Moderate exercise can soothe both mind and body while enhancing physical fitness. However, failing to warm up adequately before exercise may lead to unnecessary complications. For instance, fragile calf muscles are prone to soreness and swelling, or even strains—consequences that should not be underestimated.
Man Suffers Calf Strain After Exercise
Remains Unable to Walk Properly After Months of Recovery
Mr. Li (pseudonym), in his early 30s, occasionally plays basketball despite his busy work schedule.Several months ago, feeling rusty from inactivity, he arranged a basketball game with friends. Returning home that evening, he noticed soreness in his calves but dismissed it as normal post-workout fatigue. The next afternoon, he played again. While jumping, he suddenly experienced excruciating pain in his left calf, nearly unable to stand. By evening, swelling had developed. He applied ice and sprayed medication locally before resting at home.
He expected the condition to gradually improve, but after two months of rest, though the swelling subsided, his calf remained tender to the touch upon standing. When he managed to walk, he primarily relied on his right leg for support, hopping to minimize the pain caused by the left leg touching the ground.
Mr. Li sought help at the Rehabilitation Department of Guangzhou Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital, Panyu Campus.After a thorough examination and consultation, the physician determined that on the night of the sudden calf pain, Mr. Li had self-diagnosed a muscle strain. Following ice application and topical medication, the injured area progressed toward muscle fiber rupture and hematoma organization. A palpable hard lump was present at the injury site with significant tenderness, and ankle dorsiflexion was restricted—indicating soft tissue damage.Due to his tendency to develop keloids, Mr. Li was prone to forming hard lumps at the injury site. For over two months, he avoided putting weight on his left leg, which worsened his condition.
The hospital's rehabilitation department administered physical therapy including medium-frequency therapy, magneto-thermal therapy, and microwave therapy, along with manual local release techniques. They also provided daily rehabilitation guidance. Gradually, the hardened lump in his calf diminished, muscle tone recovered, his gait normalized, and he regained the ability to exercise.
Why did the muscle strain occur?
Why did playing basketball lead to Mr. Li's muscle strain and subsequent difficulty walking?
According to the hospital's rehabilitation specialists, muscle strains can be categorized into active and passive strains. Active strains primarily occur when a muscle undergoes a sudden, forceful contraction exceeding its inherent capacity;The latter occurs when the muscle is stretched beyond its inherent elastic limit during forceful extension, causing injury.
Muscle strains are classified into three grades:
Grade I: Only a few muscle fibers are stretched or torn, with the surrounding fascia intact. Fiber breaks are visible only under a microscope. Pain is felt during movement, but exercise remains possible.Grade II: A larger number of muscle fibers are torn, and the fascia may also be torn. The exerciser may feel a distinct "pop" sensation. A slight gap and depression can often be felt at the muscle-tendon junction, and a hematoma may form at the tear site due to bleeding.
Grade 3: Complete muscle tear occurring in the muscle belly, tendon, or tendon-to-bone junction. The individual is largely unable to move the affected limb. Intense pain occurs immediately after injury but subsides rapidly. Since nerve fibers are also damaged, surgical intervention is typically required.
What to Do After a Muscle Strain?
Medical professionals advise local rest following a muscle strain.If redness, swelling, or pain is present, apply ice to prevent further bleeding and swelling. After 24-48 hours, once local bleeding and swelling subside, switch to warm compresses to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. Alternatively, visit the hospital's rehabilitation department for localized physical therapy treatments like medium-frequency therapy, magneto-therapy, or shortwave therapy under medical guidance to accelerate swelling reduction, pain relief, and muscle fiber repair.
Prevention
Keep these points in mind
Avoid sports injuries
For sports enthusiasts, how can you minimize the risk of muscle strains and other sports injuries? Chen Yan, Deputy Director of Rehabilitation at Guangzhou Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital Panyu Campus, offers the following advice:
1. Warm up thoroughly before exercise: Proper preparation not only raises body temperature, increases deep muscle blood flow, enhances muscle responsiveness, and improves joint flexibility, but also reduces pre-exercise tension and stress.
2. Set reasonable exercise intensity: Adjust based on how you feel during activity, avoiding excessive fatigue. Maximum intensity is generally defined as a pulse rate not exceeding 180 beats per minute.
3. Progress gradually with scientific training: Choose suitable exercises, advance step by step according to individual needs, and steadily improve physical fitness and exercise tolerance.
4. Prioritize post-workout relaxation: Cool-down activities help restore body temperature, heart rate, breathing, and muscle responsiveness to pre-exercise levels, prevent muscle soreness, and alleviate mental stress.
5. Practice self-protection: Closely monitor bodily reactions during exercise to identify early signs of injury for timely detection and treatment. For instance, persistent muscle soreness or joint discomfort warrants attention.
5. Prioritize self-protection: Closely monitor bodily responses during exercise to promptly identify early signs of injury for early detection and treatment. For instance, persistent muscle soreness or joint discomfort warrants consultation at a reputable medical facility or localized physical therapy to alleviate discomfort.