Ratty Posted April 9, 2014 Share So, just over 4 weeks ago I tore my calf muscle playing action cricket. Did the whole RICE treatment and have also been going for regular physio treatments. Got the go ahead a week ago to start cycling and running again. Did the Nav Challenge on my mtb on Sat which involved walking up very steep hills (I was a little lost), abseiling down waterfalls etc and I didn't feel a thing. Did a short slow run on Sunday and also no twinges at all. Then stupid me, thinking its all good went and played action cricket again last night. No problem bowling, but the moment I batted and tried to take off to run, it went again. My question now especially for the guys that run as well is what can I do to get the calf properly fixed. Clearly just being out of pain is not enough and I actually need to strength it? Next question is how long (estimate) should I give it? It is between a Grade 1 and 2 tear (first time round was between grade 2 and 3). I did my first off-road triathlon in Feb and loved it so had my eyes set on the Durbanville tri on the 3rd May. Any tips on how to get it back to normal in the shortest time possible will be much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TALUS Posted April 9, 2014 Share What grading are you using? How was the Dx made- clinical, sonar or MRI. Your age and previous injury history is also important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtr1 Posted April 9, 2014 Share I tore a calf muscle playing squash some years back. Rehab was physio a few times a week. But I was off for a good 2 months. Even after that it was a slow return to the bike. 4 weeks sounds short to me to put under huge pressure again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TALUS Posted April 9, 2014 Share You must differentiate between types of actvities - taking of for a sprint or jumping is worst for calf injuries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted April 10, 2014 Share What grading are you using? How was the Dx made- clinical, sonar or MRI. Your age and previous injury history is also important. Just going by what the physio said. They basically grade it on how well you can walk so not very scientific. I just know its not as bad this time round as I can hobble at a decent enough pace. When I did it the first time, I had to go on crutches as I couldn't walk without extreme pain. You aren't supposed to ask a women her age, lol. Seriously though I am 33. First time I've ever injured the calf. I had been dancing in high heels at a wedding a few days before I injured it so we think this was a contributing factor (I don't normally wear heels). Edited April 10, 2014 by Ratty TALUS 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakkals. Posted April 10, 2014 Share id say rest should be atleast 6-8weeks, rest meaning, nothing/niks. then start going for easy walks for another 2 weeks, dont run. start cycling, road preferably for another 2-3weeks, dont run. start mtb'ing, dont run. quit running and action cricket. Edited April 10, 2014 by antonj Dazshell 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted April 10, 2014 Share You must differentiate between types of actvities - taking of for a sprint or jumping is worst for calf injuries. I realised this the hard way :-( The plan was to be extra careful, but the moment the adrenaline of the game comes in, you forget these things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Dale Posted April 10, 2014 Share Compression sleeve and total rest for 6-8 weeks.Check with a physiotherapist for any rehabilitative exercises as well. Real tricky injury - sterkte kennyg 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Dale Posted April 10, 2014 Share I realised this the hard way :-( The plan was to be extra careful, but the moment the adrenaline of the game comes in, you forget these things. Yeah, short sharp multidirectional force can eina a vulnerable areasquash, tough rugby, action cricket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted April 10, 2014 Share id say rest should be atleast 6-8weeks, rest meaning, nothing/niks. then start going for easy walks for another 2 weeks, dont run. start cycling, road preferably for another 2-3weeks, dont run. start mtb'ing, dont run. quit running and action cricket. Thanks, not what I want to hear, but good advice. Don't want to quit action cricket as I love it which is why I want to build up the strength in the calf. I have played for many years without any issues. Dazshell 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted April 10, 2014 Share Yeah, short sharp multidirectional force can eina a vulnerable areasquash, tough rugby, action cricket When batting you push off at an angle and I think that's what did it. Pushing off with the leg straight was fine (I tested this before I agreed to play). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Dale Posted April 10, 2014 Share When batting you push off at an angle and I think that's what did it. Pushing off with the leg straight was fine (I tested this before I agreed to play). Injuries can be very frustrating to say the least Go easy and your body will repay you, Ratty.Before you know it, it'll be over.Time to train that upper body? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted April 10, 2014 Share Injuries can be very frustrating to say the least Go easy and your body will repay you, Ratty.Before you know it, it'll be over.Time to train that upper body? Thanks. Its so frustrating as I have just come back from 2 1/2 months off the bike after I tore my thumb ligament. Even worse is I have a beautiful sexy new trail bike that hasn't yet to see singletrack. At least I can still swim :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Dale Posted April 10, 2014 Share Thanks. Its so frustrating as I have just come back from 2 1/2 months off the bike after I tore my thumb ligament. Even worse is I have a beautiful sexy new trail bike that hasn't yet to see singletrack. At least I can still swim :-) Ahh, that's rof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stringbean Posted April 10, 2014 Share Please tell me you've already been to a specialist and had it checked out before you ask help on the hub.pulmonary embolus or DVT can easily happen weeks after a injury.I would think after the guy passed away that crashed at hoogies people may take more care after injuries.I would definitely get a specialist do a ultrasound just to exclude anything serious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted April 10, 2014 Share Please tell me you've already been to a specialist and had it checked out before you ask help on the hub.pulmonary embolus or DVT can easily happen weeks after a injury.I would think after the guy passed away that crashed at hoogies people may take more care after injuries.I would definitely get a specialist do a ultrasound just to exclude anything serious. Originally went to netcare and they didn't think an ultrasound or mri was necessary and referred me to the physio who I have been seeing every week and she was very happy with the progress. Was just hoping for tips on what has worked for others that's the only reason I came onto the hub. Do you think a specialist is necessary if it is improving? (Besides me obviously doing too much too soon). Swelling / bruising has all gone.If yes, what type of specialist and do you know anyone good in the area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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