A pulled calf muscle is a painful condition of the calf which can restrict your sports, occupation, and other daily activities. Wearing a calf muscle support or calf compression sleeve is recommended to restore your calf functionality. Wearing calf muscle supports may also help you prevent the chances of pulled calf muscles or other circulation problems in the lower legs.
Causes and symptoms of a calf injury
A pulled calf muscle is an injury that happens when you suddenly move or overstretch your calf muscles. Quick pivots, awkward jumping or landing, and abrupt or sudden stops are the common reasons, causing pulled calf muscles. The condition usually happens when the toes get forced upwards and the ankles quickly pull the calf muscles downwards. The following are the common symptoms associated with pulled calf muscles:
- Difficulty standing on toes
- Difficulty tensing the calf muscles
- Difficulty bending the knees
- Popping or snapping sensation in the calf muscles
- Bruising around the calf muscles
- Swelling around the calf muscles
You may also feel other symptoms, depending on your condition or the intensity of the calf injury. Whenever you feel such symptoms in your calf muscles, you must halt all activities and consult your GP to deal with such symptoms.
How do calf braces help manage calf injuries?
Wearing calf muscle supports or calf sleeves is considered the most effective conservative measure to deal with the symptoms of pulled calf muscles. Calf supports or sleeves provide the injured calf with needed support and compression. Continuous support and compression help improve blood circulation which speeds up recovery. Calf support and compression sleeves also help protect the injured areas, avoiding further damage following a calf injury.
How to choose the best calf supports?
Calf supports or compression sleeves are classified based on several things, including compression level, size, and material. Ensure that you wear calf support or compression socks that properly fit around your calf. As well as this, you must choose the material and product type that suits your skin. The best advice is to consult your GP and get their assistance in finding the best calf support according to your needs.