The calf is usually made of two muscles the gastrocnemius and soleus. These muscles are attached to the Achilles tendon, which connects directly to the heal. Any motion and movement of leg and foot use these muscles.
Calf pain varies from person to person, But it may feel like aching or sharp pain, with tightness in the back of the lower leg. Symptoms that might include a more severe condition include:
- Unusual cool
- Tingling or numbness
- A weakness of the leg
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth and tenderness of the calf
If you feel pain in calf along with these symptoms, you should immediately consult with a doctor.
Calf pain can be due to some causes, that include overworking of muscles, and cramps. Although, less severe cases of calf pain can be treated at home, while worse case needs a proper treatment.
1. Muscles Cramps
Cramps in muscles are a sudden and painful contraction of the muscles. They can be last for several minutes. Cramps are common in athletes and sportsmen; they generally caused by exercising more than normal or doing new exercises.
Cramps can also happen due to dehydration, muscle, injuries and mineral deficiencies. The extreme serious causes of cramps are:
- Kidney failure
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Peripheral vascular disease
2. Muscle Strain
Muscle strains generally occur due to fatigue, improper or overuse of a muscle. Starting a new exercise or increase in exercise of legs such as running, biking, swimming, and power lifting can strain your muscles.
Strains that are mild to moderate can be successfully treated at home with ice, heat and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe strains or tears may require medical treatment.
3. Achilles Tendonitis
This is usually caused by overuse, stress or strain on the Achilles tendon. Common symptoms include inflammation of the tendon, pain in the back of the leg, swelling and limited range of motion.
Simple and uncomplicated treatments such as R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) can help. If home treatment doesn’t work, you should see a doctor immediately.
4. Sciatica
Sciatica can occur due to the problems in sciatic nerves, which controls muscles in the lower leg. It may cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back that can stretch down the leg to the calf and other muscles.
In worse cases, surgery is needed to treat sciatica.
5. Contusion
A bruise or contusion is the result of trauma, like a fall cut or blow. The trauma causes capillaries beneath the skin to bust, which causes discoloration. Bruises typically heal on their own.
6. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
DPN which is also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that affects the feet, legs, arms, and hands. This is a common complication of diabetes resulting from overuse to high blood sugar, genetic factors or nerve inflammation. Other symptoms of DPN include:
- Sharp Pain
- Numbness
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Weakness
- Impaired sensation
- Loss of balance and coordination
7. DVT
Deep vein thrombosis is the result of a blood clot forming in the deep vein in the arm or leg, including the calf. Several conditions and factors can cause DVT.
Symptoms of DVT include:
- Swelling
- Leg tenderness
- Skin discoloration
- Feeling of warmth in the calf
- A visible vein in the affected area
8. Compartment Syndrome
This is a serious condition that happens when a large amount of pressure build inside a muscle compartment. Typically, this occurs when you have a severe injury to the area.
Symptoms of compartment syndrome are:
- Numbness
- Difficulty in moving the affected are
- A noticeable bulge in the affected muscle
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve after medication or rest
Home Treatments for Calf Pain Relief
Treatment method for calf pain can vary from person to person. It also depends on the cause of the pain. However, less severe conditions can be treated at home.
- Medication – Calf pain can be reduced with painkillers. You can also buy codeine online to treat calf pain.
- Stretching – Light stretching can help to minimize calf pain. If the symptoms moderate slightly, you should stretch your calf muscles. Common exercises are:
- Calf rises
- Downward-facing Dog
- Straight calf stretching
