The calf is comprised of two separate muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) which have different functional roles i.e. gastrocnemius (Power role) powering ankle plantar flexion and controlling ankle dorsiflexion. The other soleus acts to provide stability and balance control. The calf drives rapid movements, jumping activities and controls the landing from jumps and lunges. In addition to this it plays a key role with other lower leg muscles adding to stability and balance.

The sports specific activities associated with Badminton match play places a high physiological demand on the calf requiring high power output and challenges its ability to control balance and stability.

Badminton requires repetitive cycles of rapid acceleration, lunging and jumping all of which require efficient power delivery and control to return to the base position.  These sport specific physical demands can overload the calf and cause muscular strains.  Muscular strains (also called pulled muscles) are described as an injury to a muscle or tendon in which the muscle fibres tear as a result of a load or stretch.

Acute management advice typically follows PRICE guidelines.

Do you have a calf strain from playing badminton?

Contact you local Sports Physiotherapist if you need any additional information / advice.

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