Question
Hi Sharon,
While kicking a football just last Tuesday, I heard a "pop" in my lower right calf muscle. I felt extreme pain and can't walk. No severe swelling or bruising.
I am a 46 yr. old active married male, who, believe it or not, makes a living as a golf caddie, so I am in very good shape, or thought I was.
I went to the doctors (orthopedic), who then proceeded to put me in a ski boot, with crutches. They are ordering me an MRI, once approved by the insurance company.
Its now been 8 days since the injury, I am still in pain, I hate the crutches, the boot is too heavy to lug around, and I am getting frustrated, as the injury feels like it hasn't improved at all.
Please give me some idea of the nature of the injury...like how long is recovery, is surgery an option to shorten recovery, should I get a second opinion, can I "drag" the leg around without further damaging it, why it feels tight in the morning then looser when I stand on it, can I get a hot whirlpool, I just have so many questions I hate life right now.
Tell me something positive, please.
Jim  

Answer
Dear Jim

I wish I could help you, but to me, it sounds like your injury isn't connected with the bones, but some type of muscle or tendon.  

See what the MRI says, it may be that you dislocated something and it popped back in and the muscles around the injury are traumatized.  When I dislocated my hip, the muscles were sore for about 2 weeks, so being sore after 8 days isn't uncommon.

I understand you are frustrated, and I would be too, as I hate crutches and "ski boots", but try and rest the leg.  As far as it being tight when you wake up in the morning, that's natural for any injury to feel worse in the morning until you get used to moving around.  I dont see any reason why a whirlpool would be a contra-indication to your injury, in fact, it might help you to move the leg as the warm water is soothing.

Try and relax until the MRI is done.
Good luck to you.