Calf Pain:
Related to Muscle Problems?

The calf is mostly muscle with a nerve that runs from the spine through the buttocks and down the back of the leg. Sometimes chronic pain may actually be a sign that back problems have developed, but most of the time it is a muscle problem.

Any of the muscles in the leg can be strained and that can cause pain. Sometimes muscles in the calf start cramping, taking potassium is all that's needed.

Another common problem is when the Achilles tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel ruptures and pain shoots up the leg.

A calf muscle strain is the most common cause of acute onset calf pain. Usually this injury occurs during a sports or exercise activity. Common symptoms of a calf strain include pain, swelling, and bruising.

When should I see a doctor?
If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, or unsure about what to do next, you should seek medical attention. Treatment needs to be directed at the specific cause. Some signs that you should be seen by a doctor include:

• Inability to walk comfortably on the affected side
• Injury that causes deformity of the lower leg
• Calf pain that occurs at night or while resting
• Calf pain that persists beyond a few days
• Swelling of the calf or ankle joint area
• Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
• Any other unusual symptoms

Pain in the muscles in the calf is fairly common, but sometimes pain isn't connected directly to muscle problems. For example, arthritis in the knee can lead to joint inflammation. When the joint fills with fluid, pressure may be applied to nerves in the leg leading to pain.

In fact, the Baker’s Cyst is a collection of fluid behind the knee where the calf begins. Sometimes the Baker’s cyst can rupture and when that happens, fluid may run into the calf causing pain.

In some instances, the leg pain may be a sign of blood clots. This is a serious problem that should be immediately addressed by a doctor and is most likely to occur after surgery or an injury.

The blood clot interferes with blood flow leading to swelling in the calf. Blood clots that break loose can flow through the circulatory system to the heart.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment plan.

Other than a blood clot, most calf pain can be treated at home. Muscle strains and tears respond well to ice packs and heating pads. When a muscle has been strained, resting it until the inflammation subsides is recommended.

When a calf muscle is injured, physical therapy might be necessary to restore muscle strength. If arthritis is causing the pain then anti-inflammatory medications are available over-the-counter.

Calf pain from muscle strain and stress can often be prevented with regular exercise and a healthy diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals.









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