Well it was bound to happen sooner or later, we have had our first injury in New Zealand. Gary was playing Phil at squash (again). Their games have become more frequent and competitive. Usually they end in a close game and a beer, but this time it ended in a torn calf muscle and Gary is out of commission for at least a couple of weeks. He is hobbling around the house and icing frequently, but otherwise in good spirits. We are all trying to make him more comfortable, Ginny has been tending to the medical needs, Hank is playing computer games for him, and I have been cooking and cooking and cooking. Tomorrow we are going to find a GP or take him to the walk-up clinic. Below is some information on the injury for those of you interested (like our pre-med daughter) in the medical details.
From http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/leg_injuries/a/leg6.htm
A torn calf muscle results in sudden pain and bruising in the lower leg. A calf strain (torn calf muscle) occurs when part of the muscle of the lower leg (gastrocnemius or soleus) is pulled from the Achilles tendon. It is similar to an Achilles tendon tear or rupture, but occurs higher up in the back of the leg. A sign of a calf strain is similar to that of an Achilles tendon rupture – you may think you’ve just been hit in the leg and hear a “pop.” There is sudden pain at the back of the leg, pain, swelling or bruising in the calf muscle, and you have difficulty standing on the toes. This injury happens during acceleration or changes in direction. The torn calf muscle may spasm, and contract forcefully. The toes will point down. Bruises show up in the foot and ankle due to pooling of blood from internal bleeding.
Calf strains may be minor or very severe and physician grade the injury according:
- Grade 1 Calf Strain : The muscle is stretched causing some small micro tears in the muscle fibers. Full recovery takes approximately two weeks.
- Grade 2 Calf Strain : There is partial tearing of muscle fibers. Full recovery takes approximately 5-8 weeks.
- Grade 3 Calf Strain : This is the most severe calf strain with a complete tearing or rupture of muscle fibers in the lower leg. Full recovery can take 3-4 months and, in some instances, surgery may be needed.
How’s the your calf doing?
Hi Mike. My calf is doing pretty well. I’m on crutches now, so I can get around easier. I don’t have any pain except when I try to walk or flex my foot. Hopefully I’ll be off the crutches in a week and back to squash in 2 to 6 weeks. Yikes!
Get well soon. I hope you are doing well, but who gave us all the descriptive detail??? I couldn’t eat after that. I didn’t even want to move for fear of hearing a pop.