Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 8/25/2007

Question
I am a 36 year old female and I have repeatedly had gastrocnemius tears in bilateral calves in the past two months only.  The most recent tear was the worst, with a tearing and popping sound in addition to feeling it.  I had an MRI which confirmed partial tear to the medial gastroc.  There are multiple horizontal tears across the muscle belly down to the musculotendonis junction.  This most recent tear happened just when I leaned over my bed--no sudden or powerful movements.  This was only the second time it has happend to this leg.  On the other leg I have had it happen at least 4 times, sometimes with a lot of bruising three days later.  It is happening so easily and repeatedly, but the orthopedist I saw did not have an answer as to why this would be happening so often and only in the last two months with seemingly benign circumstances.  I worry about when it will happen again, as I am a physical therapist and it has happened once while transferring a large child. I would hate to injure a patient if I tore my gastroc again while holding them!  So, I guess my question is do you have any ideas of what might be causing this?

Answer
Hi Lisa,

Histologically, the connective matrix of the myofibrils are being weakened by some reason or another. A deep analysis as to diet, absorption disorders and or congenital influences might reveal the source of this condition. Start with the obvious, adequate stretching and end range of motion PNF to rule out contracture limits, concomitantly, take plenty of glucosamine sulfate tablets (powder is best) to ensure proper metabolite availability.

Have a kinesiologist (not an 'applied kinesiologist')look you over to rule out any biomechanical issues, if negative, then we need to concentrate further on the cell level. Being a PT, much of this is elementary, but an objective eye may reveal the true cause such as a medication or chronic activity lending to this predilection of fragility.

A good blood chemistry is in order if the simple solutions lend to a dead end.

This is interesting to me and would appreciate any conclusive follow up since this is a bit unusual  and may be educational for future people.

Thank you for this very interesting and challenging question!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com