I ended up spending half of my day yesterday in the hospital, and turns out that I have a severe grade II calf (gastrocnemius) tear - significant tear but not a complete rupture. I’m in a boot, but need to follow up with a specialist. “Recovery” is stated to be 4-8 weeks, and based on what I know I expect be closer to 8 weeks, if not longer. However, “recovery” probably means walking without pain.
Does anyone have experience with this injury and how long it takes to fully recover to a level of active sport/cycling?
Ahh the boot. Be sure you let your medical/rehab people know your desire to get back on the bike. Rehab can be different depending on your needs. I would also get in some exercise. Even if you’re not using the damaged muscles, exercise will stimulate repair. I would also add extra protein and collagen to your diet. I have torn my calf and also ripped all the muscles off my Achilles tendon.
I do not want to scare you… Grade 2 on two places (two tears). Took me 5 months to be back on bike, 7 months being able to do intervals and 9 months to be pain free.
I should rest more and probably visit physio sooner. I was counting on these 3-6 weeks and just tried cycling when this period passed… not a good idea. I took in total 16 weeks of laser & magnet therapy. Not sure if it really helped… in the end time had to pass for muscle to heal by itself.
Expert opinions from multiple doctors and physios during recovery were contradicting, some said I should rest and some I should strengthen the muscle… total chaos which affected my mental health too.
I did A LOT of balance workouts. Stretching when being back on bike helped a lot.
I am now 13 months after the injury and just finished Maratona Dles Dolomites beating my 2021 time by 20 minutes.
Good luck with your recovery!
This mirrors my experience. I ruptured my calf during the birth of my first child, merely by standing at the head end of the bed stressing about things. I got short shrift when I asked for help from the mid wife.
Quick update - MRI disclosed a rupture of the achilles in the myotendinous junction. Nonsurgical route was recommended due to the location. I’m told that I need immediate PT, be in a boot for 8 weeks, and probably no running until 3-4 months.
I had a partial tear of my Achilles tendon in that exact same location. Used a boot for about a month with no cycling or running. After a month, used the indoor trainer but no running. Took me 3-4 month to even think about running again. Tried it once, about two months after the injury, and it felt good for 0.5 miles but then felt like someone hit me in the calf with a baseball bat.
I was lucky enough to experience just a grade 1 tear a few years ago which had me off the bike for 8 days incredibly.
My advise would be to find an excellent physiotherapist, don’t skip a rehabilitation session and don’t be afraid to push the limit on your comfort when performing the rehab exercises.
Not that, but I had a grade 2 hamstring tear. Here’s what I did: Find a hot sauna in your town. Wear your heart rate monitor and stay in until it gets to at least Zone 2 (get out if it’s too uncomfortable). Slowly build up without killing yourself. Do this 5 times a week. The elevated heart rate will move blood around to help speed healing, and will keep your heart trained.
