Calf Injury Tonight -- Argh!

[heycal]

First of all, you really must learn to drive with your left foot. It's a convenient skill to have (if you have an automatic), and as a former cab driver many years ago, I would use it from time to time out of boredom or to stretch my right leg. (Learning to play tennis with your other hand is something else one should learn, but that's another discussion.)

Back to business: I feel more disabled now then I did the other night, although I still go back and forth to the kitchen or bathroom throughout the day by walking slowly, gingerly, and painfully. But I can do it. When I got hurt Saturday night, I hobbled off the court, sat with a bag of ice for a bit, and then my gf brought my car around to the front of the club for me. We then went out to dinner and I hobbled in and out of the restaurant, with her again bringing the car as close to the door as possible. Later, after dropping her off, I drove home myself -- using those handy left foot skills -- and hobbled into the house.

And I haven't left it since.

 

[heycal]

one week later

Hey Al -

So it's now been a week since I hurt my leg. It has not improved in the least. It's still very swollen and painful. The only difference between now and several days ago is that there is much more discolorization. My 10 year old daughter just got home from several days away and freaked when she saw my leg. "It's supposed to be a leg, not an abstract painting! Go to the doctor!" (Ah, it seems like just yesterday she was a sweet little baby instead of a wisecracking tweener.)

I probably will go see a doctor after all, or a PT, but now that's it Saturday afternoon, it will probably have to wait until Monday morning. (It's either that or the emergency room.)

Funny thing is, with all the swelling and pain when putting weight on it, and its Jackson Pollock like appearance, I've noticed that if I keep the leg still, I can move around the toes easily and move the ankle side to side without any pain.

Any thoughts on all this?

 

[heycal]

You're going to like this one, Al:

I just spoke on the phone to the doc on call this weekend at my ortho's office. Based on everything I told him, he's guessing that the reason this injury is so much more disabling/swollen/discolored than my previous injury last year is perhaps because last time I injured the plantaris, and this time I've injured the gastroc "which is a little bit worse".

I'll probably go for an exam on Monday.:sad:

Oh, and one other interesting thing: I asked if putting weight on the foot/walking on it would aggravate the tear and worsen the injury as opposed to merely being painful, which is what I figured. He said he did not think walking on it, particularly a week later, would worsen the injury. (Though he did say I might want to get some crutches.) Psychologically, I find this to be good news: it's bad enough that the leg hurts when I put weight on it, but thinking I was also further tearing it or otherwise worsening it by doing so made it all seem worse. Now that I know I'm not gonna make it worse -- if he's right, that is -- I'm going to pop some advil and go dancing or something...

 

[varuscelli]

Argh, sounds like you've got your hands full dealing with this one.

On the moving of the foot back and forth, I don't remember having much problem with that. What I couldn't do was flex the foot (stretch the toes out and back). It was the "flex" function that was severely hampered.

And yeah, from what you've been describing and where you stand now, it sure seems like it could be a distinct possibility that this one is a relatively bad gastroc injury (type II). Maybe that's the reason for lack of change for the better. Back when my injury occurred, I don't think I had made a lot of progress by the one-week mark. But, by the end of the second week I was able to move around a LOT better. It was still a long time before I could test the leg in any athletic sense, but still I did see quite a bit of improvement by the end of the second week.

I think it's a good idea that you're considering seeing the doctor at this point. I might cost a little, but as a precaution it sure couldn't hurt.

 

[heycal]

Argh, sounds like you've got your hands full dealing with this one.

On the moving of the foot back and forth, I don't remember having much problem with that. What I couldn't do was flex the foot (stretch the toes out and back). It was the "flex" function that was severely hampered.

And yeah, from what you've been describing and where you stand now, it sure seems like it could be a distinct possibility that this one is a relatively bad gastroc injury (type II). Maybe that's the reason for lack of change for the better. Back when my injury occurred, I don't think I had made a lot of progress by the one-week mark. But, by the end of the second week I was able to move around a LOT better. It was still a long time before I could test the leg in any athletic sense, but still I did see quite a bit of improvement by the end of the second week.

