Stretching the gastrocnemius muscle. Treatment, symptoms, what to do, first aid, which doctor to contact

A sprain is a pathological condition in which a person's ligaments or muscles are damaged as a result of severe stress or other factors.

Often the lesion occurs on the side of the gastrocnemius muscle, which brings tangible discomfort and can cause various complications. That is why experts recommend starting the treatment of pathology in a timely manner in order to prevent various disorders.

Views

Depending on the degree of neglect of the condition and some other factors, stretching can be complicated or uncomplicated. In the first case, there are disorders from the ligaments, articular joints and soft tissues. At the same time, the patient's condition worsens, his mobility is limited.

The uncomplicated form is considered less dangerous, since the symptoms disappear within a few days, mobility is slightly impaired, as well as the absence of disturbances from nearby fabrics. In this case, the recovery period in the first case is extended by several days or even weeks. In the second case, rehabilitation takes no more than 2 weeks.

In addition, there is sudden and gradual distension. The first occurs when a sudden change in body position or during an unusual load on the gastrocnemius muscle. Moreover, such damage is accompanied by more pronounced symptoms.

Gradual damage to muscle fibers is usually accompanied by less pronounced manifestations, more often occurs in professional athletes who do not feel the first signs of a beginning stretching.

Depending on the side of the lesion, there are right-sided, left-sided and bilateral stretching. The first 2 types almost do not differ in severity and manifestations, but bilateral damage leads to a significant limitation of mobility for a long time.

In addition, experts distinguish between stretching without tearing muscle fibers and tearing tissues. The latter is considered more dangerous, since the restoration of the hair occurs over a long period, complications often develop. As a rule, such injuries provoke concomitant rupture of tendons and ligaments, and also require surgical intervention.

Stages and degrees

Stretching of the gastrocnemius muscle (treatment depends on the neglect of the condition) is also distinguished depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, the patient does not even require hospitalization, but quite often immediate medical attention is needed.

Pathology stage	Features of the course
Stage 1	The mildest form of the pathological condition, in which only microscopic tissue ruptures are present, they do not have a significant effect on mobility and do not provoke severe pain. The patient can move independently, and the recovery period takes several days. If grade 1 sprains are detected, hospitalization or immobilization of the limb is not required
Stage 2	This stage is accompanied by severe muscle fiber disorders and limited mobility. At the same time, there is no complete rupture of the fibers, which shortens the rehabilitation period. However, during treatment, the patient must be prescribed rest, since physical activity can provoke the transition of pathology to a more advanced stage.
Stage 3	This degree is characterized by a complete rupture of the muscle tissue of the gastrocnemius muscle, as well as tendons and ligaments. As a result, the patient loses mobility in the affected limb. It is especially dangerous to damage two calf muscles at once, since the period of immobilization during treatment lasts quite a long time. The most acute manifestations and development of complications is observed precisely with tissue damage of the 3rd degree.

The severity of signs at each degree of stretch differs from patient to patient. It is worth noting that grade 3 with simultaneous damage to two limbs is considered the most severe and dangerous for the patient, especially in old age.

The stages and degrees do not depend on the type of pathology, almost always stretching is accompanied by classical manifestations.

Symptoms

The pathological condition manifests itself almost immediately after tissue stretching, which is associated with the occurrence of severe pain and other disorders. Externally, stretching can be accompanied by the formation of hematomas of various sizes and pallor of the patient's skin as a result of the development of severe pain syndrome.

Pain is not the only sign of the disorder, and neither is a hematoma in the area of ​​the sprain. The patient cannot lean on the affected limb; when trying to walk or run quickly, the pain intensifies. In addition, weakness, fatigue and decreased performance appear. Pain syndrome provokes sleep disturbance, as well as memory impairment and decreased mental performance.

Additionally, the patient's appetite worsens, digestive upset is observed, manifested in the form of nausea, loose stools or constipation. It is worth noting that in most patients the pain is aching in nature.

If grade 1 is diagnosed and the patient is allowed to walk, he notes that the pain decreases when walking on a soft surface and increases when pushing off a hard surface.

In the affected area of ​​muscle fibers, not only hematomas can appear, but also swelling, which indicates a partial or complete rupture. With microscopic lesions, edema is usually absent. Additionally, the patient's body temperature may rise in the affected area.

Among the general symptoms, one can single out a decrease in body weight, the appearance of signs of depression as a result of forced immobility. With prolonged recovery, discomfort appears in other muscles, the spine and joints. The general body temperature usually does not rise, but in some cases, this symptom may appear.

Reasons for the appearance

Stretching of the gastrocnemius muscle (treatment begins with a comprehensive examination) develops as a result of many provoking factors, which does not depend on the type of damage.

