The gastrocnemius tear, also known as Tennis Leg, is a common pathology, especially among people who practice sports. The pain caused by this injury can lead to inability to carry out daily activities such as walking or running.
In the case of athletes, it can affect their planning, forcing them to stop or reduce their activity until the tissue repairs itself. Therefore, it is essential to have an accurate diagnosis and early and appropriate treatment to ensure optimal recovery.
What is Tennis Leg?
Tennis leg is an injury to the myoaponeurotic junction between the internal gastrocnemius and the soleus, with or without the formation of an interfascial hematoma. It is a tear or strain of fibers. Its injury mechanism is mainly due to a sudden and eccentric contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle. This occurs when the foot is facing upwards (dorsiflexion) while the weight of the body is shifted forward. In this type of injury, the patient usually feels acute and intense pain in the leg accompanied by functional impotence (limping).
It was given this name because the injury occurs with movements that involve running, jumping or making rapid changes of direction, such as those performed in sports such as tennis, basketball, soccer and many others.
Factors that increase the risk of internal calf rupture.
- Age: Muscle elasticity decreases with age, increasing the risk of injury.
- Muscle fatigue: Fatigue weakens muscle control, increasing the risk of uncontrolled movements.
- Insufficient warm-up: Poor warm-up before activity reduces the elasticity and load absorption capacity of the musculoskeletal system.
- Highly demanding exercise for the subject who performs it (not being prepared).
What are the symptoms of a calf fracture? Diagnostic tests.
There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate a tennis leg injury.
- Intense sharp or stabbing pain, localized at the tip of the finger.
- Sensation of a snap or “stone hitting” at the time of the injury.
- Difficulty or inability to run, jump, or even walk.
- Difficulty or inability to stand on tiptoe.
- Swelling or bruising in the first few days, which may progress to loss of muscle volume.
Ideally, an ultrasound or MRI is performed to diagnose this pathology and rule out a possible rupture of the Achilles tendon. If a rupture of the calves is confirmed, these tests can determine the location and size of the injury.
At Evolution Advanced Physiotherapy, We have a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine to accurately and effectively address this injury. Thanks to this technology, we can assess the severity of the muscle tear, identify its exact location and determine the most appropriate treatment to speed up your recovery.
How long does a gastrocnemius tear last? Degrees of injury.
The duration of the injury depends on the degree and the treatment applied. They are classified into three grades:
- Mild (Grade 1): small tear of fibers or “micro-tear of fibers”. May be accompanied by the appearance of a hematoma. Recovery time between 2 and 4 weeks.
- Moderate (Grade 2): partial tear of fibers. It usually presents with hematoma and functional impotence (difficulty in performing normal movements). Recovery between 4 and 8 weeks.
- Severe (Grade 3): Complete rupture of the myotendinous area or muscle belly. Recovery time between 8 and 12 weeks. Surgery may be considered.
Hematoma on Tennis Leg. Should it be removed or evacuated?
The extraction of the hematoma on the tennis player's leg will be determined by the size and space it occupies, the pain and functional disability and the lack of reabsorption of the hematoma.
In the case of small hematomas, these are usually reabsorbed naturally over time and with appropriate treatment. However, if the hematoma is extensive, persists for more than 3 weeks without improvement and its presence is interfering with muscle function or causing incapacitating pain, a possible removal of the hematoma should be considered.
The evacuation of the hematoma that accumulates in the interfascial space is a procedure of utmost importance to avoid the increase in compartmental pressure, as well as to reduce the incidence of fibrosis in the long term. After the extraction of said hematoma, there are techniques such as percutaneous intratissue electrolysis (EPI) that can reinforce the seal and help healing. Other procedures, such as the application of PRP, are being studied in this type of injury.
Complications of a Tennis Leg with a Hematoma.
The risks and complications that the hematoma may generate must be assessed, such as the development of compartment syndrome (vascular-nervous involvement that can lead to irreversible neuromuscular damage if not treated in time), infection, delayed recovery or poor healing and fibrosis.
How to speed up recovery from tennis leg?
Once the injury has been identified, it is possible to begin the appropriate physiotherapy treatment.
The use of advanced technologies such as Diathermy, the neuromodulation, and the application of PPE (Percutaneous Intratisular Electrolysis) can be very beneficial as it helps reduce pain and speed up the tissue healing process.
In addition, it is essential to complement these techniques with manual therapy and a personalized therapeutic exercise plan, which guarantees a more effective and safe recovery. It is important to highlight that this type of injury has a high risk of relapse, so care must be taken.
At Evolution Physiotherapy Clinic, we have innovative tools such as diathermy, neuromodulation and EPI to effectively treat calf tears, ensuring advanced and personalized rehabilitation.
When can I exercise again with a calf tear?
In the acute phase of the injury, it is essential to avoid any activity that may aggravate the damage (including stretching). During recovery, your physiotherapist will guide you, indicating which exercises to perform and when to start incorporating them into your routine. The key is to progress gradually, allowing the tissue to heal properly and returning to sports activity progressively, in order to prevent possible relapses.
Tennis Leg Recovery Phases:
- Acute or inflammatory phase (2-5 days): Stimulation of damaged tissue. Elimination of waste substances. Control of hypoxia secondary to the injury. Promote cell proliferation. Compressive bandage, relative rest, electrolysis.
- Subacute or repair phase (10 days): Low-intensity isometric exercise to promote tissue recovery. Gentle cycling and monitoring for recurrence.
- Remodeling Phase (16-18 days): Continue with isometric exercises and progressively increase the load, taking care to ensure that the wound does not reopen. Perform exercises with the help of a physiotherapist, monitoring the injury using ultrasound and the patient's sensations.
- Functional recovery or rehabilitation phase: Increase the load with concentric and eccentric exercises. Increase speed of execution. Adjust the movement to the sporting gesture.
Physiotherapy in Alcalá de Henares for the treatment of Tennis Leg.
If you already know the details of a gastrocnemius tear injury, you will understand how crucial it is to receive proper treatment to return to sports and speed up recovery.
At the Evolution Advanced Physiotherapy Clinic we have a team specialized in the treatment of muscle injuries, such as Tennis Leg. Our approach is personalized, combining advanced technology and manual rehabilitation to ensure effective recovery.
Schedule an appointment with us and begin your recovery with a physiotherapy plan designed for you.
