Calf Pain - Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Calf pain is one of the most common conditions in early 40's, calf pain generally result from muscles sprain / due to muscular cramps or by occurrence of any other conditions like sciatica. The treatment of this condition depends on the causes.

Calf muscles generally comprises of two muscles that is the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscle generally meet at the Achilles tendon, that is directly attached to the heel. Calf pain varies from person to person, that depends upon the source of pain and the type of pain, certain type of pain that can affect the outcome of the condition feels like dull pain, sharp pain, continuous pain, radiating pain, aching pain in the back of lower leg along with the tightness of the calf muscles.

Basic symptoms that can indicate towards the  condition are- 

  1. Swelling over the calf muscles
  2. Unusual coolness or pale yellow color in calf
  3. Numbness or tingling sensation over the muscles
  4. Redness on the calf muscles
  5. Fluid retention from the site of pain
  6. Tenderness and warmth
  7. Sudden weakness in the legs
Causes of calf pain

1)  Muscle cramps- Muscle cramps are sudden and painful contraction of the muscles. Which can be severe over the period of time, muscle cramps generally last for a few seconds until the several minutes at a time. Most commonly muscle cramps are caused due to -

  • Dehydration,
  • Over exercising, 
  • Injuries to an area, 
  • Mineral and vitamins deficit
  • Lack of stretching
  • Excessive sweating ( lossening of electrolytes)
Along with this there are several conditions which are also associated that involves hypothyroidism diabetes pregnancy liver failure kidney failure and alcohol intake. 

2) Muscle strain - Muscle strains usually occur when there is improper use of muscle or due to over use and fatigue of the muscle, excessive exercising or increase in exercise intensity on the same muscle for a longer period of time can cause muscles sprain, that can lead to calf pain. Some of the most common exercises by there overuse condition of calf pain can increase are -
  • Running
  • Trekking
  • Powerlifting
  • Biking 
Muscle sprain is generally noticeable due to sudden on set of soreness pain and reduced range of motion.

3) Achilles tendonitis - Achilles tendon is the tendon where calf muscles gets attached,Achilles tendonitis is   cost due to strain or over stress to the Achilles Tendon,  Common symptoms can include:-
  • Inflammation of the tendon
  • Pain
  • Stiffness in the back of the leg
4) Varicose veins - Varicose veins is a common condition which includes and largement of the veins that bulge out from the legs and looks like chords, these generally develop due to damaged walls in the persons vein that allow blood to backflowm General factors that can lead to varicose veins include:-
  • Age
  • Family history of varicose veins
  • Hormone fluctuations
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
Varicose veins appear in the legs and can cause severe pain, cramps, aching at night, throbbing and tingling.

5) Sciatica - Sciatica results from any issues or problems sciatic nerve. This nerve is responsible to control muscles in the lower leg and the back of the knee it can cause numbness tingling sensation and pain at the lower back it generally stretch down to the leg to the calf muscles and other muscles supplying the lower body. Any compression in the sciatic nerve can lead to sciatica which can cause calf pain and other problems.

Treatment

The basic treatment of calf pain that is the result of injury or overuse using the PRICE method. This stands for:-
  • Protection: this is done by application of cloth bandage splint or any immobilizer to the foot, ankle and the calf to protect the muscle from any injury and allow it to rest.
  • Rest: Avoid using the calf muscle more than necessary. And try to provide proper rests to the muscle for better recovery and to avoid pain.
  • Ice: it is the most effective technique to reduce swelling and inflammation, it is basically done by applying up a cloth that is covered by ice pack up 15 to 20  minutes.
  • Compression: Wrap the calf in a stretchy, tight bandage or wear a compression stocking to reduce swelling.
  • Elevation: elevation is the technique to promote circulation of blood and to reduce swelling. Elevation is an effective technique for reducing pain as well.
Prevention

Some of the most common tips and ways that can help to prevent progression of the condition and avoid calf pain are:-

1) Mobility work: try to keep the ankle and muscles mobile and keep moving them through stretching during exercise, also it's very important to move the joint through the full range of motion with the correct form this will help to prevent the calf pain. 

2) Rest: resting is one of the most important thing after any physical workout or activity, taking proper rest between or after the workout and any physical activity can help to facilitate the muscle repair and its growth and is the best way to prevent injuries or calf pain.

3) Warm-up: always do proper warm up before exercising or working out it is an important factor to release muscle tension and to increase the proper blood flow to the muscles and to prevent any for the injuries or pain in the area. 

4) Proper shoes: make sure to wear proper shoes during the workout or any activity that will have to ensure proper support and proper position especially while jogging running or lower body workout.

5) Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated can help prevent calf pain. Staying hydrated contributes directly to preventing muscle cramps that is a main cause of the calf pain.

Indore Arthroscopy Center is one of the best clinics for knee, hip, arthroscopic knee surgery and Sports Injuries in Indore at very low cost. If you are looking for the Best orthopedic surgeon in Indore for Rotator cuff orthopedic surgery, then visit at Indore Arthroscopy Center. 

Call now us on 9826252228 and online visit - https://www.drmanishmaheshwari.com/ for more information.



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