Calf Strain in Athletes.

»: Calf strain is a common condition. In high-performance athletes, calf strain contributes to a substantial absence from competition.

»: Player age and history of a calf strain or other leg injury are the strongest risk factors for calf strain injury and reinjury.

»: Although the diagnosis is often clinical, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are valuable to confirm the location of the strain and the grade of injury.

»: Nonoperative treatment is effective for most calf strain injuries. Operative management, although rarely indicated, may be appropriate for severe cases with grade-III rupture or complications.

»: Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the benefits of blood flow restriction therapy, deep water running, lower-body positive pressure therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and stem cell therapy for calf strain rehabilitation.