Calf Muscle Strain

A calf muscle tear and an Achilles tendon rupture differ in the site of occurrence. Gastrocnemius muscle injuries primarily occur in the muscle belly or myotendinous junction, while Achilles tendon ruptures mainly occur in the avascular zone approximately 2–6 cm superior to the calcaneal insertion site. Initial differentiation is performed using the Thompson test (assessing the presence or absence of ankle plantar flexion upon calf compression in the prone position), and confirmation is made via ultrasound or MRI. Grade II or higher gastrocnemius injuries differ from a complete Achilles tendon rupture in that they involve an intramuscular hematoma and the Thompson test is negative. From the perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic, both injuries fall under the category of conditions where Qi and blood are blocked, leading to blood stasis; however, the distribution of meridians is crucial. Meridians running along the medial and lateral sides of the lower limb run through the gastrocnemius muscle, while meridians running along the posterior and medial sides of the lower limb are strongly distributed in the Achilles tendon. At Dongjedang, we use ultrasound-guided acupuncture to accurately target specific locations of the injuries, considering the regulation of liver and spleen qi and blood for gastrocnemius injuries and the reinforcement of kidney function for Achilles tendon injuries.