Soleus tears are a type of calf tear that can cause significant pain and discomfort in the lower and deeper area of your calf. This article aims to inform YOU of the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for soleus tears. By understanding this common injury, individuals can take appropriate steps towards a full recovery.
Soleus tears often happen during activities like sprinting, jumping, or sudden changes of direction. These activities can put excessive stress on the calf muscles, leading to partial or complete tears in the soleus muscle. Additionally, inadequate warm-up, poor training load management, improper footwear, unaccustomed activities and poor lower limb strength can increase the risk of such injuries.
When a soleus tear occurs, individuals may experience sharp pain in the back of the calf, accompanied by swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight, they often report feeling as if someone kicked them in the back of the leg. Some individuals may also notice a popping sensation at the time of injury. It is crucial to seek Physiotherapy attention promptly at the Optimal Health Lab if any of these symptoms are present to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment for soleus tears typically involves the same processes as gastrocnemius tears (which is the superficial muscle running over the soleus muscle), but on average they tend to improve faster despite high levels of initial pain – both types of tears are delayed in improvement if the connective tissue within the muscle is affected during the injury process.
Soleus tears can be painful and disruptive, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals can achieve a full recovery. Early intervention, adequate rest, and a structured rehabilitation program can help individuals regain their strength and return to their normal activities.
If you think you’ve torn a calf and need help differentiating between soleus and gastrocnemius (and building an evidence-based treatment plan), reach out to our Physio or Podiatry teams on 9431 5955 and/or you can book online via our Client Portal on the website.
