# Partial tear of the medial gastrocnemius head: A case report of meniscal symptoms in a 32-year-old recreational athlete

## TL;DR

A 32-year-old athlete with knee pain had a rare partial tear of the medial gastrocnemius head, managed successfully with conservative treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of an isolated medial gastrocnemius head tear in a non-traumatic context.

## Key findings

- MRI confirmed a partial tear of the medial gastrocnemius head in a patient with meniscal symptoms.
- Conservative treatment led to significant improvement in symptoms.
- The injury was rare and previously sparsely documented in the literature.

## Abstract

This case report presents the clinical findings and management of a 32-year-old male recreational athlete who presented with ongoing knee pain for 4 months, without a history of trauma. The patient experienced intermittent pain during walking, particularly after prolonged periods of sitting, and exhibited positive findings on meniscus tests. However, he was able to participate in sports activities without pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a partial tear of the medial gastrocnemius head, confirming the diagnosis. Conservative treatment, including rest, physical therapy, and a gradual return to sports activities, led to significant symptom improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering rare injuries, such as isolated tears of the medial gastrocnemius head, in patients with persistent knee pain and meniscal symptoms, even in the absence of traumatic events. Previous reports on this specific injury are sparse, indicating its rarity and underscoring the need for further understanding and documentation.