Kinesiology Taping

Lower Leg Taping: Kinesio Taping for Pulled Calf Muscle

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Published on Saturday, 20 November 2010 18:29

Written by Admin

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Have pain in your calf muscle? Use kinesiology tape to relieve the pain and help heal the injury.

The calf muscles consist of #1 the gastrocnemius and #2 the soleus. The gastrocnemius muscle is the larger muscle, visible on the back of the leg. The soleus is the smaller muscle and lower down on the back of the leg. It is mostly underneath the gastrocnemius.

Both muscles end up attaching to the heel through the Achilles tendon and it’s purpose is to point the toes down—called plantarflexion. These muscles are crucial for walking, running, and propelling the body forward.

Here are the varying degrees of calf strain:

Grade 1 Calf Strain

• Slight pain in the back of the leg
• Zero to very slight restricted motion or activity
• Tightness, aching, and slight pain for up to 5 days

Grade 2 Calf Strain

• Pronounced, sharp, and restrictive pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Tightness and aching for up to 10 days

Grade 3 Calf Strain

• Severe pain that is fully restrictive
• Moderate to complete inability to restrict the muscles
• Significant bruising and swelling
• In the most severe cases (ruptures) the muscle is bunched up towards the top of the calf

Calf strains occur due to injury during acceleration, change of direction, or repeated flexion under duress. The muscles may initially begin to spasm, cramp, or swell. Bruising may also become apparent at some time after the initial injury.

Treatment of a grade I calf strain involves rest most importantly. ice, elevation, and compression can reduce pain and inflammation, but should not be relied upon to continue strenuous activity.

KT Tape provides excellent support for these muscles during unavoidable activity, reducing aching and tightness in the calf. This application also provides inhibition of the muscles to promote relaxation and healing.