Calf issue - pulled/torn muscle?

[Rafflesway]

Week prior to lockdown I started with relatively mild pain in my calf area but put it down to a small strain from exercising.

By 4 weeks later the pain was pretty bad so arranged a telephone gp appointment. As the leg wasn’t hot or swollen he just arranged a prescription of Naproxen, told me to use ice packs on it and that the pain should subside within around 4 weeks.

Unfortunately, despite following instructions it has worsened and is pretty debilitating now. If I kneel down to do anything I am in agony for the rest of the day and getting in and out of the bath is hellish. ☹️ The pain moves around too! Most of the time it is located in the “Meatiest” part of my calf but then other times it is around my ankle, behind my knee or even up to my thigh. I have never had anything like this before and I’m worried by no improvement. I have been wearing an elasticated bandage 99% of the time and am limping pretty badly. I am only exercising very gently at present and certainly avoiding anything around the painful area. Has anyone any ideas what this may be? Pretty pointless phoning the doctor again as it’s still telephone appointments only and it’s not something I would associate with a & e but feel it needs seeing.

I'd make an appointment with a physio, i think they're starting to reopen for face to face assessments or some were doing video consultations. Even if it's strain it shouldn't be this bad after 4 weeks.

They still are closed near me unfortunately, Emma!

It’s actually been 15-16 weeks now with no improvement! 😱

I tore my calf week 3 of lockdown and am only just running again. Don't do anything that will exacerbate it and see if your local physios will do virtual consults. I was lucky mine reopened about 4 weeks ago but it took a further 3 weeks of targeted support and exercises. The advice that I found said ice was your friend. I was a bit rubbish at that bit.

Thanks Charlie!

I definitely don’t run - chance would be a fine thing - and have already tried the ice treatment as suggested by gp.

I have massaged the leg regularly, sat with it raised etc. Perhap I’d better speak to the gp again if no improvement soon. I’m a bit hesitant to self refer to a physio at this stage.

With worsening pain in the calf and no clear history of injury, I would want to actively exclude a deep vein thrombosis. I think you should follow this up today... GP, 111, or A&E if you don't feel you are getting anywhere. DOI: A&E doctor.

Thanks John! Pretty sure its not DVT as it doesnt match any of the main symptoms listed.

It has actually been very slightly better these past 2 days so hoping it continues. 🙏