When a calf muscle strain occurs, there is mostly swelling and localized pain, and activity is significantly limited. Once a calf muscle strain occurs, stop the activity immediately and apply a cold compress with ice immediately. Within 24-48 hours after the strain, choose the cold compress, wrapped in a towel with tiny ice cubes or use an ice pack to apply cold compresses to the affected area, which can be a good way to relieve the swelling or bouts of pain brought on by the muscle strain. Forty-eight hours after the leg muscle strain, you can take a local hot compress to help reduce blood circulation to the affected area and reduce the painful condition.