There are two muscles which make up the calf they are the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These two muscles meet at the Achilles tendon, which is directly connected to the heel. Any movement of the foot or leg makes use of these muscles. Based on individuals, calf pain varies but usually looks like a boring, painful or sharp pain, sometimes with a feeling of tightness, on the back of the lower leg.
There are various conditions which have been found to affect the calf muscles and also the blood vessels and other surrounding structures. The good news is that many of the conditions that cause calf pains can easily be treated.
What are the Causes of Calf Pain?
Below are some of the conditions and situations that can cause calf pain:
1. Muscle cramp: Calf muscle cramps are usually not permanent but they can result in serious pain and discomfort. Some of the causes of calf muscle cramps are dehydration, electrolyte loss as a result of sweating, prolonged physical activity and weak muscles among others.
2. Muscle strain: this occurs when the muscle fibers found in the calf tear either partially or completely. There will be different in the symptoms depending on the severity of the strain, but the majority of affected individuals will feel sudden, sharp pain and tenderness in the site of the calf muscle.
3. Arterial claudication: This occurs as a result of the blocking or narrowing of the arteries which supply blood to the legs. This is referred to as arterial claudication. Arterial claudication can cause pain while walking because this movement requires blood flowing through the legs. In the event that the blood finds it difficult to move due to narrowing (claudication), an individual may experience calf pain. A person suffering from arterial claudication will not feel any uneasiness at rest, but the pain after a few minutes’ walks.
4. Achilles tendinitis: the Achilles tendon is a tough, fibrous bank which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. In the event that the calf of an individual is tight, this can exert additional pressure on the Achilles tendon. Because of this, a person can experience calf pain. People are more likely to have Achilles tendinitis if they have recently started the exercise program or are practicing repeat exercises.
5. Diabetic neuropathy: this is a condition which occurs when an individual experience nerve damage which is related to diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage your nerves, usually starting with your hands and feet. Sometimes tingling and numbness can cause shooting pain and discomfort which radiates to the muscles of the calf.
6. Plantar fasciitis: This is a condition which affects the plantar fascia tissue that is found at the bottom of the foot. When the calf muscles are too tight, it is possible for an individual to experience plantar fascia and this is because the calf muscles cannot support the foot. The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are foot pain after waking and find it difficult to bend the foot.
Symptoms of Calf Pain
Below are some of the symptoms of calf pain:
• Swelling
• Rare coolness or pale color in the calf
• Stiffness in the calf and leg
• A weakness of the leg
• Fluid retention
• Redness, warmth, and tenderness of the calf
Calf Pain Treatment
Treatment for Calf Pain requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your calf. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your calf to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
