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Suggest Remedies For Swollen, Painful And Ruptured Calf Muscle
Question: I have a ruptured calf at the bottom of the muscle mass. I did not stretch and was outside when the doorbell rang so I started up a small steep incline to go around the house and heard a distinct pop - calf unusable (pain). A small amount of swelling on the bottom of the foot and *new* red varicosity below the ankle is now visible. Never any varicosity on other ankle. No other signs. I am 52 and a longtime recreational distance runner. I have been using a cold wrap and ACE compression. Time of injury: noon today 25Apr. Time now: 7pm. Can I self treat this soft-tissue injury? How? Risks?
correction: Time Now 28Apr 11am
correction: Time Now 28Apr 11am
Brief Answer:
You need to get ultrasound of the tendon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I think you have injured your tendo achilis. In such case I think you need to check if you able to walk or stand on affected leg. If answer is no then you can not treat this injury at home. You need to visit a orthopaedic doctor and get ultrasound of the tendon.It will confirm if you have tendon tear or not. And if it is tear then how many fibres are torn.
According to severity of injury splinting or surgery will be decided. I hope this answer will be useful for you. let me know if there is any other followup questions. thanks
You need to get ultrasound of the tendon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I think you have injured your tendo achilis. In such case I think you need to check if you able to walk or stand on affected leg. If answer is no then you can not treat this injury at home. You need to visit a orthopaedic doctor and get ultrasound of the tendon.It will confirm if you have tendon tear or not. And if it is tear then how many fibres are torn.
According to severity of injury splinting or surgery will be decided. I hope this answer will be useful for you. let me know if there is any other followup questions. thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the information, Doctor. I called local ultrasound place and they will accept a referral for a full vascular scan or just the orthopedic. There is no way I know of that I can afford microsurgery. Do you think the vascular scan is needed? I just want to avoid being a cripple. Can I get more help, is timing urgent, and how much is a referral?
Brief Answer:
You do not need vascular scan
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You just need to go for orthopaedic ultrasound scan to see if their is any tendon tear or not. There is no need to check vascular scan. Also you do not need to rush.You can wait for five to six days. So no need to pay for emergency charges. Can you tell me what do you mean by referral ?
thanks
You do not need vascular scan
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You just need to go for orthopaedic ultrasound scan to see if their is any tendon tear or not. There is no need to check vascular scan. Also you do not need to rush.You can wait for five to six days. So no need to pay for emergency charges. Can you tell me what do you mean by referral ?
thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sure, and thanks for being so prompt, Dr. XXXXXXX
The only commercial ultrasound lab listed locally is Northwest Imaging 3606 N 156th 402-717-1177, and they say they do not accept walk-ins. The phone receptionist said they usually do same-day scans, but a doctor's order is required. I suppose there may be other ultrasound labs in town, if they are within larger facilities, but they are no doubt full of packaging expenses and no doubt also demand a doctor's order for them to release the images to some orthpedic practitioner.
Sorry about all the questions, but I bought the month subscription so I could get some follow-through on the diagnosis for what is obviously a soft tissue rupture. In addition to needing permission to get the ultrasonic clinic to admit me, I should respond fully to your previous post. I can stand, but pushing on the ball of the foot is hell. Does this modify your diagnosis, Doctor? Also, would triamcinolone (NOT a glucocorticoid) have any negative side effects? Should I use some for this? How do I get the clinic to admit me as a customer -- are they bullying me and if so what is the right way to deal with a crooked doctor office?
Also in the way of diagnostic information, the heel attachment does not look like the picture in Wikipedia and the foot is fully operable up and down, but NOT when applying surface pressure/force. Would another picture be useful for these several latest questions?
The only commercial ultrasound lab listed locally is Northwest Imaging 3606 N 156th 402-717-1177, and they say they do not accept walk-ins. The phone receptionist said they usually do same-day scans, but a doctor's order is required. I suppose there may be other ultrasound labs in town, if they are within larger facilities, but they are no doubt full of packaging expenses and no doubt also demand a doctor's order for them to release the images to some orthpedic practitioner.
Sorry about all the questions, but I bought the month subscription so I could get some follow-through on the diagnosis for what is obviously a soft tissue rupture. In addition to needing permission to get the ultrasonic clinic to admit me, I should respond fully to your previous post. I can stand, but pushing on the ball of the foot is hell. Does this modify your diagnosis, Doctor? Also, would triamcinolone (NOT a glucocorticoid) have any negative side effects? Should I use some for this? How do I get the clinic to admit me as a customer -- are they bullying me and if so what is the right way to deal with a crooked doctor office?
Also in the way of diagnostic information, the heel attachment does not look like the picture in Wikipedia and the foot is fully operable up and down, but NOT when applying surface pressure/force. Would another picture be useful for these several latest questions?
Brief Answer:
You need to get a doctors opinion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
if they are not agree to do ultrasound without doctor's advise then I would recommend you to visit a orthopaedic doctor. It is possible that when doctor check you he might not need ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
As you are saying that you can do movements of ankle but not against resistance so I belive it can be tear of tendo achilis with few fibres intact.
Also steroids are absolutely now in this condition and it can damage your tendon further.
There is no need to send pictures of leg because I am sure about this diagnosis.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. let me know if there is any other followup questions. thanks
You need to get a doctors opinion
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
if they are not agree to do ultrasound without doctor's advise then I would recommend you to visit a orthopaedic doctor. It is possible that when doctor check you he might not need ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
As you are saying that you can do movements of ankle but not against resistance so I belive it can be tear of tendo achilis with few fibres intact.
Also steroids are absolutely now in this condition and it can damage your tendon further.
There is no need to send pictures of leg because I am sure about this diagnosis.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. let me know if there is any other followup questions. thanks
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2002
Answered : 4486 Questions
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