Calf pain (synonyms: Lower leg pain; ICD-10 R52.-: Pain, not elsewhere classified) can be the symptom of many different conditions (see under “Differential Diagnoses”).
Frequently, calf pain is an expression of tense or overused muscles. The pain can manifest itself as a sudden spasm or be chronic (permanent). It can occur not only during exertion, such as walking or running, but also at rest.
Calf pain can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: If calf pain is acute and severe or recurrent, especially after walking a short distance, it may be due to peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAVD; progressive narrowing or occlusion of the arteries supplying the arms/(more commonly) legs, usually due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)). A physician should be consulted for clarification.