The achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. The soleus and gastrocnemius muscle bellies come together to form the tendon. Any type of sudden increase in activity or high impact activity can lead to inflammation within the tendon sheath or a strain in the calf muscles. Inflammation or calf strain should not be taken lightly. If not addressed with proper treatment in an appropriate and timely manner can lead to partial tears or complete tendon rupture. Multiple players are sidelined with calf strains in the NBA. The most recent was Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics. The type of calf strain is the same injury Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dealing with in recent weeks. Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since April 9th. During game 4 of the first playoff series, Porzingis tweaked his calf after catching the ball and attempting to drive left. He then limped off the court. The imaging confirmed a calf strain. What does that mean?
CALF STRAINS CAN BE CLASSIFIED BY 3 GRADES:
Grade 1: Sharp pain at the time of injury or pain with activity.
Mild Pain and localized tenderness. Mild spasms and swelling.
10% muscle fiber disruption
Grade 2: Unable to continue activity
A clear loss of strength and range of motion
10-15% disruption of muscle fibers
Grade 3: Immediate severe pain, disability
Complete loss of muscle function. Palpable defect.
50-100% disruption of muscle fibers, tendon retraction
When will he return? Usually, a soft tissue strain can take up to 4-6 weeks to fully heal, followed by aggressive rehab. If he is rushed back to play without it being fully healed he is at risk of a full tear/rupture similar to that of Suns star Kevin Durant back in 2019. If he has a complete tear or rupture he will require surgical repair and be sidelined for the entire next season. We wish him the best of luck for a speedy recovery!