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Gastrocnemius strain
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Normal mechanism is "pushing off" with foot
- Also known as "Tennis leg"
Clinical Features
- Audible pop
- Calf pain
- Bruising
- Swollen muscle- commonly in medial calf
Positive Calf Raise Test
- Plantar flex the affected ankle. Patients with achilles tendon rupture will not be able to complete the motion, gastrocnemius tears will be tender but can partially complete the motion.
Differential Diagnosis
Calf pain
- DVT
- Compartment syndrome
- Gastrocnemius strain
- Calcaneal bursitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Cellulitis
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Ruptured Popliteal cyst (Baker's)
Evaluation
- Typically a clinical diagnosis
- May consider tib/fib xrays or DVTultrasound to rule out other diagnoses, if unclear
Management
- RICE
- NSAIDS
- Ankle/foot bracing in a position of maximal tolerable dorsiflexion
- Early weight bearing as tolerated
Disposition
- Outpatient
See Also
References
- https://emergencymedicinecases.com/episode-58-tendons-ligaments-missed-orthopedic-injuries/
- emedicine
Authors
Ross Donaldson, Ted Fan, Marissa Camilon, Neil Young, Daniel Ostermayer
