How long does a calf injury take to heal? Recovery times explained

What is a calf injury?

A calf injury is any damage to the muscles at the back of the lower leg. These muscles include the gastrocnemius and the soleus, which work together to help push the foot off the ground. They are used in almost every movement in football, especially sprinting and jumping.

In most cases, a calf injury is a strain or tear of the muscle fibres. This happens when the muscle is stretched too far or suddenly forced to contract with too much force.

Common causes include sprinting at full speed, sudden changes of direction, and playing when tired or not properly warmed up.

Sometimes the injury is felt as a sharp pain or a pulling sensation in the back of the leg, and swelling, tightness, and bruising may follow.

How long does a calf injury take to heal?

The healing time for a calf injury depends on how bad the strain or tear is. Doctors usually classify the injury using a grading system:

Grade 1 (Mild strain): 1 to 2 weeks

This is the least serious form. There may be a slight pull or tightness in the calf, but the player can still walk and might even train lightly. A few days of rest, ice, stretching, and light rehab usually helps the muscle heal fully.

Grade 2 (Moderate tear): 3 to 6 weeks

This is more serious and often causes swelling, pain, and limited movement. Walking may be difficult, and running is usually not possible. Proper physiotherapy is needed, including muscle strengthening and gradual return to activity. Most players with this type of injury return within one month to six weeks.

Leao’s situation appears to fit this category, with the Milan forward having already missed two weeks of action, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he is currently training on his own.

The fact that the 26-year-old winger is able to run and perform light exercises indicates that his injury is unlikely to extend beyond the six-week window, raising hopes that he will be back for the home clash against Bologna after September’s international break.

Grade 3 (Severe tear or full rupture): 6 weeks to 3 months

This is the most serious type and may need surgery if the muscle is completely torn. There is usually a sharp, sudden pain followed by swelling and bruising. Walking is painful, and the muscle may feel weak or completely non-functional. After surgery or long rest, the recovery includes careful rehab and slow return to training.

Age, fitness level, and medical treatment all affect recovery time. Older players or those with past injuries may take longer to heal.

What are the risks of returning early from a calf injury?

Coming back too soon from a calf injury can cause big problems. The calf muscles are heavily used in football, and if they are not fully healed, they can tear again. A second injury might be worse than the first and take even longer to recover.

One of the main risks is re-injury, especially in matches where intensity is higher. A player might feel fine during training but break down during a sprint in a game. This is why clubs often test players carefully before giving them the green light to return.

There is also a risk of compensation injuries, where other parts of the leg, such as the hamstring or Achilles tendon, get injured because the calf is still weak. The body tries to protect the injured muscle, which puts extra stress elsewhere.

To reduce these risks, clubs focus on proper rehab. This includes stretching, strengthening, massage, and sometimes using support like compression sleeves. Some players also do pool or bike work before they return to the pitch.