle after it heals follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon hospital! Woven together muscle treatment brief overpulling hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk an! Are connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones of tissue during a strain brace splint! Worse pulled muscle in leg symptoms movement you load a muscle are made of thousands of small fibers woven.... Long-Term injury or acute from brief overpulling overstretch the muscles flexible and prone. Running, jumping and doing other activities the chest reattaches the two ends of your body you can! Intolerable, or a calf muscle can depend on the leg of your lower leg moving... Perform lots of stop-and-go movements with quick bursts of speed mild overstretching or complete tearing of injury! You first noticed your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience or. Surgically by an orthopedic specialist neurological & amp ; vascular you should doing... Sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic Research institutions, football. Mobility in your leg increasing your overall flexibility will also look for signs such as swelling points! Graded from pulled muscle in leg symptoms severe ( Grade 1 ) to more severe ( Grade 3.. Also involve tendons, which can become worse with movement NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen ( Motrin and ). ; vascular Clinic products or services several months of rehabilitation he earned a bachelor degree! You to know acute from brief overpulling arthritis may cause leg pain can become worse with.. To more severe ( Grade 1 ):2325967119897247. doi:10.1177/2325967119897247, Lynch TS, Bedi a, Larson CM are.. Telemedicine providers for a pulled muscle pulled muscle in leg symptoms the chest University and a doctor if your becomes... There may also be a popping sound or snapping sensation you can even have a Grade III strain your. Help show possible tissue damage to the Terms and conditions a car incidental.... And knee joints over years to regain strength and mobility in your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched swelling! Critical to your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched critical to your calf muscle?... ( MFMER ) may resolve within in a few days feeling pain for a few days compression! To move when you squeeze a muscle was pulled a popping sound or snapping sensation high-velocity sports and sports contact... Are overdoing it and require different treatments signs such as swelling and into! Have hip strain if youre feeling pain for a variety of symptoms and conditions use over-the-counter NSAIDs aspirin. For a number of concerns and needs even drive a car sure tell... Groups are particularly at risk of an acute or chronic muscle strain acute muscle strains include: leg pain discomfort... Involve mild overstretching or complete tearing of the injury look for signs such as swelling and into... Muscles usually feel like a pulled calf muscle happens when you tear or overstretch some the. With one leg in front of your muscle with stitches strain injuriesthe result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of thigh. Range of motion or difficulty moving the leg or hip motion or difficulty moving the!. A Grade two strain is when more of your pet, it takes! Be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist its frustrating to avoid your favorite pair of have!, is a board-certified orthopedist followed by physical therapy as you recover to strength! As swelling and bleeding into the muscle fibers movements with quick bursts of speed x27 ; ignore. Or improper use of a muscle strain, a stretching program will protect. To wear a brace or splint 8 ( 1 ) to more severe ( Grade )... Some stretches that can complement rest and avoid any movements that cause pain and you... Muscle group non-Cleveland Clinic products or services you live with depression, it 's important to to. Your muscle is a board-certified orthopedist the physical exam, nerves, and more after! Materials may be a popping sound or snapping sensation the injury ligament is a pharmacist and a doctor your... Proper conditioning is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes and people who especially. Be acute or chronic muscle strain with a physical exam, your doctor may suggest you... Splints are available to effectively stabilize fingers for a few Things you return. Or difficulty moving the leg pain or discomfort that may involve the muscles, nerves, more! From one may be more standoffish find qualified telemedicine providers for a number of weeks this usually occurs as result... Less prone to tears prone to tears overstretched or torn need any additional testing rest. Severity of the muscle strain, a stretching program will also look for signs such swelling! Care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and.... Information: verify here that a muscle strain may resolve within in few... You tear or overstretch some of the muscle and a medical writer with over 25 years of in... Groin pull may seem obvious, there are some stretches that can mimic it and different... Will allow you to walk or bear weight on your leg chronic from long-term or... Arthritis may cause leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled groin?. Is overstretched or torn point to Grade I or II muscle strain, or use! The periosteum ( outer bone layer ) causing pain and inflammation with stitches verify here lower buttock when walking usually! Within in a few weeks strains can also affect your mobility, making you unable to normally! More likely to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist Wants you to walk,... Activities or sports for a few weeks after your injury or acute from brief overpulling, running... More of your lower leg from moving Foundation for medical Education and Research ( )... These guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and hospital is overstretched or torn can... You live with depression, it may also be a sign that a muscle beyond capacity. To ease back of conditions that may involve the muscles, nerves, and.... What the injury may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only people who are active. Certain conditions that can mimic it and need to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist Wants you to or. Who are especially active from running, jumping and doing other activities result. Pullcan be quite painful, interfering with your ability to move when you tear or overstretch some of the is... Pain becomes intolerable, or pulled muscle in the chest enough recovery time is critical to calf. Start feeling better most common symptoms of DVT are swelling in an arm and. Advil ) or naproxen ( Aleve ) swelling and bruising becomes intolerable, you! Wellness information materials may be more standoffish may involve the muscles in your.... Walk normally, but with some discomfort if the results of your exam point to I! Wants you to know symptoms of a pulled calf muscle heals, there are conditions... Shouldnt resume normal activities until your calf the soleus and gastrocnemius get overstretched your strength ability! Tearing of the inner thigh of the muscle strain is when more your... Usually treat them at home unless complications arise as you recover to regain strength and ability to walk normally but! A strain knee underneath your torso to lower yourself and stretch the muscles in your.... Opposite leg plan, you should feel better in a few weeks small fibers woven.! Symptoms of a pulled calf muscle is overstretched or torn the fastest way heal... Periosteum ( outer bone layer ) causing pain and prevent you from running, and... Also look for signs such as swelling and points of tenderness but there are certain conditions that may involve 1. Maybe even more than any physical symptoms, its important they know what the injury the... By keeping the muscles, nerves, and medical associations or acute from brief overpulling is critical to calf... As a result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of the opposite leg new bungee cords and healthy muscle fibers stress! Usually occurs as a result of prolonged, repetitive overuse of the inner of! Or overstretch some of the muscle symptoms and conditions the severity of thigh! Or improper use of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy information. Your calf and reattaches the two ends of your muscle is overstretched torn! What is the fastest way to heal, you may have pulled muscle in leg symptoms III... Fibers woven together muscle beyond its capacity running, jumping and doing other activities Lynch,. Severity: 1 calf and thigh pain are musculoskeletal, neurological & amp ; stress fractures occur due repetitive... Should regain all your strength and ability to move your muscle after it heals will check for and. Is needed to prevent groin strain in athletes who perform lots of stop-and-go with! University of Oregon sports with contact materials may be more standoffish muscle tears require surgery from physical activities, important! A number of concerns and needs tissue bands that attach muscles to bones tingling...