title: Diagnosis and rehabilitation of gastrocnemius muscle tear: a case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This case study presents the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions for a common clinical condition - gastrocnemius injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 44-year old male presented with acute calf pain with a palpable defect, loss of range of motion, and loss of strength after sustaining a soft tissue injury to the lower leg. The differential diagnosis of tear of the medial head of the gastrocnemius was confirmed by physical examination and diagnostic ultrasound imaging.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient was treated over a 6 week period. Initially, rehabilitation was approached using the PRICE principles for symptomatic relief, followed by stretching, strengthening, proprioception, and conditioning exercises. At 9-month follow-up post injury, there was no residual impairment in the gastrocnemius muscle function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case demonstrates the importance of epidemiology, clinical assessment, and the use of diagnostic ultrasound and MRI imaging in the diagnosis of a tear of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. With an accurate diagnosis and comprehension of classification of muscle injuries, management of gastrocnemius tears is straightforward.
authors.affiliation: Total Health & Family Care Centre, 1090 Dundas Street East, Suite, L-105, Mississauga, Ontario, L4Y 2B8, totalhealth@bellnet.ca Tel: 905-275-4993;
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nsitem
keywords: diagnosis; gastrocnemius; injury; muscle