Soleus Muscle Strains: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

The soleus muscle is an important part of the lower leg that helps people walk and keeps them steady. The soleus muscle is found deep in the calf, under the bigger gastrocnemius muscle. It helps to push the foot down when a person walks, runs, or jumps. Due to its predominantly slow-twitch muscle fibers, this muscle helps in tasks requiring prolonged periods of standing and in maintaining posture. Engagement of the soleus is vital in activities that require the body to be upright, providing essential support to the ankle joint and allowing for controlled movement. Due to its continuous usage, the soleus is prone to various injuries, such as strains and overuse syndromes.

What Is a Soleus Strain?

A soleus strain is a typical injury that happens when the soleus muscle, gets stretched too much or torn. This commonly happens when the muscle is suddenly or too forcefully used, like during sports or sudden movements. A soleus strain can cause discomfort, soreness, and difficulty moving the leg that is affected.

What Causes Soleus Muscle Strains?

Soleus strains can occur due to various factors and activities that stress the calf muscles excessively. The soleus, a slow-twitch muscle, is not usually injured during quick and explosive movements. Instead, it is more commonly strained in sports activities that require endurance. It is mostly associated with sports that involve a lot of running and sports that cause fatigue and overtraining.

Some of the causes of a soleus muscle strain include the following.

• Suddenly, more intense or longer activities like running, jumping, or lifting weights can hurt the soleus muscle.

• Not preparing the body with warm-up exercises before physical activities can cause muscle strain.

• Repeatedly using the calf muscles without sufficient recovery time can result in strain.

• Lack of flexibility in the calf muscles and surrounding tissues can make the soleus more susceptible to injury.

• Wearing inappropriate or worn-out shoes that lack proper support can contribute to the strain.

• A history of calf or lower leg injuries can increase the likelihood of developing a soleus strain.

• Aging or having poor muscle conditioning may make the soleus more susceptible to strains.

What Are the Symptoms of a Soleus Muscle Strain?

• Stiffness or tightness of the calf is a classic manifestation of soleus muscle strain.

• Pain worsens with time. The pain may be sharp, localized, or a deep ache. Activities like walking, jogging, or running aggravate the pain.

• Swelling in soleus muscle strains is rare and is mild when it occurs.

• Disability associated with soleus strain is also rare and mild if present.

• Putting weight on the injured leg can be painful and uncomfortable.

• The affected area may be tender to touch or palpate.

• Bruising may occur in more severe strains.

• The leg that is affected may not feel as strong as it usually does, making it difficult to walk or stand.

How Are Calf Muscle Strains Graded?

Calf muscle strains, including the soleus, gastrocnemius, and plantaris, are graded as follows.

Grade I

A mild first-degree injury is the most common and least severe.

• Intense pain during or after physical activity.

• May feel tightness.

• May be able to keep doing things, without hurting or with a mild discomfort.

• After exercising, the person may feel tightness or pain in the muscles.

Grade II

Moderate or second-degree injury.

• Intense and sudden pain in the calf while doing something.

• Cannot proceed with the activity.

• After walking, the individual will feel very strong pain.

• Might have muscle swelling.

• Might have some mild to medium bruising.

Grade III

Severe or third-degree injury

• Severe and sudden pain in the calf, usually where the muscles and tendons connect.

• Cannot go on with the task.

• The person may have big bruises and swelling soon after getting hurt.

How Is Soleus Muscle Strain Diagnosed?

The patient's symptoms, the onset of pain, and any previous injuries or medical conditions that may be relevant are assessed. It may be difficult to tell if someone has a soleus injury just by looking at them physically. Doctors usually need additional tests like an MRI or ultrasound to ensure this diagnosis is correct. The affected calf will be assessed for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and bruising. Specific tests may also be performed to evaluate the strength and flexibility of the calf muscles. Potential injuries to the soleus muscle might not be accurately reported because they are often mistaken for thrombophlebitis or grouped with injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle.

The doctor can differentiate soleus muscle strains from other calf muscle strains by doing additional examinations, including palpation of the calf muscles and specific tests. Assessing how the injury occurred and the activities exacerbating the pain can provide additional clues to distinguish between different calf muscle strains.

How Are Soleus Muscle Strains Treated?

The best way to treat a calf strain is to rest and give it enough time to heal.

The following treatment options are generally done.

• Rest and Activity Modification - Initially, the affected leg needs rest to allow the injured muscle to heal. Avoid activities that may aggravate the strain.

• Ice Therapy - Applying ice packs to the injured area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Use ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially during the first 48 hours.

• Compression and Elevation - A compression bandage can be worn around the calf, and elevating the leg when resting can minimize swelling.

• Pain Relief - Common pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be used to manage pain and inflammation.

• Physiotherapy - Physiotherapy treatment procedures like stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage therapy, and other procedures may be done.

• A brace or taping technique may sometimes provide additional support during the healing process.

• Surgical intervention is done for severe grade three strains.

Using a structured exercise plan usually leads to the desired result when it comes to minor muscle injuries, like grade I and II strains. However, if the muscle completely tears, surgery is needed. Strength and conditioning exercises are very important to help the body recover and return to normal activities.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Soleus Muscle Strains?

• Proper warm-up and cool-down.

• Regular stretching of the calf muscles.

• Gradual progression of the intensity of the physical activities.

• Proper footwear.

• Strength training.

• Paying attention to any signs of pain, fatigue, or discomfort.

• Avoiding overtraining.

Conclusion

Soleus muscle strains are difficult to manage and need careful treatment and therapy to make sure they heal well. By following a proper treatment plan people can help their muscles heal. With proper care and adherence to the treatment plan, individuals can expect to regain their normal function and gradually return to regular activities. Preventive measures, such as warm-ups, adequate conditioning, and proper footwear, can help reduce the risk of soleus strains.