Calf muscle strains can be painful and frustrating. A pulled calf muscle can result in bruising and swelling, and many medical professionals recommend that you rest for a full day or more after a strain. Professionals also recommend time away from sports or strenuous activity. Depending on the severity of the strain, it is possible to be away from activity anywhere from one week to 6 weeks or more. The inconvenience of this injury is difficult. It is also common. Calf strains make up about 1.3% of all lower limb injuries in runners. They also make up 12% of all muscle injuries in soccer players.
But athletes are not the only ones affected by calf muscle strains. The downtime required to heal from this injury can have a significant impact on an employee’s work. Employees may need to take a sick day or spend their workday off their feet. Certified athletic trainers (ATs) can help employees heal quickly and safely.
4 ways ATs can help employees with calf muscle strains
ATs are medical professionals who at least need a bachelor’s degree to practice. They also must be nationally certified, and most also require state licenses. An AT’s professional experience can help employees heal from their workplace injuries.
Calf muscle strains are common injuries that can happen due to overexertion. ATs can address them via several methods, including:
- Footwear — Since calf strains may occur due to bursts of overexertion, the right shoes can lessen impact and relieve pressure on the calf. Compression socks can also help to increase blood flow to the muscles, reducing the potential for injury.
- Warmup & Stretching — A dynamic warmup before and stretching program after physical activity can help improve the calf muscles’ pliability, flexibility and range of motion of the joints. Stretching can help return the muscles to their optimal length after exertion.
- Hydration — Remaining hydrated can be essential to preventing a calf strain. Dehydrated muscles are less flexible than hydrated muscles, increasing the potential for sudden tears. Dehydration can also prolong recovery time.
- Situational awareness — ATs can also help employees evaluate their surroundings to improve their situational awareness and best prevent injury. They do so by helping employees learn to evaluate potential hazards in their environment in relation to their body. ATs can also help teach people slip, trip and fall avoidance, as well as techniques to improve their balance. Better situational awareness and accompanying training may help employees prevent injuries like calf muscle strains by addressing some of the other root causes.
Work-Fit’s ATs can help employees avoid and recover from calf muscle strains
Are you looking for ways to support your employees’ physical health? Work-Fit can provide wellness and injury prevention programs with highly skilled ATs who work one-on-one with employees. ATs help businesses prevent workplace injuries like calf strains and help employees manage previous injuries.
Contact our team today for more information about our services. We know that healthy employees are what makes your business healthy!
