Duration of a torn muscle fiber of the calf | Torn muscle fiber of the calf

Duration of a torn muscle fiber of the calf

A torn muscle fiber in the calf area is a disease that usually heals without complications in an otherwise healthy patient. However, the actual time until the muscle fiber tear in the calf area heals completely depends on several factors. Above all, the exact localization and the severity of the injury play a decisive role in this context.

Furthermore, it can be observed that the time of the start of therapy also has an effect on the actual duration until complete healing. For this reason, people who suffer from suddenly occurring severe pain in the calf muscle area should take initial measures as soon as possible. The first steps of treatment for a torn muscle fibre in the calf are based on the so-called PECH scheme.

In this way, local bleeding is less frequent, which can prolong the time until the injury is completely healed. Furthermore, the individual training condition of the affected patient also seems to have an influence on the duration of the disease. In general, it can be assumed that well-trained calf muscles heal many times faster than untrained muscles.

In the case of an uncomplicated muscle fiber rupture in the calf, it can be assumed that the time required for complete healing is between three and six weeks. The pain felt by the patient concerned usually subsides significantly after just a few days. However, the leg should not be reloaded too early.

A moderate load on the calf can be unproblematic after about one week. As a rule, patients can assess for themselves what level of stress is reasonable based on the onset of pain.

  • Immediately after the first appearance of the typical pain, all sporting activity must be stopped (P – pause).
  • Especially the targeted cooling of the affected region (E – ice) can shorten the time until complete healing of a torn muscle fiber in the calf enormously.
  • Excessive swelling of the calf, which can prolong the healing time, should be avoided by applying a compression bandage (C-compression).
  • In addition, the leg affected by the torn muscle fibre at the calf should be elevated if possible (H – elevation).