“Plantaris Tendon” Rupture, Gastrocnemius Muscle Tear: (Calf Muscle Tear)

Presentation

The patient will come in limping, having suffered a whiplike sting in the calf while stepping off the foot hard or attempting a lunging shot during a game of tennis or similar activity. The patient may have actually heard or felt a “snap,” described as being like the “pop” of a champagne cork, at the time of injury or may think someone actually kicked or shot him in the calf. The deep calf pain persists and may be accompanied by mild to moderate swelling and ecchymosis. Neurovascular function will be intact.