It is only worth noting that sudden stretching almost always develops during exercise in patients who do not play sports. Gradual stretching is more often diagnosed in professional athletes who regularly load the muscular apparatus.

Various triggers can lead to stretching:

• Deterioration of muscle condition as a result of insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals in the body.
• Heavy physical exertion on the calf muscles after prolonged rest.
• Disturbance of nutrition and blood circulation in the area of ​​muscle fibers.
• Congenital tendency to similar disorders.
• Deterioration of the elasticity of muscle fibers and the development of a tendency to stretch with prolonged loads of the same type.
• Professional strength sports such as weightlifting. In addition, wrestling, boxing can also provoke stretching.
• Shin injuries of varying severity.
• A quick change in body position, falls, which can lead to complications.
• Neurological pathologies characterized by a sharp and strong contraction of muscle fibers, as a result of which they cannot withstand the load.

Falls, severe bruises and some other factors can cause injuries. In addition, stretching of ligaments and tendons in most cases is accompanied by the involvement of muscle fibers in the process.

Diagnostics

A sprain involving the gastrocnemius muscle is considered a serious injury, so proper and timely treatment is required. However, it cannot be appointed without a survey.

Several effective methods are used today:

• Examination and interview with a specialist is carried out free of charge in every clinic. This method is always used, because during the interview and examination, the doctor can identify the presumptive cause of the damage, as well as the degree of its neglect. He examines the affected area, palpates, determines the severity of the pain syndrome. Only after that another study can be assigned.
• General and biochemical blood test carried out in state clinics, and its price is about 300-500 rubles. The method helps to assess the general condition of the patient, to identify common signs of inflammation and is considered a mandatory stage of the examination for any disease.
• X-ray usually carried out in state clinics, it costs about 300 rubles. and is considered the most effective method. It is used when the doctor, after examination, suspects the presence of a fracture of the bones of the limb. On the images obtained, you can see the presence or absence of cracks in the affected area.
• Magnetic resonance imaging used in exceptional cases. The cost of the procedure is approximately 1,500 rubles. It is carried out in specialized clinics with the appropriate equipment. It is worth noting that such a study is considered the most effective when there are no external signs of damage, but the patient is worried about pain at rest and during movement.

After passing the examination, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment for the patient and gives recommendations on the regimen. It is worth noting that in most cases, an examination and obtaining blood test results are sufficient to make a diagnosis. However, MRI is considered the most effective method.

When to see a doctor

If symptoms of sprain appear or after an injury accompanied by severe symptoms, it is worthwhile to see a doctor immediately. Usually, such injuries are dealt with by a traumatologist, who not only prescribes treatment or hospitalizes the patient, but also gives all the necessary recommendations to prevent complications.

Prevention

Stretching of the gastrocnemius muscle (treatment should be aimed at preventing complications) can be prevented if some recommendations are followed. It should be noted that it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of such injuries, but it is quite possible to minimize it.

It is recommended not to engage in heavy sports without preparation and prior consultation with a professional trainer. He will determine the capabilities of a particular person and help to draw up a program according to which the load will increase gradually, which will not lead to injuries.

When running, walking and other types of load, it is important to observe safety precautions, rest if necessary, and also not exhaust yourself with exercises. If the patient plans to do yoga, Pilates, and similar sports, it is important to do some stretching beforehand to minimize the risk of injury.

Additionally, all patients are advised to enrich their diet with lean meat, vegetables, and fruits. It is useful to include nuts and dairy products on the menu. Saturation of all organs and tissues with essential components will help maintain muscle elasticity and prevent damage.

It is also recommended that you do not do strength sports every day, but take a break for 2-3 days. This will allow the muscles to recover from stress. Compliance with simple rules will help to significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Treatment methods

When stretching, it is important not only to provide the patient with first aid, but also to determine the means that will be used after the elimination of acute symptoms. In each case, the treatment regimen may differ depending on the degree of tissue damage.

First aid

When identifying symptoms of a stretch, it is important to take several steps step by step. actions to help alleviate the condition and prevent complications:

1. Ensure complete rest of the affected limb by lying down or sitting down the patient.
2. Apply a cold water bottle or ice pack to the affected area. Do not apply to the skin, it is better to put a piece of natural fabric between the cold and the limb. The bubble is left on the leg for 20 minutes, after which it is removed.
3. Use an elastic bandage to wrap around the limb. This will prevent further spread of the inflammation.
4. If necessary, give the patient water, provide fresh air and rest.

It is worth noting that a positive result can be obtained if the limb is raised above the level of the head. This will ensure minimal blood flow to the leg. Before performing all the manipulations, it is worth calling a doctor.

Medications

For each patient, different drugs can be used, depending on the degree of neglect of the condition.

