Gastrocnemius strain
Background
- Normal mechanism is "pushing off" with foot
- Also known as "Tennis leg"
Clinical Features
- Audible pop
- Calf pain
- Bruising
- Swollen muscle
Differential Diagnosis
Calf pain
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Calcaneal bursitis
- Cellulitis
- Compartment syndrome
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
- Distal leg fractures
- Gastrocnemius strain
- Ruptured popliteal cyst (Bakers cyst)
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
Management
- RICE
- NSAIDS
- Ankle/foot bracing in a position of maximal tolerable dorsiflexion