The calf muscles span the distance from the knee to the ankle. The calf muscle is made of three major muscles, the two gastrocnemius muscles and the soleus muscle. A calf strain is an injury to the gastrocnemius muscle. Most commonly, calf strains are minor tears of some muscle fibers.
Calf strains are usually graded as follows:
Grade I Calf Strain: Mild discomfort, often minimal disability. Usually minimal or no limits to activity.
Grade II Calf Strain: Moderate discomfort with walking, and limited ability to perform activities, such as running and jumping; may have swelling and bruising associated.
Grade III Calf Strain: Severe injury that can cause inability to walk. Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling and significant bruising.
KT Tape is an appropriate treatment for Grade I and II calf strains. Grade III strains should be evaluated by professional medical personnel. KT Tape can be part of the overall treatment plan including rest, massage, and icing.
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Featured Testimonial
“In my final weeks of training to run the half at the San Francisco Marathon, a nagging calf injury worsened to the point where I didn’t think I was going to be able to run the race. I went to the expo two days before the race, and a representative from KT Tape taped my calf up, confidently assuring me that I would get better quickly. I was skeptical, but leaving the expo I noticed that I no longer felt the pain in my calf. Two days later I ran the half without experiencing any pain whatsoever in my calf, and I can say in all honesty that I’m now a believer! “
My strain was minor but uncomfortable. I use KT tape for shin splints all the time, so I thought I would try. The relief was literally instant. I shook my head in disbelief. I promise its not in my head bc I believe it worked, it actually worked. I am a competitive athlete, so taking a day off bc of soreness is not something I like to do.
My strain was minor but uncomfortable. I use KT tape for shin splints all the time, so I thought I would try. The relief was literally instant. I shook my head in disbelief. I promise its not in my head bc I believe it worked, it actually worked. I am a competitive athlete, so taking a day off bc of soreness is not something I like to do.