How do I get rid of a pulled muscle?

Question

I pulled a muscle in the bottom of my leg about two or three days ago and the pain is still there.I actually jogged on it the other day cause the pain was easing of which I know was not my smartest move but now the pain is worse.How do I get rid of it I wanna start exercising again and I can't do it if my leg is in pain.

Answer 1

Rest and gradual range of motion exercise. You should consult your doctor.

Answer 2

Fixing it would do the job. Read http://www.helium.com/tm/148271 for the basic how to information.

Answer 3

It will heal in time, you should be able to run in a week or so (though your strength may not be 100%).

Though if you want to fasten this process, i'd advise you to get ice or frozen peas from the freezer, wrap it in a damp towel and apply to the muscle for 15mins, about 4 times a day. Ice is sooo under-rated, its great for healing.

I'm assuming you pulled the calf muscle? The fleshy muscle at the back of the lower leg? If so, massage is great to break up the scar tissue within the muscle. Take a bath, apply soap (great lubricant for massage) and rub your muscle deeply.. rubbing upwards, towards your knee. Instead of using your hands, you can also use the other knee. Eg, if its your left calf, place your left calf on your right knee (whilst lying down in the bath), move your left calf up and down, applying pressure to your knee.

As well as ice and massage, stretching is very important. If you dont know how to stretch your calf muscle already, stand, with 2 arms against a wall, and the injured leg further back than the other. Place your leg back as far as you can, and try and place your heel on the ground, in order to stretch the calf. You should feel this. And gradually you'l be able to place the leg further back when stretching.

In a few days when the pain is gone, you should start strengthening the muscle again, simply by standing on your tiptoes. Firstly stand on two legs, and when this gets easier, then just the one leg. When you find the strength improving, start holding weights in your hand whilst doing it eg. bottles of water or something.

Hope this helps, if you need any more help, ask away. Good luck :)