I think it's a good idea that you're considering seeing the doctor at this point. I might cost a little, but as a precaution it sure couldn't hurt.

Yeah, I'll go to the doc this week... Looking over your early posts, I think it did take you awhile to recover from the swelling and pain and all that, so I guess I'm not going to be playing tennis until the spring....

Any opinion on the doc saying I wouldn't be aggravating the injury by walking on it?

 

[varuscelli]

Any opinion on the doc saying I wouldn't be aggravating the injury by walking on it?

Man, I dunno about that part. Seems to me if you've got a fresh injury, the last thing you need to do is something that could potentially hurt it even more.

Maybe what he's implying is that in some ways, it's never too soon to begin a modest physical therapy approach. Maybe a LITTLE stretching and such to keep it from healing poorly (again, if it's the gastroc, although the approach for gastroc or plantaris would be -- in my understanding -- very similar in most respects). But at the same time, when the docs recommend crutches or a walker, they're also implying that you need to ease the strain on the injury. So I'd take that with a grain of salt. Sure, keep it limber and a small bit of stretching, but don't stress it out and maybe make the injury worse. That would be my take...

But I think (if I'm recalling this part correctly) that both my doctor and the sports therapist I talked to said that modest physical therapy could start taking place within days of the injury. That is, in terms of very light stretching and movement to keep things limber. But nothing to the point of sharp pain, etc.

 

[heycal]

Man, I dunno about that part. Seems to me if you've got a fresh injury, the last thing you need to do is something that could potentially hurt it even more.

Maybe what he's implying is that in some ways, it's never too soon to begin a modest physical therapy approach. Maybe a LITTLE stretching and such to keep it from healing poorly (again, if it's the gastroc, although the approach for gastroc or plantaris would be -- in my understanding -- very similar in most respects). But at the same time, when the docs recommend crutches or a walker, they're also implying that you need to ease the strain on the injury. So I'd take that with a grain of salt. Sure, keep it limber and a small bit of stretching, but don't stress it out and maybe make the injury worse. That would be my take...

But I think (if I'm recalling this part correctly) that both my doctor and the sports therapist I talked to said that modest physical therapy could start taking place within days of the injury. That is, in terms of very light stretching and movement to keep things limber. But nothing to the point of sharp pain, etc.

Yeah, recommending crutches AND saying it won't aggravate the injury to walk on it do seem a bit contradictory, huh? (Maybe he just means crutches for comfort and ease of movement, not as something needed to help heal the injury.) He did also mention something about starting movement by a week or so with this kind of injury, and there was some reference to special heel lifts and orthopedic boots as well.

I don't know. I'll go see someone on Monday and see what they say.

 

[CanadianChic]

At this point, about the only thing I can say for sure is that this calf injury seems twice as bad as the other one was. The first time there was never this discoloring, never this complete crippling effect. Heck, the first time it happened, I actually stopped into a sporting good store on the way home from my match to pick up something and hobbled in and out of there no problem. Now I'll consider myself lucky if I can go shopping sometime in in late march...

Plantaris, gastroc, appendix. Whatever it is, this is really sucking....

Heycal, could you possibly sound like more of a geriatrics patient? Suck it up please and don't be such a wimp (that is spelled the same in either country).

 

[Ronaldo]

Pulled a calf muscle two weeks ago. Stairs are the worst, feel every contraction. However, the more I used the calf, the pain seemed to become far less noticeable.

 

[heycal]

Heycal, could you possibly sound like more of a geriatrics patient? Suck it up please and don't be such a wimp (that is spelled the same in either country).

Yeah, yeah. Just wait until you're old like the rest of us... Now go on and scoot unless you have something constructive to add, kiddo. I'm happy to argue and kid around with you in other forums, but the fact that I can't walk and I have to quit my winter tennis league and face weeks of pain, rehab and expense ahead of me before I can even think about playing tennis again in maybe late April or May is less amusing to me than it apparently is to you.

