Types of Calf Strains Muscle strains refer to damage done to muscles and tendons that connect muscle to bone, whereas sprains are caused by injuries involving the ligaments connecting bone to bone. Calf injuries can range from minor to severe, with the gastrocnemius muscle more likely to sustain damage than its underlying counterpart, the soleus. Calf strains are divided into three distinct grades, each representing varying levels of severity. Grade 1: Stretching your body can often lead to small tears in the muscle fibres, resulting in a strain that causes pain yet typically won't prevent you from continuing activity. However, complete healing requires about two weeks for a full recovery. Grade 2: A partial tearing of the muscle fibres is present in this strain, and to ensure a full recovery, the activity must be reduced. The rehabilitation process takes an estimated five to eight weeks. Grade 3: This is the most intense type of calf strain, where the affected muscle fibres have been completely torn or ruptured. A complete recovery can take three to four months. Learn more about the common causes of calf muscle tears and strains and how our Coburg sports physios can help with the treatment.