Dealing WIth A Calf Injury

About five weekends ago, I was playing basketball in our neighborhood. It was a smalltown basketball league that brings together selections from different basketball clubs in our area. I thought, this was probably another chance to play competitive basketball in my own way.

Now that I'm pushing 40, I had to play alongside and against players almost half my age. It is a lot different when you're playing with people within your age group. As your skills and athleticism diminish, so does your co-players'. I have been weekend warrior, getting to play ball only once in a week for the last 5 years.

On that fateful Sunday, I was chasing after the ball when I tried changing directions... then POP! It felt like someone just hit my right calf with a bat. I felt the popping in my calf and a second later, I could hardly run. Man... I could hardly even walk.

Consultation with a physician and x-rays did not show any bone fracture but there was surely damage to my calf muscle. Worst case, it could have required surgery to reconstruct the connecting tissues between my calf and heel.

The first two weeks were agonizing even while sitting. Imagine having muscle cramps 24 x 7 and that was exactly how I felt.

To deal with calf muscle strain, here are some simple reminders. It was my first calf injury after more than decades of physical activity but it does not mean it cannot happen to younger people in their 20's.

Prevention is always a good measure. Warm up and stretch properly before engaging in physical activity. It is also recommended to stay in shape if you are playing any type of physical sport. Good conditioning includes cardio, muscle strength and flexibility that should be appropriate to your chosen sport.

However, prevention is not a guarantee that injuries won't happen. In case Murphy's Law catches up with you, RICE has always been my first aid procedure. This acronym stands for rest, ice pack, warm compress and elevation. Depending on the degree of calf injury, your muscles should heal up and regenerate on its own. At close to 40 years old, my muscles no longer heal as fast as I want them to. Consulting with a doctor is always recommended because worse cases require surgical repair.

Until next time... I hope I never have to write about injuries again.