Causes of calf muscle pain, diagnosis and treatment
Medically Reviewed By : Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
A calf muscle ache or pain may be an actual ache in the calf and can be a result of more than one reason that varies from one person to another.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your lower leg, you’ve got us…
What exactly is calf muscle pain?
Calf muscle pain is not unusual and causes pain, tightness, and aching within the lower leg muscle. Several issues, which include excessive
walking, damage, or extreme medical conditions, can be reasons for it. Calf muscle pain can be temporary or long-lasting, minor or severe.
Other symptoms include redness and stiffness. Depending on the reason and level of the pain, calf muscle pain treatment options may
vary from person to person, such as rest, ice, compression, pain medications, and physical therapy.
Content status – Approved (Prakruti) Written By: Barkha Maurya The discomfort might be painful and restrict one’s ability to walk freely.
Most people can heal from calf muscle pain and resume their daily activities with the proper care and attention.
How many muscle groups are there within the calf (body element)?
The gastrocnemius and soleus muscle tissues are present inside the calf. The gastrocnemius muscle is the biggest one. The soleus muscle is positioned under the gastrocnemius and is accountable for each day’s activities, like taking walks.
How many Different types of calf muscle pain are there?
Simple calf muscle pain is a light sensation in calf muscles caused by dehydration and poor blood circulation. It can be healed easily by ice,
rest, and resolution, But the extreme calf muscle ache or pain may be a result of a blood clot, nerve damage, or some other important medical problem. Swelling, redness, and pain are common signs and symptoms of this pain.
To find out the best treatment for your calf muscle ache, you should first decide what is causing it.
What are the Causes of calf muscle pain?
Different reasons can cause calf muscle pain.
Water and electrolytic imbalances
Loss of water from the body causes other problems like diarrhea, headaches, and others. As the human body is 70% water.
Overuse or muscle strain
Putting pressure on calf muscle pain can cause severe damage to the tissues through extra muscle strain, which can also come through long periods of walking, jumping, or walking.
Blood clots in veins
Calf muscle discomfort can be caused by blood clots, which can block the blood supply to the muscles and produce swelling and stiffness.
Poor circulation
Calf muscle discomfort can be caused by poor flow, which can cause muscle weakening and cramping.
Muscle tears or ruptures
Calf muscle discomfort can be caused by muscle tears or ruptures, which can result in extreme pain, edema, and muscle weakening.
Nerve damage or neuropathy
Calf muscle pain can be due to nerve injury or neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
Arthritis or joint inflammation
It can cause calf muscle pain by causing joint stiffness and irritation.
Infection or cellulitis
Calf muscle discomfort can be caused by infections or cellulitis, which produce inflammation and muscle tenderness.
Diagnosis of calf muscle pain
- A physical examination could work. The doctor may ask for a medical history to detect the underlining problems.
- X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, blood tests, and nerve conduction studies are the various investigations that might be vital.
- In a few situations, a medical health practitioner (doctor) can also refer the affected person to a professional for examination and treatment, which includes an orthopedic doctor, neurologist, or rheumatologist.
- The severity of calf muscle pain may be measured through elements that include its vicinity, severity, duration, and related signs and symptoms.
- Common reasons for calf muscle pain are muscle strain or damage, overuse, poor circulation, and nerve harm.
- Calf muscle discomfort can also arise from infections and different situations like fibromyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica.
Treatment options for calf muscle pain may involve resting and icing the area
- compression techniques,
- elevation of the leg,
- pain medications
- stretching exercises,
- physical therapy sessions
- In some cases, surgical conditions depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
Treatments
Home remedies for calf muscle pain
- Relaxation: Resting and avoiding sports that cause pain or soreness may aid in the recovery of the calf muscle groups.
- Ice: Ice can help reduce infection and pain in the affected area.
- Compression: Wearing compression stockings or bandages may also aid in the reduction of discomfort and the development of circulation.
- Stretching: Gentle physical activity such as stretching can increase flexibility and reduce muscle strain.
- Massage: A calf muscle massage may also increase blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
- Hydration: keeping your body hydrated is vital for preventing muscle cramps and other problems. Our body is crafted from 70% water, so its water is essential to keeping our muscles hydrated and running.
- Electrolyte stability: maintaining a balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium is essential for stopping muscle cramps and improving muscle performance.
Medical Treatment for Calf Muscle Pain
- Medications: Ache and infections may be reduced by using over-the- counter ache medications along with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In severe circumstances, pharmaceuticals together with muscle relaxants or opioids (narcotic medication) can be used.
- Surgical treatment: surgical operation can be required in unusual situations to heal an injured muscle or to treat underlying medical cause.
- Electrical stimulation: this remedy can also help in the reduction of muscle anxiety as well as the development of blood clots.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a sort of therapy that could help with pain comfort and muscle relaxation.
- Shockwave therapy: excessive-frequency shock waves are utilized in shockwave remedies to stimulate restoration and relieve discomfort.
- Ultrasound therapy: excessive-frequency sound waves are used in ultrasound therapy to reduce blood drift and irritation.
Some exercises to get relief from calf muscle aches
Before starting any new fitness program, constantly test along with your doctor or physiotherapist, specifically in case you are in pain or discomfort
- Standing calf stretch: Stand with your back to a wall and your fingers at the shoulder top on the wall. With your affected leg, take a step again and maintain your heel on the floor. Stay for approximately 30 seconds before alternating legs.
- Seated calf stretch: area your toes at the ground and amplify your legs in front of you. Wrap a towel around the ball of your affected foot and draw it in your direction. Stay for approximately 30 seconds before alternating legs.
- Ankle circles: place your toes on the floor and make your legs bigger in front of you. Slowly spin your affected ankle in a circular motion, making sure to use a complete variety of motions. Reverse the manner.
- Heel drops: place your heels on the brink of a stairwell. Slowly lower your heels until you experience a calf muscle stretch. Hold for some seconds before slowly resuming your ordinary function. Repeat 10–15 times.
Conclusion
Overuse, injury, and scientific disorders are all potential reasons for calf muscle pain. Bodily therapy, drug treatments, injectable therapy, and
surgical operations are all alternatives for treatment. Moreover, calf stretches, toe increases, and ankle circles can help relieve the pain and
increase mobility. It’s far more essential to test with the physician before beginning any new therapy or health application, especially if you are suffering from aches or discomfort.
Staying hydrated, wearing correct shoes in the course of physical activity, and steadily increasing the intensity and duration of workouts are different techniques to avoid calf muscle discomfort. Warming up before exercising and cooling down afterward is likewise essential for injury prevention. If your calf muscle ache lasts more than a few days or if you have excessive aches, swelling, or difficulty taking walks, you must consult a doctor