Sudden calf pain when exercising: Plantaris Longus Rupture?

[johnniehardrock]

Hey Dr. Steve i was at the gym today working out with my trainer. I was doing mountain climbers (bent over big ball alternating legs in and out to chest) and as my right leg went back i heard a click or pop and my calf went into extreme pain. I am having some pain when i walk. If I point my toe down there is no pain. If I point the toes up it hurts on the inside of my calf really bad. Is the best thing to do ice and elevate? Any other suggestions.

[Dr Steve]

Hey Dr. Steve i was at the gym today working out with my trainer. I was doing mountain climbers (bent over big ball alternating legs in and out to chest) and as my right leg went back i heard a click or pop and my calf went into extreme pain. I am having some pain when i walk. If I point my toe down there is no pain. If I point the toes up it hurts on the inside of my calf really bad. Is the best thing to do ice and elevate? Any other suggestions.


Sounds like you ruptured your "Plantaris Longus" muscle.

It is a really thin, worthless-as-crap muscle whose only purpose, it seems, is to rupture at the most inopportune times, causing pain and suffering for a few weeks but not much else.

http://www.rad.washington.edu/academics/academic-sections/msk/muscle-atlas/lower-body/plantaris/atlasImage

you can tell from the picture that it's just an awful muscle. supposedly it helps stabilize the knee, but my engineering sense tells me even that's overstated.

when it ruptures, it retracts into the calf. it'll eventually scar down and leave you alone.

An orthopedist is probably most qualified to diagnose and treat this injury, though a good FP who is interested in sports medicine can also help.

Having said all this, I'm guessing at the diagnosis without having had the pleasure of examining your leg, etc. I could be totally off base; if it hurts bad, go see someone!

hope this helps, budday.


your pal,



steve