 

[blakesq]

calf injury - prevention

One thing that helped me when I went to play after injuring my calf was using a neoprene sleeve around my calf. I tried to stay off my calf for 2-3 weeks (no tennis). When I went to play, I wore a neoprene sleeve (you can find these at a medical supply store). The sleeve keeps your calf warm so you are less likely to "pull your calf". Good luck! And your story reminded me to keep stretching!

Blakesq

 

[blakesq]

Bjorn, can you post the exercises here, if not my email is blakesq@hotmail.com. By the way, your email is not available on your profile, and neither is the option to send you an email. thanks.

Blakessq

 

[Bjorn99]

I am going to send them to you today. As I told the other two fellows, I spent a lot of money getting these exercises and they are sort of proprietary. But I want to help my fellow calf injury sufferers. Without these exercises you are likely to have reoccuring pain and suffering with this annoying problem. I lost the biggest match of my life leading in the third thanks to this one.

 

[varuscelli]

I am going to send them to you today. As I told the other two fellows, I spent a lot of money getting these exercises and they are sort of proprietary. But I want to help my fellow calf injury sufferers. Without these exercises you are likely to have reoccuring pain and suffering with this annoying problem. I lost the biggest match of my life leading in the third thanks to this one.

Looking forward to it, Bjorn99. Anything I can do to keep this (or anything simlar) from happening again is exactly what I need to see. It's very much appreciated.

Al
vruscelli@houston.rr.com

 

[heycal]

Looking forward to it, Bjorn99. Anything I can do to keep this (or anything simlar) from happening again is exactly what I need to see. It's very much appreciated.

Al
vruscelli@houston.rr.com

I received them the other day, Al, and noticed that you were CC'd on them. But when I pressed "reply all" your email address failed.

 

[varuscelli]

I received them the other day, Al, and noticed that you were CC'd on them. But when I pressed "reply all" your email address failed.

Well, that's strange...

That's my most reliable e-mail address, too, via our local Time Warner cable company. Wonder if there's a typo in the address.

But I also wonder if Bjorn99 might have gone though my stated TW profile e-mail address. Even thought address is correct, I've had problems receiving mail from other TW members who have tried to e-mail me that way.

If you don't mind, could you try forwarding to one of these (the first is a repeat of the previous one I listed).

vruscelli@houston.rr.com
al@ruscelli.com

I'd appreciate it if you can... thanks!

 

[heycal]

Done. Check your inbox.

 

[varuscelli]

Done. Check your inbox.

Yep, got 'em both (one to each address).

Thanks!

 

[CanadianChic]

Heycal, I apologize if I appeared unsympathetic - I just figured it was yet another ailment. I meant no disrespect and truly feel bad that you are going through this. But really, how old do you think I am here, twelve? I have my own pain issues, I just prefer the suffer in silence idea. There is always an upside though, and you should strive to see the positive aspect, no? Just think of all the time you can spend on this forum now, offering advice, sharing your thoughts and driving me to the edge of madness. Feel better soon.

 

[heycal]

Heycal, I apologize if I appeared unsympathetic - I just figured it was yet another ailment. I meant no disrespect and truly feel bad that you are going through this. But really, how old do you think I am here, twelve? I have my own pain issues, I just prefer the suffer in silence idea. There is always an upside though, and you should strive to see the positive aspect, no? Just think of all the time you can spend on this forum now, offering advice, sharing your thoughts and driving me to the edge of madness. Feel better soon.

If you prefer to suffer in silence, then don't visit the health forum. We're not really about suffering in silence over here...

Anyway, thanks for your wishes for feeling better, darling. I'll see you over in the "Sharapova's house v. Alberta: Where would you rather vacation?" thread.

Oh, and your age? I don't know. 26?

