Various causes of pain in the calf
The calf (syn. lower leg and its musculature/twin calf muscle) can be painful due to numerous causes. The pain can occur under stress, while walking, running or even at rest.
Since calf pain is not only a sign of muscular overload, but also an indication of vascular disease, it should be examined by a doctor if the pain persists. Muscular causes are the most common explanation for calf pain. An accident, incorrect or excessive strain can cause injuries such as a torn muscle fibre in the lower leg or a pulled muscle, especially during sporting activities.
Long-lasting strain can also overload the muscles and cause them to ache in the sense of a sore muscle. Pain that occurs when walking and subsides at rest can be an indication of a circulatory disorder. The reason for this is arteriosclerotic deposits on the vessel walls.
Due to muscular work, these require more oxygen and for this reason an increased blood circulation. Due to the vascular calcifications, however, the vessels are not capable of an increased blood circulation, so that pain occurs. Since these calcifications occur not only in the leg vessels but also frequently in the coronary vessels, there is a significantly increased risk of a heart attack.
Furthermore, thrombosis of the deep veins of the legs can lead to massive pain. The pain often occurs acutely and is caused by the sudden interruption of the blood supply. In addition, movement can cause the vascular thrombus to detach, which is then transported with the bloodstream to the lungs, where it leads to a pulmonary embolism.
The result is acute shortness of breath, which can be life-threatening. An inflammation of the vessels in the sense of thrombophlebitis can also lead to severe pain in the calf. This is an inflammation of the small superficial skin veins, which is often accompanied by redness and swelling of the leg.
Other infections caused by germs penetrating from outside can also lead to severe pain, redness, swelling and a general feeling of illness. A herniated disc of the lower lumbar spine can, if the corresponding nerves are compressed, lead to severe pain in the calf. Degenerative changes in the spinal column, fractures with narrowing of the spinal canal or bone tumors of the spinal column can also irritate the nerves and thus cause pain in the calf.
Calf cramps are a frequent cause of pain in the calf. In many people the cramps occur at night and can be so severe that normal walking during and after the cramp is not possible because the muscles remain painfully hardened. During the cramp, the calf muscles contract in a spasmodic manner and can be felt as a hard string.
This is usually remedied by immediately stretching the affected muscle. In the case of the calf, the stretch is achieved by strongly flexing the foot. The pain then often subsides quickly.
Sometimes, however, a feeling similar to a sore muscle remains. The cramps usually occur very suddenly, often during sporting activities or at night. The cause can be overstraining of the muscles, but also understraining of the muscles.
During intense physical activity, the body loses fluid and minerals, which are important for the normal functioning of the muscles. This can cause cramps. A sufficient supply of fluids and magnesium prevents cramps.
If the muscles are understretched, nightly calf cramps occur particularly frequently because the body has not been exercised enough. Another cause of calf cramps is poorly fitting shoes or foot malpositions that can overload the calf muscles. An increased incidence of calf cramps is also observed when taking certain medications. This is particularly true of diuretics (draining medicines) or medicines for high blood pressure (antihypertensives).
