The gastrocnemius muscle is a superficial muscle, located immediately under the skin in the back of the calf and stretches to the heel. It is also called the twin muscle because it has two ends, laterally and medially. At the level of the heel, the gastrocnemius muscle forms together with the soleus muscle (the second muscle of the calf) a common tendon, known as the Achilles tendon that is inserted on the posterior part of the heel.

The gastrocnemius muscle performs the flexion of the leg and knee and is involved in movements such as rolling, jumping and other rapid movements.

It is less involved in walking and sitting in an orthostatic position (standing), actions performed by the soleus muscle.

The gastrocnemius muscle is prone to spasms, which are painful, involuntary contractions with durations from a few seconds to several minutes.

Also, due to overstrain, it can become inflamed, tense or even break.

The rupture of the muscle is classified into 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree.

The 1st degree is the least severe, allowing walking, while in the 3rd degree rupture the gait will be limped and the pain will be severe.

Only 10% of the muscle fibers are broken, manifesting as a sensation of constriction or pain in the calf and recovery can take several days.

Between 10 and 90% of the muscle fibers can be broken, the recovery can take several weeks.

Over 90% of the muscle fibers are broken and full recovery can take several months. Ruptures can occur anywhere in the muscle, but the most common place is in the Achilles tendon and it is very painful.

Usually, gastrocnemius muscles break during sports such as: tennis, basketball, football, athletics-sprints.

Ice applied topically, in sessions of 10 minutes, several times a day.

Ice applied immediately after injury helps stop internal bleeding and also helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Resting and not using the affected leg in the first 48 hours is essential.

After this interval, aiding means will be used, such as crutches or walking canes, to achieve walking.

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories help reduce pain, but are recommended for short periods of time, 7-10 days.

Applied in short time sessions, of 10 minutes maximum, it helps reduce tumefaction (swelling of the injured area). Sessions should not exceed 10 minutes as they can stop the blood flow to the tissues, causing further injuries or additional damage.

Using a support that is put in shoes or high-heeled shoes in the case of women, helps to alleviate the pressure in the calf. The support used to lift the heels must be used on both legs, in order not to create imbalances and implicitly other subsequent conditions, such as back pain.

Procedures such as laser or ultrasound, help to accelerate the healing process of tissues and reduce inflammation.

They are indicated for the restoration of the injured muscle, but not in the early stages of the healing process because there is a risk of blood clots forming.

Stretching exercise programs and active exercises help to:

✓ restore muscle flexibility

✓ tone the muscles

✓ prevent relapses

✓ resume professional and sports activity

Before the exercise program, applying heat to the affected area helps to relax the muscles.

It’s necessary in case of severe muscle rupture. After the postoperative immobilization period, it is necessary to start the recovery program through physical therapy in order to regain the full range of movements but also the muscle tonus.