 

[Ronaldo]

Heycal, I apologize if I appeared unsympathetic - I just figured it was yet another ailment. I meant no disrespect and truly feel bad that you are going through this. But really, how old do you think I am here, twelve? I have my own pain issues, I just prefer the suffer in silence idea. There is always an upside though, and you should strive to see the positive aspect, no? Just think of all the time you can spend on this forum now, offering advice, sharing your thoughts and driving me to the edge of madness. Feel better soon.

Getting old, better add this to my tennis bag http://www.walkingequipment.com/heavydutyrollator.htm

 

[heycal]

Getting old, better add this to my tennis bag http://www.walkingequipment.com/heavydutyrollator.htm

Man, I'd kill for one of those...

 

[Ronaldo]

For sure beats the usual way off the court, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QxsQUWxMvs

 

[heycal]

For sure beats the usual way off the court, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QxsQUWxMvs

Good one... I've said it before, but you youngsters are genius's with your ability to quickly get your hands on any picture or clip to perfectly illustrate whatever point you want to make. Heck, just thinking of this clip to illustrate your point was brilliant, but then to go out and actually find it and get it onto this website?

I stand in awe of these powers, that to an oldster like me, are practically magical...

 

[Ronaldo]

Good one... I've said it before, but you youngsters are genius's with your ability to quickly get your hands on any picture or clip to perfectly illustrate whatever point you want to make. Heck, just thinking of this clip to illustrate your point was brilliant, but then to go out and actually find it and get it onto this website?

I stand in awe of these powers, that to an oldster like me, are practically magical...

Thanks I am 49

 

[heycal]

Thanks I am 49

Then your skills are even more impressive -- or disturbing. I'm not sure which! But hey, while I have one of you internet genius's handy, please take me through the process of how you came up with that clip and the steps you took to find it and get it on this website, etc -- from initial idea to final delivery to us, your audience. I'd be interested to know the various creative and technical steps you took along the way.

 

[Ronaldo]

Saw Eddie Murphy on TV tonite and thought of that moment in Trading Places. Clicked Youtube, searched for Trading Places and Eddie Murphy, voila, someone uploaded the clip I needed. Copied the url, pasted it here in quick reply. Your comment on needing a walker is truly inspirational. Waiting for the day to see and record some poor soul whip out his folded walker to leave the court. But, alas, even our players in their 80s still use their legs.

 

[heycal]

Saw Eddie Murphy on TV tonite and thought of that moment in Trading Places. Clicked Youtube, searched for Trading Places and Eddie Murphy, voila, someone uploaded the clip I needed. Copied the url, pasted it here in quick reply. Your comment on needing a walker is truly inspirational. Waiting for the day to see and record some poor soul whip out his folded walker to leave the court. But, alas, even our players in their 80s still use their legs.

I like your get-up-and-go, fella! You didn't just sit around THINKING about that clip, you went out and actually found it and brought to us. Thanks, and thanks for taking us through the behind the scenes process of an artist at work.

 

[heycal]

Heycal goes to the doctor

Al -

So I went to a highly recommended ortho today, 9 days after my injury. She gave me a pretty thorough exam, asked a lot of questions, ruled out achilles trouble, and diagnosed a gastroc strain. I asked about plantaris v. Gastroc and she said basically: "Some people believe they can tell the difference, but it's impossible to tell without an MRI". She seemed uninterested in trying to differentiate between the two, or speculating which injury I had now as opposed to exactly which injury I had last time because these answers are unknowable without MRI's, nor was she interested in speculating about how much force was needed to bring on such an injury. She said it's happened to people doing little more than standing around. (She said she actually witnessed it happen on a New York City street once with some guy who apparently just stepped the wrong way or something.)

Her attitude was basically "There are different degrees of calf strains, and this one may be worse than the last one. Doesn't mean it's necessarily a different injury." She recommended physical therapy and starting stretching and all that, and said I could use the leg as much as I wanted without damaging it further, and just use pain as my guide to how much I could handle, but that I should avoid sudden-type movements for awhile.

