Gastrocnemius strain: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
[[File:Sobo 1909 303.png|thumb|Gastrocnemius anatomy] | [[File:Sobo 1909 303.png|thumb|Gastrocnemius anatomy]] | ||
*Also known as "Tennis leg" | *Also known as "Tennis leg" | ||
*Typical mechanism of injury is pushing off with foot on affected side | *Typical mechanism of injury is pushing off with foot on affected side | ||
Latest revision as of 04:11, 10 May 2019
Background
- Also known as "Tennis leg"
- Typical mechanism of injury is pushing off with foot on affected side
Clinical Features
- Audible pop
- Calf pain
- Bruising
- Swollen muscle body (generally in medial calf area)
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
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Calcaneal bursitis
- Cellulitis
- Compartment syndrome
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
- Distal leg fractures
- Gastrocnemius strain
- Ruptured popliteal cyst (Bakers cyst)
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
Evaluation
- Typically a clinical diagnosis
- May consider tib/fib X-ray or DVT ultrasound 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
- Discharge