Derek Jeter is trying to secure 3,000 hits, which is a milestone for any baseball player, but especially the New York Yankees. He has pulled up lame with a strained calf muscle, though. People are acting like it is the end of the world even going so far as to discuss his replacement.
Whoa, not so fast.
The manager of the Yankees, Joe Girardi, said:
Obviously, we’re worried about it. For our team, it’s frustrating. He’s our leadoff guy.
Derek himself said about the pressure:
It’s impossible for it not to be in your head because I’m asked that question all the time. All I can control is having good at-bats, trying to hit the ball hard and hoping it finds some holes.
So, let’s take a look at the strained calf injury.
What are the symptoms of a strained calf? Tightness, soreness and an inability to push off forcefully. Depending on the severity, you’ll develop a limp and have a difficult time running long distances.
What causes a strained calf? A tear in the calf muscle in your lower leg. It depends on the severity, but most are caused by muscle fatigue and over use.
How do you treat a strained calf? Time helps, but you can find relief with ice, heat and elevation. Additionally, massage improves blood circulation. It is important to continue to lightly stretch and flex the calf.
How long does it take to recover from a strained calf? There are different grades of strained calves and Jeter has the lowest. He should be able to bounce back within a week. For higher grades it will take longer.