You can often tell if a calf muscle is torn or pulled by the symptoms which are often different.
A calf muscle that is pulled also known as a calf muscle tear will cause sudden, sharp pain that is often accompanied by a popping sensation or snapping sensation.
A calf muscle that is torn is also known a severe tear to the calf muscle will often involve swelling that is significant as well as bruising and difficulty in walking.
A minor calf muscle strain often causes temporary pain without affecting your normal activities.
In most cases a torn calf muscle often causes sudden, intense pain in the back of your lower leg, and is often accompanied by a snapping sensation or pooping sensation.
With a torn calf muscle you may also experience bruising and swelling and have difficulty putting weight on the affected leg.
In most cases you can treat a pulled calf muscle at home with some rest, hot packs and cold packs, compression and elevation.
You may also want to take some over the counter pain medications to help with the pain from the torn calf muscle.
Although if the calf muscle injury is more severe or the pain or swelling doesn't go away or get worse you should see a doctor or go to urgent care or the hospital to be safe.
Most times the calf tear will heal on it's own although the healing time and potential for complications from the calf tear will also depend on the severity of the calf muscle tear.
A mild calf strain will often heal within a few weeks with the use of rest, ice, compression and elevation.
More severe calf tears may take longer than a few weeks or even a few months to heal and may require more aggressive treatment including physical therapy and in some cases surgery.