The most commonly prescribed medications are:

• Ibuprofen Is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve pain and prevent the spread of the inflammatory process to healthy tissues. The tablets are highly effective; they are prescribed in courses of 3-5 days with a daily intake of 1 tablet in the morning and evening. The cost of the medicine is about 150 rubles.
• Nise gel - a remedy based on nimesulide, which is used topically, relieves swelling, pain, redness and prevents the development of the inflammatory process. The drug is considered very effective and helps to eliminate the most pronounced manifestations in 3-5 days. It should be applied to the skin 2-3 times a day with a thin layer, rub in until absorbed. The course of therapy lasts up to 7 days. The price of the product is from 250 rubles.
• Dolobene - a gel based on pain relieving and blood thinning components. It helps not only to eliminate pain and swelling, but also stimulates the rapid resorption of hematoma, prevents the development of inflammation. Apply it to the affected area up to 4 times a day with a thin layer for 10 days. The price of the product is from 150 rubles.
• Ketorol - solution for intramuscular administration, which is used in the absence of effect from the use of external agents. It is administered in an amount of 1-2 ml per day for 3-5 days. The drug is considered effective, quickly relieves pain and other symptoms. The cost of the medicine is from 30 rubles. for 1 ampoule.
• Heparin ointment it is prescribed for patients with extensive hematomas and a tendency to form blood clots. The tool stimulates the resorption of hematomas, is considered very effective, eliminates edema, which contributes to rapid recovery. Price - from 25 rubles.
• Troxevasin - a gel for external use, which is considered very effective and helps to eliminate swelling, bruising and pain. It is prescribed in courses of 10 days with daily application in the morning and evening of a thin layer of gel. The cost of the medicine is approximately 350 rubles.

The dosage and dosage regimen may differ in each individual case.

Traditional methods

Stretching the calf muscle (treatment should be prescribed by a doctor) at home can be carried out using folk remedies, but only in the absence of complications.

Boiled milk compresses are considered effective for pain and swelling. It is necessary to moisten gauze folded several times in warm milk and apply to the affected area for 30 minutes. Repeat 2 times a day for 10 days.

A compress made from chopped onion and sugar is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is necessary to chop a fresh onion, mix with 10 g of sugar, spread the gruel on a cloth or gauze, apply to the affected area for 2 hours. Repeat daily for a week.

Arnica alcoholic infusion helps to cope with pain and inflammation. It must be prepared from 100 ml of alcohol and 20 g of dry plant raw materials, leave for 3 weeks. The finished product should be filtered and used to rub the affected limb in the morning and evening for 10 days.

Folk remedies cannot be used with a complete rupture of muscle fibers, as well as with the development of complications and without the permission of specialists.

Other methods

Other methods include physiotherapy and surgery. The most popular physiotherapy method is massage. It is prescribed after the disappearance of pain and other acute symptoms.

To obtain the result, appoint from 10 to 15 sessions with a frequency of 2-3 days. During the session, the blood circulation in the affected area is improved, the processes of tissue repair are stimulated. The massage should be done by a professional in a hospital.

Magnetotherapy is also often used for sprains. The method helps to improve tissue nutrition, stimulates blood circulation and helps to shorten the recovery period. The procedures are carried out within 15-20 minutes, the affected area is exposed to a low-frequency magnetic field, repeated once every 2 days for 3-4 weeks.

Surgery is performed in the event of a complete rupture of muscle fibers, ligaments and tendons. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and involves restoring the integrity of the fibers by stitching them together. The rehabilitation period lasts from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the patient's age and the presence of concomitant complications.

It should be noted that before the operation, the patient undergoes training, the specialist makes sure that there are no absolute contraindications, determines the tactics of the intervention.

Possible complications

Lack of treatment for mild lesions can slow down the process of tissue repair and limit the patient's mobility.

However, with a lesion of 2 or 3 degrees, therapy is necessary, since its absence leads to the development of complications:

• The spread of the inflammatory process to healthy tissues.
• Atrophy of muscle fibers and tendons.
• The development of a purulent process in the area of ​​fiber rupture.
• Impaired blood circulation in soft tissues.
• The development of trophic ulcers in the affected area as a result of the lack of a sufficient amount of blood.
• Decreased motor activity and the inability to perform even ordinary household manipulations.

In severe cases, with bilateral muscle damage, their complete atrophy occurs. In this case, immediate surgical intervention is required, since in its absence, a complete loss of the ability to move independently is possible. To prevent complications, it is important to see a doctor immediately if symptoms of sprain appear.

Stretching affecting the gastrocnemius muscle is considered a fairly common problem among athletes and ordinary people of all ages. Treatment of the disorder should be timely and comprehensive, which will prevent the development of severe consequences.

Video about the gastrocnemius muscle

Causes of pain and cramps in the calves: