Calf Muscle Atrophy After a Medial Gastrocnemius Partial Tear: Is Surgery Necessary? (Step-by-Step Rehabilitation Protocol) Hello, this is Son Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic . A sudden, sharp "popping" sensation in the back of the lower leg accompanied by excruciating pain during sports activities or daily life is a classic indicator of a gastrocnemius (calf muscle) tear , commonly known as "Tennis Leg." Today, we would like to share the case of a patient who recently visited our clinic. Approximately one month ago (on May 8th), the patient suffered a partial tear of the medial gastrocnemius. Since the injury, they had received a variety of conservative treatments at another clinic, including three triamcinolone (steroid) injections, nerve blocks, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). However, the patient recently noticed visible muscle atrophy —the affected calf had become noticeably thinner than the healthy side. Filled with anxiety, the...