Calf Pain: Causes, Treatment & Help

Calf pain is an uncomfortable symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions. They often occur when running, climbing stairs or unnatural movements. Affected people are severely limited by the discomfort in daily life, but can counteract the problems with specific treatment.

What is calf pain?

The discomfort in the calf can occur due to circulatory disorders, which in turn can have anatomical causes. Calf pain refers to a mostly pulling or stabbing pain in the calf muscles. The discomfort can occur due to circulatory disorders, which in turn can have anatomical causes. For example, pain in the calves occurs more frequently after accidents. Usually not only the calf is affected, but the whole foot. The pain often spreads only over months or years in the entire leg.

Causes

There are many causes of calf pain. They occur from sports injuries such as bruises, calf cramps and bruising, but they can also be caused by poor posture or overuse. Circulatory problems are also a cause of pain in the calves. This is when the pain occurs mainly when walking and subsides when sitting. Since this type of calf pain indicates an increased risk of heart attack, action should be taken quickly. In addition, problems with the calves can also be caused by a herniated disc and the associated irritation of nerve roots. Degenerative changes in the spine are also a risk factor. Last, calf pain often occurs in conjunction with thrombophlebitis. This is an inflammation of the superficial skin veins, which causes pain. Varicose veins, arthritis and similar diseases of the vessels are also a common trigger for chronic calf problems.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Circulatory disorders
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Sports injuries
  • Phlebitis
  • Calf cramps
  • Herniated disc

Diagnosis and course

The diagnosis of calf pain depends largely on the cause. Temporary problems such as pain in the calves after running can be recognized by the fact that the pain is severe and cramping, but disappears after the end of the load. However, with constant overloading, it can happen that this pain, which is also called lodge syndrome, takes a chronic course. It then persists even at rest. The diagnosis in this case is made on the basis of a detailed discussion with the doctor and an examination of the calf muscles. However, this is only a tentative diagnosis. Later, further examinations are performed to rule out other diseases as the cause. If a lug syndrome is suspected, a sports physician specializing in the condition must be consulted, who will perform further examinations and initiate appropriate therapy. To accomplish this, for example, pressure measurements and stress tests are performed, but also an X-ray of the muscle is usually taken to make the final diagnosis. The course of calf pain also depends on the underlying cause. Normally, the symptoms intensify over months or years if no action is taken. In the beginning, it is only a slight twinge, and in the later course, severe pain occurs that can spread throughout the entire leg. This results in a severe restriction of the quality of life. Mobility is also reduced due to pain in the calves, as any movement while walking or even driving is extremely uncomfortable.

When should you go to the doctor?

In most cases, calf pain is caused by an unaccustomed heavy load, so that even at rest there is a long-lasting pain. Nevertheless, immediate treatment by a doctor is not necessary, because in all likelihood it is simply a harmless sore muscle. A sore muscle does not require treatment by a doctor because there should be a significant improvement after only two to three days. If pain still persists after this period, then a doctor should definitely be consulted. It may be that muscles or tendons are damaged and cannot heal on their own.If medical and drug treatment is waived at this point, there is a risk of further complications. If the affected areas are subjected to further stress, individual tendons and muscles may tear, making surgery necessary. The following therefore applies: calf pain is triggered in most cases by unaccustomed strain. However, if the pain persists after two to three days, a medical examination should take place. An appropriate physician can make an exact diagnosis so that serious injuries can be detected early and treated professionally. If such treatment is not received, there is a risk of long-term damage or complicated damage to individual tendons, muscles and ligaments.

Treatment and therapy

Calf pain can be treated effectively after a comprehensive diagnosis. Acute muscle injuries, strains or contusions are treated by sparing the affected muscles. The so-called PECH method is used here (P for rest, E for ice, C for compression and H for elevation). Mild painkillers and cooling pain ointments and gels can also be prescribed. The latter have an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect. If the cause of the calf pain is muscle cramps or hardening, minerals such as magnesium and iron are used. Massages are also used to loosen hardenings and promote blood flow to the affected muscles. Calf pain resulting from chronic strain or overuse can be relieved by taking it easy. It is advisable to analyze the underlying incorrect postures in detail in order to avoid the problems in the future. Problems with the calves caused by a torn muscle fiber must be treated surgically. In addition, the wearing of compression stockings is usually prescribed to relieve the muscles after the surgical procedure.

Outlook and prognosis

Calf pain may have a harmless cause. The outlook and prognosis depend on what the underlying cause of the calf pain is. If it is tension, magnesium deficiency, muscle soreness, calf cramps, or the consequences of athletic overexertion, these can be remedied by conventional means. Rest, magnesium administration, massage or careful stretching of the shortened muscles are indicated. If the affected person has practiced sports, it is obvious that these causes come into question. Similarly, if someone is ridding his body of electrolytes through laxatives or dehydrators, the prognosis is worse. The prognosis is worse if the calf pain is caused by other factors. Symptoms may indicate deep-seated leg vein thrombosis, a torn muscle fiber, or problems with the feet. Therefore, medical advice should be sought if calf pain persists – especially if accompanying symptoms such as swelling, redness or bluish discoloration, fever and the like are observed. If the calf pain is due to foot problems, an orthopedist may be the right person to contact. Insoles may be necessary. If the calf pain is a result of thrombosis, the prognosis varies. If a doctor is consulted immediately, the thrombus can be dissolved with medication. In other cases, its wandering can lead to a life-threatening embolism. Therefore, calf pain – especially after long flights or sitting for hours – should be closely scrutinized.

Prevention

Pain in the calves can be prevented by treating the muscles gently. Athletes in particular can avoid a lot of problems by following a comprehensive warm-up program and regular stretching exercises. In addition, the first signs of an impending muscle injury must be recognized early on, which requires some experience. In addition, abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes relieves the veins and muscles in the calves. In general, a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise can prevent calf pain in many cases. Regular screening also prevents existing calf problems from getting worse.

Here’s what you can do yourself

It is not always necessary to consult a doctor for calf pain. Most of the time, the discomfort can be relieved by yourself with the help of some home remedies and measures. First, it is recommended to elevate the legs as often as possible and treat with natural remedies. In addition, the calves should be spared for the time being, so that the pain does not increase even more.In addition, applications with cold-pressed rosemary or lavender oil and light massages are recommended for calf cramps. Fresh fruit and vegetables, but also alkaline tablets from the pharmacy, help with possible hyperacidity. Calf pain as a result of venous disease can be treated with the help of horse chestnut tea and the vein-strengthening sweet clover. Cool compresses and wraps with healing clay relieve acute pain and also help with chronic calf problems. For bilateral calf pain, warm applications and natural remedies such as horse ointment help. Also, alternate cold and hot showers on the calves in the morning and evening. If the calves ache during growth, relaxation, bed rest and a healthy lifestyle are the main remedies. If the calf pain recurs despite these measures, a doctor should be consulted. Early clarification enables targeted treatment and prevents further complications.