Q: soleus strain. With a more serious strain, it's important to distinguish which muscle is involved to the greater extent: the deeper soleus or the more superficial "heads" of the gastrocnemius. MRI or diagnostic ultrasound may be needed to best diagnose the location and degree of the injury. Grade II strains involve more extensive damage, up to 90% of the muscle fibers may be torn. These injuries present with more pain (described as sharp in nature), significant loss of muscle strength and range of motion. Swelling is more severe and bruising quickly develops because of the internal bleeding from the torn muscle fibers.  With Grade II strains, there's limited ability to perform activities, especially jumping and running, so you'll be sidelined for a while (a few weeks or more). The gastrocnemius muscle is considered at high risk for strains because it crosses two joints (knee and ankle) and has a high proportion of type-2 fast twitch muscle fibers  The medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle is strained more often than the lateral head. treatment protocol. This protocol is still appropriate for Grade II strains, although you may have to keep the ice on your calf for a little longer (up to 20 minutes at a time) if the deeper soleus muscle is the primary site of injury. Instead of using R.I.C.E for a few days as is the case with a mild strain, more severe strains will likely require attention for a week or more.  Most Grade II lower leg strains cause significant discomfort for between one to two weeks post injury, depending on proportion of muscle fibers involved and the type of treatment sought. These types of muscle injuries may require one to two months before a complete return to athletics occurs.  For moderate to severe muscle strains, the use of anti-inflammatories should be restricted in the first 24 – 72 hours due to increased risk of bleeding from the anti-platelet (blood thinning) effect. A Grade II strain is a relatively serious musculoskeletal injury that most likely involves significant scar tissue formation, as well as noticeably reduced range of motion and strength. As such, after the swelling, bruising and pain have mostly subsided, ask your doctor for a referral to a sports medicine specialist or physiotherapist who can offer a variety of tailored strengthening exercises, stretches, massage techniques and therapies such as therapeutic ultrasound (to reduce inflammation and break down scar tissue adhesions) and electronic muscle stimulation (to strengthen muscle fibers and promote blood flow).  Return to full activity is usually allowed when you're pain free, have full range of motion of your lower leg and full strength of your calf muscles, which may take a few weeks or more.  Calf strains are most common in men between the ages of 30 and 50 years.
A: Differentiate between gastrocnemius vs. Utilize the R.I.C.E. Seek out physical therapy.

Q: mosquitoes like still water, so if you are in a mosquito-infested area, try to avoid lakes, swamps, stagnant creeks, marshes, and bogs. mosquitoes typically lay their eggs in these locations, and many species then stay in the vicinity. mosquitoes can also lay eggs in smaller containers, like flowerpots, bird baths, and drainage ditches, as long as there is sufficient water. The eggs of the Aedes aegypti mosquito can even stay in dry places for months, waiting for water; then, when water appears, they hatch. Therefore, be cautious of any man-made sources of standing water as well: whenever possible, keep pools, ditches, tires, containers, storm drains, and any low places on a piece of property covered. mosquitoes are attracted to warm-blooded creatures. Avoid wearing dark clothes in the sunlight, as they absorb more heat, and don’t exercise too strenuously, as you will get warmer and breathe more heavily, attracting mosquitoes with the carbon dioxide you exhale. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and loose clothing, and look for fabric that’s not too thin – mosquitoes can bite you through very thin material. Consider purchasing special camping clothes, which are made from lightweight but sturdy fabric. There are a variety of products on the market to repel mosquitoes, and they come in creams, lotions, sprays, and sticks. Apply directly to your skin when outdoors, and, if you will also be using sunscreen, be sure to put the sunscreen on first, then the mosquito repellant. Avoid applying repellant around your eyes, mouth, and hands, and do not apply to irritated or broken areas of skin.  Look for products containing 15% picaridin, which is a very effective repellant. Look for products containing 30%-50% DEET, an oil that will keep mosquitoes away. These products are effective for a few hours after application. Do not apply products with DEET to babies under six months of age. Products vary, so follow the directions on the label. Make sure to help small children; do not allow them to handle mosquito repellants themselves. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a daytime insect, most active from two hours after sunrise to a few hours before sunset. Research local species of mosquitoes, and try to adjust your activities accordingly. Fine-mesh aluminum or wire screens should cover windows and doorways. To be safest, keep doors and windows closed as well. Mosquito nets have very small holes that allow air to pass through but keep insects out. Secure the net to one or more surfaces, and hang it in such a way that it does not touch you – mosquitoes can bite you through it.  Consider looking for mosquito nets that are pretreated with insect repellants. These are typically used for malaria control, but they may work to prevent yellow fever as well. Remember to check your mosquito net periodically for holes, and fix them immediately if you see any. Malathion, permethrin, and other insecticides will kill many mosquitoes, as will other commercial preparations made for inside spaces, but they are also very poisonous and should not be used by just anyone – you need to be properly trained and equipped with protective clothing.
A:
Avoid standing water. Keep cool. Cover your skin. Use mosquito repellant. Avoid peak hours of mosquito activity. Stay in well-screened or air-conditioned rooms or houses. Sleep under a mosquito net. Consider spraying insecticides.