Gastrocnemius strain: Difference between revisions

 
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==Background==
==Background==
*Normal mechanism is "pushing off" with foot
[[File:Braus 1921 293.png|thumb|Cross section of lower leg anatomy.]]
[[File:Sobo 1909 303.png|thumb|Gastrocnemius anatomy]]
*Also known as "Tennis leg"
*Typical mechanism of injury is pushing off with foot on affected side


==Clinical Presentation==
==Clinical Features==
*Audible pop  
*Audible pop  
*Calf pain
*Calf pain
*Bruising
*Bruising
*Swollen muscle
*Swollen muscle body (generally in medial calf area)


==DDX==
===Calf Raise Test===
*DVT
*Plantar flex the affected ankle. Patients with achilles tendon rupture will not be able to complete the motion, gastrocnemius tears will be tender but can partially complete the motion.
*Achilles Tendon Rupture
*Compartment Syndrome


==Treatment==
==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Calf pain DDX}}
 
==Evaluation==
*Typically a clinical diagnosis
*May consider tib/fib X-ray or [[DVT ultrasound]] to rule out other diagnoses, if unclear
 
==Management==
*RICE
*RICE
*NSAIDS
*[[NSAIDS]]
*Ankle/foot bracing in a position of maximal tolerable dorsiflexion
*Ankle/foot bracing in a position of maximal tolerable dorsiflexion
*Early weight bearing as tolerated
==Disposition==
*Discharge
==External Links==
*https://emergencymedicinecases.com/episode-58-tendons-ligaments-missed-orthopedic-injuries/
==See Also==


==Source==
==References==
emedicine
<references/>


[[Category:Ortho]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Sports Medicine]]

Latest revision as of 23:01, 5 March 2025

Background

Cross section of lower leg anatomy.
Gastrocnemius anatomy
  • Also known as "Tennis leg"
  • Typical mechanism of injury is pushing off with foot on affected side

Clinical Features

  • Audible pop
  • Calf pain
  • Bruising
  • Swollen muscle body (generally in medial calf area)

Calf Raise Test

  • Plantar flex the affected ankle. Patients with achilles tendon rupture will not be able to complete the motion, gastrocnemius tears will be tender but can partially complete the motion.

Differential Diagnosis

Calf pain

Evaluation

  • Typically a clinical diagnosis
  • May consider tib/fib X-ray or DVT ultrasound to rule out other diagnoses, if unclear

Management

  • RICE
  • NSAIDS
  • Ankle/foot bracing in a position of maximal tolerable dorsiflexion
  • Early weight bearing as tolerated

Disposition

  • Discharge

External Links

See Also

References