Calf strain--I got hit

[Chas Tennis]

This tendon injury discussion is clear even if it is for horses.

http://www.athletic-animals.com/tendon.htm

Another on human calf injuries:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tendon

An important controversial question is: How do anti-inflammatory drugs affect the healing process?

[Champs990411]

Do anti-inflammatories make you more susceptible to injuries? The first time I hurt my calf (almost exactly a year ago) was a team match where my arm was killing. I gutted it out but took 6 Aleve before and during the first set. Hurt the calf at the end of the second.

[FuriousYellow]

Originally Posted by Champs990411

Do anti-inflammatories make you more susceptible to injuries? The first time I hurt my calf (almost exactly a year ago) was a team match where my arm was killing. I gutted it out but took 6 Aleve before and during the first set. Hurt the calf at the end of the second.

I was just listening to the radio interview on ESPN with Dr. Robert Klapper, the Orthopedic Surgeon whose been discussing Kobe Bryant's ligament tear in his wrist. He was saying anti-inflammatories delay healing and you should be using Tylenol instead. He also said Vitamin C helps with the healing.

Interview here:

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?id=7376894

[Posture Guy]

Yep, there are a number of studies showing NSAIDS actually delay/impede the healing process. I'll use them only in acute situations. For example, after an initial injury, I'll use a prescription strength dose for 48-72 hours trying to manage initial inflammation. I would never use them for chronic issues and I recommend to my clients that they don't, either. Limited benefit, and a LOT of other issues.

[Morgan]

Charging up the ball machine - should be ready for some light hitting tomorrow. First time since 2 Nov.

[Champs990411]

Good luck.

4 months since my last relapse. The 4" PVC has been quite valuable IMO.

[Chas Tennis]

FYI. This condition may not be related to the described injuries in this thread.

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in Runners

http://www.theacc.com/sports/c-track...061005aab.html

Onset of pain is often just a few minutes after starting exercise (but can vary). Need a specialist to diagnose this issue.

[Torres]

3 months now after my return to tennis. No 'performance' issues that I'm aware of but one thing I've noticed is that the area around the original tear gets sore if I've played several long matches over several consecutive days. I suspect the scar tissue 'gluing' up the surrounding muscle fibres. My right calf (the one I originally tore) still feels tighter and shorter if I stretch it lengthwise (eg. lie in bed straight on your back and pull your toes up to your head).

Accordingly, one thing I'd recommend to anyone dealing with a calf tear is that if you want to have as clean a recovery as possible, get proper physio and massage on the area as part of a proper rehab programe with rehab exercises, to prevent / minimize the formation of scare tissue. I just sat at home and waited, which in hindsight, probably isn't the best.

[tovli]

Great article on grading and treating calf strains

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697334/

[Posture Guy]

Terrific resource, thanks for sharing it.

[tennis_tater]

Anyone use the SpiderTech Precut Calf, Arch and Achilles Tape following a minor calf strain? Just curious as to what type of support this might provide when making your way back to the court. Would wearing this tape be any different than wearing a calf sleeve/compression sock/sleeve on the court?

[Posture Guy]

I didn't use that specific type of K tape, but I did get some therapy where they gave me K tape in a similar configuration. Honestly, I didn't feel much benefit from it.

I did, however, feel benefit from the Zensah compression sleeves. Completely different purpose and feel than K tape.

[G34]

Yeah a few years ago I injured my calf (slight tear) and took a few months off to heal. I found this cool compression sleeve and I've been using it everytime I play. Hope this will help some of you out there.

http://www.dme-direct.com/bioskin-ca...ce-shin-splint

[ollinger]

^^ you injured it a few years ago and use a compression sleeve?? What for? To reduce circulation to the muscles and make them more vulnerable to injury?? Perhaps people do things at times without considering what the point is. What do you expect the sleeve to do?

[tennis_tater]

Originally Posted by ollinger

^^ you injured it a few years ago and use a compression sleeve?? What for? To reduce circulation to the muscles and make them more vulnerable to injury?? Perhaps people do things at times without considering what the point is. What do you expect the sleeve to do?

I can't speak for the poster above, but both my physical therapist and orthopedist suggested wearing a compression sleeve/sock during activity in addition to post-activity for recovery for recovery purposes.

[ollinger]

^^ as a physician I can promise you that both orthopedists and particularly physical therapists often recommend things for no particularly good reason. I can't see a purpose to wearing such a thing, certainly not several years later.

[tennis_tater]

Originally Posted by ollinger

^^ you injured it a few years ago and use a compression sleeve?? What for? To reduce circulation to the muscles and make them more vulnerable to injury?? Perhaps people do things at times without considering what the point is. What do you expect the sleeve to do?

Well, many of the manufacturers market this product for "prevention" purposes in addition to an aid in recovery. Maybe since they are being marketed this way and since some health care providers are suggesting that it may be of benefit to wear these things during activities, people aren't necessarily wearing them "without considering what the point is." Maybe your opinion as to the benefit of wearing these sleeves is just simply different from other health care professionals.

[tennis_tater]

Since calf cramps can lead to calf strains, just curious if anyone with calf/lower leg problems has used the Cramp 911 product for lower leg issues, either for relief, or for preventative measures.

http://www.cramp911.com/concept/

[Morgan]

I've been playing doubles and hitting often (singles or ball machine) - but still tentative, even though it has been nearly 8 months since my injury. Very difficult to back off and not sprint to balls that you used to be able to get to. I'm wondering when the next calf strain will happen. Revisited this thread to get a few reminders on what type of stretch/preventative things I can do. My strains were 3 yrs apart, but you've got to believe it'll happen again, unfortunately.

[Morgan]

Originally Posted by ollinger

^^ you injured it a few years ago and use a compression sleeve?? What for? To reduce circulation to the muscles and make them more vulnerable to injury?? Perhaps people do things at times without considering what the point is. What do you expect the sleeve to do?

Compression sleeves might work in the same manner as kinesthetic tape...reminds me to not make unnecessarily quick sprints to balls (middle-aged, here).