She said I could skip the crutches because they're a pain in the butt and that a cane was useless. She said I could try heel lifts if I wanted (and another doc there sugggested wearing cowboy boots!) She mentioned something about alternating heat and cold and preventing scar tissue, all things I will take up with the PT, and the possibility of this being a nagging injury that could come back again. She said if I'm lucky, I could be back on the tennis court in a month, which I find a tad optimistic, but which was pleasing to hear.

 

[CanadianChic]

I am glad to hear that you actively sought medical advice - are you feeling a relief now? As though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders (oops, don't want to throw any ideas out there).
On a serious note, I thought this was the correct place to lay a concern and was hoping you little ladies could help me out. I noticed this morning a bruise on my inner right calf. It is slightly greeenish blue in colour and swollen (definately swollen). It is about the size of a twoonie but more of an oval shape and it actually smarts a bit when I apply pressure - therefore I've decided to not do that. So, my concern is that although I am extremely accident prone and the sight of a bruise on me is not reason enough to give "Sightings" a call, I am concerned over this particular one. I do not remember bumping myself against anything or dropping anything that would cause such an injury - do you think it could be a burst blood vessel or even a clot of some sort? I'll keep a close eye on it and let you know of any changes, okay? I am seriously concerned here...

Again Heycal, I am sincerely happy that you received some good news.

And let it be known that any poking I do is primarily at myself - I would never laugh at anyone's illness or injury. I wish the best of health and happiness for all!

 

[heycal]

I am glad to hear that you actively sought medical advice - are you feeling a relief now? As though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders (oops, don't want to throw any ideas out there).
On a serious note, I thought this was the correct place to lay a concern and was hoping you little ladies could help me out. I noticed this morning a bruise on my inner right calf. It is slightly greeenish blue in colour and swollen (definately swollen). It is about the size of a twoonie but more of an oval shape and it actually smarts a bit when I apply pressure - therefore I've decided to not do that. So, my concern is that although I am extremely accident prone and the sight of a bruise on me is not reason enough to give "Sightings" a call, I am concerned over this particular one. I do not remember bumping myself against anything or dropping anything that would cause such an injury - do you think it could be a burst blood vessel or even a clot of some sort? I'll keep a close eye on it and let you know of any changes, okay? I am seriously concerned here...

Such much for suffering in silence.

Now, to begin, what the hell is a "twoonie"?!? Damn you and your teen Canadian-speak!

Dr. Heycal is going to rule out a clot, which is good for you because they can be fatal. He is going to take no position on a burst blood vessel, because he knows nothing about them, nor does he know if they are serious or nothing to worry about. (I think the latter in most cases, but I can't remember whatever small bit of knowledge I had about them.)

I'm thinking you have simply bruised your leg somehow and don't remember. If it concerns you greatly, go to a doctor. Otherwise, I would keep an eye on it, and I'm guessing in week or two this injury will be just a dim memory. Should it happen to get much worse or change significantly in any way, I would suggest going to a doctor at that point as well. But I think you are going to live.

Should you happen to die though, do let us know so I can be sure not to misdiagnose this problem with someone else in the future.

 

[CanadianChic]

Such much for suffering in silence.

Now, to begin, what the hell is a "twoonie"?!? Damn you and your teen Canadian-speak!

Dr. Heycal is going to rule out a clot, which is good for you because they can be fatal. He is going to take no position on a burst blood vessel, because he knows nothing about them, nor does he know if they are serious or nothing to worry about. (I think the latter in most cases, but I can't remember whatever small bit of knowledge I had about them.)

I'm thinking you have simply bruised your leg somehow and don't remember. If it concerns you greatly, go to a doctor. Otherwise, I would keep an eye on it, and I'm guessing in week or two this injury will be just a dim memory. Should it happen to get much worse or change significantly in any way, I would suggest going to a doctor at that point as well. But I think you are going to live.

Should you happen to die though, do let us know so I can be sure not to misdiagnose this problem with someone else in the future.

