{"id":1529,"date":"2025-11-16T18:35:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T18:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/?p=1529"},"modified":"2025-12-01T13:33:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T13:33:15","slug":"pinchazo-pantorrilla-tennis-leg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/pinchazo-pantorrilla-tennis-leg\/","title":{"rendered":"Calf pain: what it is, why it happens and treatment \u2013 \u200b\u200bTennis leg"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">If you've felt a sharp or shooting pain in your calf while running or walking, it could be a very common injury known as <em>Tennis Leg<\/em>.<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u201cWhiplash on the calf always has a cause.\u201d<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>calf strain should<\/strong>&nbsp;is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in sports medicine. Many people describe it as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cA blow from behind\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cA rock thrown at me\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cA very strong pull\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cA sharp pain that forced me to stop\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI felt like something broke\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it may seem serious, most of these cases correspond to an injury known as&nbsp;<strong><em>Tennis Leg<\/em><\/strong>but the patient is usually unaware of this term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here we clearly explain what that pain means, why it occurs, and what the most effective&nbsp;<strong>treatment is to help you recover without relapses.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">What does that twinge in my calf mean?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In the vast majority of cases, a sudden sharp pain in the calf is a&nbsp;<strong>partial tear of the medial gastrocnemius muscle.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This muscle stretches or contracts sharply during:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Running<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Padel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tennis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soccer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uphill Running<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jumping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explosive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Movements&nbsp;<strong>Tennis Leg<\/strong>but the initial sensation is what makes the patient seek help:&nbsp;<strong>the pinching or whipping.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized dolor en la pantorrilla\" id=\"dolor-en-los-gemelos-tennis-leg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"357\" src=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dolor-en-los-gemelos-tennis-leg-1024x357.png\" alt=\"Dolor en los gemelos - tennis leg\" class=\"wp-image-1542\" style=\"width:800px\" title=\"Dolor en los gemelos - tennis leg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dolor-en-los-gemelos-tennis-leg-1024x357.png 1024w, https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dolor-en-los-gemelos-tennis-leg-300x105.png 300w, https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dolor-en-los-gemelos-tennis-leg-768x268.png 768w, https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dolor-en-los-gemelos-tennis-leg-1536x535.png 1536w, https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dolor-en-los-gemelos-tennis-leg.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">Most typical symptoms<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u2714 1. A sudden stabbing or shooting pain<\/mark><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>A sharp pain is felt, as if \u201csomething were snapping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u2714 2. Difficulty continuing to walk or run<\/mark><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The person usually has to stop the activity immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u2714 3. Swelling<\/mark><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes it appears within minutes, and other times throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u2714 4. Pain when putting weight on or extending the leg<\/mark><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially when going down stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u2714 5. A feeling of tightness or weakness<\/mark><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The calf feels \u201cloose\u201d or \u201cheavy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">Most common causes<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of warm-up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor physical condition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explosive movements (sprints)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sudden changes of direction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intense training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Running with cold feet or inappropriate footwear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recreational sports (very common in padel, tennis, and running)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It can even happen while taking a quick step on the street or going down stairs <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">How is it diagnosed (accurately)<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u2714 Clinical evaluation<\/mark><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/sobre-mi\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/sobre-mi\/\">specialist<\/a> identifies the exact point of pain and investigates how it occurred (mechanism of injury).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">\u2714 <a href=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/ecografia-musculoesqueletica\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/ecografia-musculoesqueletica\/\">Musculoskeletal ultrasound<\/a><\/mark><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the fundamental test because it confirms\u00a0<strong>the type and severity of the break:<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presence of hematoma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Severity of injury<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It also rules out injuries that could be confused with a <em>Tennis Leg<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soleus muscle rupture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deep vein thrombosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Achilles tendon injury<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Severe muscle contractures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A correct diagnosis prevents errors and speeds up recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">Most effective treatment for calf strain<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">1. Initial phase (first 48\u201372 h)<\/mark><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drain the hematoma (if present)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relative rest (minimize movement)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply gentle ice if it provides relief<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply light compression (bandage or compression stockings)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid strenuous stretching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This phase protects the muscle and prevents the injury from worsening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">2. Specialized Physiotherapy<\/mark><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Essential to avoid non-functional internal scarring that can cause relapses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gentle manual therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle release<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrotherapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gentle active therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain-free exercise progression<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">3. Strengthening exercises<\/mark><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>When pain allows, the following are added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening the soleus muscle (key to preventing relapses)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proprioceptive training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gait retraining <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">4. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) in moderate cases<\/mark><\/strong> o severos<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>If the injury is more serious or the patient needs to recover faster and with a lower probability of relapse,&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/prp-que-es-como-funciona-beneficios\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/prp-que-es-como-funciona-beneficios\/\">PRP (platelet-rich plasma)<\/a> <\/strong>accelerates<strong> <\/strong>tissue repair, reduces pain, and improves healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is an outpatient procedure, guided by ultrasound and virtually painless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">5. Gradual return to activity<\/mark><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not run or jump until:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is no pain,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>strength has been restored,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and the specialist authorizes it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Running before the appropriate time causes relapses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">Recovery time<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on the severity of the injury, the type of sport, and the demands placed on the athlete:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mild:<\/strong>&nbsp;3-4 weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Moderate:<\/strong>&nbsp;4-8 weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Severe:<\/strong>&nbsp;8-12 weeks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Without proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation, these recovery times tend to be longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hematoma recurrence is also a common factor in delaying recovery. This underscores the importance of follow-up ultrasound scans throughout the rehabilitation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">When should you see a specialist?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the pain was sudden and intense<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are limping or cannot put weight on your foot properly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If swelling or bruising appears<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the pain does not improve in 5\u20137 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you want to return to sports safely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you suspect something has broken<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A correct assessment completely changes the course of recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\">Conclusion<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>calf strain should<\/strong>&nbsp;not be ignored. Although it is a very common injury, a proper evaluation and personalized treatment prevent relapses and allow a safe return to sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I usually tell my patients: \"a pinch in the calf is an injury until proven otherwise,\" meaning it's best to see a specialist for a proper diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>Tennis Leg<\/em> It has an excellent prognosis when properly diagnosed and treated by specialists in sports medicine and physiotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow me on Instagram \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/doctorgustavolucas\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/doctorgustavolucas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need an appointment, <a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?phone=34645541698&amp;text=Hola%20quisiera%20consultar%20con%20el%20dr.%20gustavo%20lucas\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?phone=34645541698&amp;text=Hola%20quisiera%20consultar%20con%20el%20dr.%20gustavo%20lucas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you had a twinge in your calf? Find out what it could be, whether it's tennis leg, and what the most effective treatment is according to sports medicine.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1540,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[34,32,36,38,33,37,35],"class_list":["post-1529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-traumatologia-deportiva","tag-desgarro-gemelo","tag-dolor-pantorrilla","tag-latigazo-pantorrill","tag-lesiones-deportivas","tag-pinchazo-pantorrilla","tag-rotura-gastrocnemio","tag-tennis-leg"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1529"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1543,"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1529\/revisions\/1543"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1540"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drgustavolucas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}