Well, when in Rome as you like to say. Your concern has me feeling all warm inside Heycal, and I appreciate your advice on this matter. What amused me the most was your "should you happen to die" comment. We both know that you would be the first one to notice my absence from this forum as I am such a thorn in your side (rest assured I have no plans on leaving you anytime soon Heycal).
Now a twoonie would be Canadian currency (speaking very, very slowly here) - not some backwoods lingo for elk herding. During your extended visit to the bustling city of Toronto, at any time did you not seek out a vending machine for a pop or bag of Goodies? Perhaps an Inuit seal trapper working part-time at the local five and getty passed you one as change when you purchased the copy of the Toronto Sun for the gruelingly long flight back to hot dog county.

 

[Ronaldo]

Btw, still sell cigarettes in packs of 25 in Canada?

 

[CanadianChic]

Btw, still sell cigarettes in packs of 25 in Canada?

Yes, although some brands are available in 20.

 

[heycal]

UPDATE - visit physical therapist

Went to a physical therapist for my calf yesterday, which is still very swollen and discolored almost two weeks after injury. I told PT that Dr. didn't speculate on whether it was a plantaris or gastroc injury, and he quickly said "It's not plantaris." He said I had a pretty significant calf tear, and he massaged and prodded and poked the leg for awhile and it hurt like hell, probably more than the original injury...

He disagreed with the doctor's recomendation to use heat and ice, telling me to stick with ice because there was still significant swelling. He fitted me for a heel lift, and said I should try to walk normally and avoid limping. He suggested I stretch the calf VERY lightly a few times a day followed by ice... I have another appt on Tuesday. It's not easy to walk comfortably yet at all. In contrast to the doctor, he said walking or doing too much that causes pain DOES aggravate the injury and ****** the recovery a bit, which seems very believable, but I got the sense that occasionally tweaking the injury is not going to dramatically alter the course of things either way and was almost unavoidable, and he also said I should try and walk through minor pain, I think.

Afterwards, and today, the calf seems to be hurting more than ever, and the pain has extended further up the calf to almost the back of the knee, making it feel tender when bending the knee, for instance. I called up the PT and he said this could well be a normal part of the process, and he expected it to get better by the weekend, but in the meantime I should back off from walking or otherwise doing much with the leg and ice frequently. He said the key thing to watch out for was a fever, and if that happened, call a doctor cause it could be a signal of an embolism (blood clot.)

So we shall see.

 

[Ronaldo]

Wow, this info makes my warm-up before morning dubs a little more critical today!

 

[chess9]

Went to a physical therapist for my calf yesterday, which is still very swollen and discolored almost two weeks after injury. I told PT that Dr. didn't speculate on whether it was a plantaris or gastroc injury, and he quickly said "It's not plantaris." He said I had a pretty significant calf tear, and he massaged and prodded and poked the leg for awhile and it hurt like hell, probably more than the original injury...

He disagreed with the doctor's recomendation to use heat and ice, telling me to stick with ice because there was still significant swelling. He fitted me for a heel lift, and said I should try to walk normally and avoid limping. He suggested I stretch the calf VERY lightly a few times a day followed by ice... I have another appt on Tuesday. It's not easy to walk comfortably yet at all. In contrast to the doctor, he said walking or doing too much that causes pain DOES aggravate the injury and ****** the recovery a bit, which seems very believable, but I got the sense that occasionally tweaking the injury is not going to dramatically alter the course of things either way and was almost unavoidable, and he also said I should try and walk through minor pain, I think.

Afterwards, and today, the calf seems to be hurting more than ever, and the pain has extended further up the calf to almost the back of the knee, making it feel tender when bending the knee, for instance. I called up the PT and he said this could well be a normal part of the process, and he expected it to get better by the weekend, but in the meantime I should back off from walking or otherwise doing much with the leg and ice frequently. He said the key thing to watch out for was a fever, and if that happened, call a doctor cause it could be a signal of an embolism (blood clot.)

So we shall see.

Cal, you are a walking, er, limping, bag of bones! If I were you I'd go easy on batting my eyelashes. Eyelid strain is a real downer.

Good luck, old man.

-Robert

 

[heycal]

Wow, this info makes my warm-up before morning dubs a little more critical today!

Don't you know it. Stretch those calves, buddy!

Cal, you are a walking, er, limping, bag of bones! If I were you I'd go easy on batting my eyelashes. Eyelid strain is a real downer.

What makes you think I don't already have eyelid strain?

I could try manually pulling down my eyelashes with my fingers, but I'm positive it would aggravate my TE, my rotator cuff, and possibly even my back injuries.

 

[heycal]

almost three weeks later

Here's another update on my calf injury, Al (and anyone else):

It's been nearly 3 weeks since I tore my calf. The leg is still slightly discolored in a yellowish tint, and still a bit swollen, but the black, blue, and reddish bruising is all gone now. I walk with a definite limp (and wear a heel lift which helps slightly), but at least I move better than I did a week ago. Ever so SLOWLY it is healing.

Went again to the Physical therapist, the 3rd visit, and he projects a return to the tennis courts by April 15th. This is about three weeks later than the MD estimated, but I thought her guess was a tad optimistic so I'm not surprised. If the April 15th estimate is accurate, it will have been two months since the initial injury.

I asked again about some of the issues we talked about, plantaris vs. gastroc, etc. I was surprised to learn that not everyone has a plantaris according to him, but in any case, I have a gastroc tear. He completely rejects the idea that a great deal of force is needed to cause this kind of injury in people our age, so seems quite at odds with your folks on this issue. He says it may not take much for old fogies like us to pop a calf due to the brittleness of our muscles or something to that effect, and also told some story about how Vinnie Testerverde tore his achilles at age 38 or so while doing little more than dropping back in the pocket during a Jets game.

So that's the latest. More limping, another week or two of a heel lift, and for now just gentle stretching and ice...

 

[jacob22]

Are you healed?

I tore my Gastrop 3 weeks ago and I am just starting to feel like playing some.
Are you back on your feet now? If so how long was it before you "trusted" the leg?

 

[Serve 'em hard]

. .

 

[heycal]

I tore my Gastrop 3 weeks ago and I am just starting to feel like playing some.
Are you back on your feet now? If so how long was it before you "trusted" the leg?

I didn't step on a tennis court for 9 weeks. Maybe 10 or 11 before I played sets. Even now, four months after the injury, I still feel twinges/stiffness, but more in the achilles and ankle area of the injured leg than the calf.

I'll let you know as soon as I trust the leg again...

 

[kobun]

Can anyone please send me the exercises to this calf injury problem?

I've been reading this whole thread right after my injury. I was really really worried because I've never had this sensation or snapping feel before. But I'm getting more and more convinced that it's the plantaris tendon after finishing this good read.

My email:
thekobun (at) gmail (dot) com



I want to do whatever possible while in injury so I can get back to playing.
Those who are curious, I finished one set of tennis. Took a jog on grass toward the bathroom about 600 feet away and felt a funny snap/pop sensation in the upper part of my calf in the back of my leg. I slowed down and was very confused, then I walked fine but felt a funny pain there. I walked fine for the next 2 minutes and figured I should quit and sit on the bench. After another 5 minutes, I tried to get up but FELT it! I couldn't really walk, too much pain to stretch the leg out. I hobbled and got one person's shoulder to reach my car. I pulled the seat forward and was able to drive home with left-foot assist break.
I hobbled home and turned to the Tennis forum first thing.
I am currently icing my leg and reading up on all the links provided.


Thanks again!

 

[kobun]

For those who are fighting the same injury, here's some more resources I've found.

Muscle diagram of calf injury.
http://www.sportnetdoc.com/injury/08-07.htm
You can also find rehabilitation steps in the article or here:
http://www.sportnetdoc.com/rehab.htm
http://www.sportnetdoc.com/retrain/08-07x1.htm
http://www.sportnetdoc.com/retrain/08-07x2.htm
http://www.sportnetdoc.com/retrain/08-07x3.htm
http://www.sportnetdoc.com/retrain/08-07x4.htm