If you’ve ever hobbled around after a long day of having “calf pain”, you know just how frustrating it can be. You may not know, however, that calf pain has many possible causes and can be treated in a variety of ways. In this blog post, we will explore the 9 most common causes of calf pain, as well as some stretches and treatment options that might help you feel better. So, lace up your sneakers and let’s get started!
Common causes and treatments:
- Musculoskeletal problems: The most common cause of calf pain is a strain or tear in the muscles and tendons that make up the calf. This type of injury is often caused by overuse, such as from running or playing sports. Treatment can involve rest, ice, immobilization, laser therapy, prescription and OTC anti-inflammatories, and topical anti-inflammatories such as Mod Pod Soothe.
- Achilles tendonitis: This condition is a common cause of calf pain. It occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. Treatment can involve rest, ice, immobilization, laser therapy, PRP injections, and topical anti-inflammatories such as Mod Pod Soothe.
- Shin splints: Shin splints are a common cause of calf pain, especially in runners. They occur when the muscles and tendons around the shin bone become inflamed. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, immobilization, and topical anti-inflammatories such as Mod Pod Soothe.
- Compartment syndrome: This condition occurs when the muscles and tendons in a specific area (known as a compartment) become swollen. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. Treatment typically involves surgery to release the pressure in the compartment. If you feel this is the case, please go immediately to your local emergency room.
- Blood clots: Blood clots are a serious cause of calf pain. They occur when blood vessels become blocked, preventing blood from flowing properly. A blood clot, or DVT, typically presents as swelling in one leg and pain in your calf. Patients typically say it feels “tight, sore, or sometimes painful”, but it can also be described as a cramp in the calf that won't resolve. This can cause pain, swelling, and even death if the clot dislodges and causes a pulmonary embolism. Treatment typically involves anticoagulants (blood thinners) and surgery. If you think you might have a blood clot it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Peripheral artery disease: This condition occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the legs become blocked or narrowed. This can cause pain, and cramping. Symptoms are often worse at night or when the legs are elevated. Minimal relief is experienced when the legs are lowered and with movement. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, compression hose, medication, and regular visits with a vascular doctor.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a common cause of calf pain. It occurs when the joints in the legs become inflamed. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, immobilization, steroid injections, laser therapy, prescription and OTC anti-inflammatories, and topical anti-inflammatories such as Mod Pod Soothe.
- Infection: Infections are a serious cause of calf pain. They can occur when bacteria or viruses enter the body through a cut or break in the skin. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or other medication. Please go to your local emergency room for immediate treatment.
- Nerve problems: Nerve problems are a common cause of calf pain. They can occur when the nerves in the legs become damaged or irritated. First, we do a couple of diagnostic tests, such as and EMG or nerve biopsy (ENFD). Once we know what is causing the pain, treatment typically involves prescription and medical-grade medication, compound creams, steroid injections and sometimes laser therapy.
Stretches:
Calf pain can be a real drag. It can make it hard to walk, run, or even stand for long periods of time. But there are some stretches you can do to help ease the pain and keep your calves healthy.
- Heel drops: This stretch is simple but effective. Stand on an elevated surface with your heels hanging off the edge. Make sure to support yourself so you don’t topple over! Slowly lower your heels down below the level of your toes, then raise them back up. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Towel stretch: This one is great for targeting those pesky knots in your calves. Place a towel around the ball of your foot and hold on to both ends. Gently pull the towel towards you, using your hands to apply pressure and massage the muscle.
- Standing calf stretch: Start by placing your hands on a wall or other stable surface for support. Step forward with one leg, keeping your back leg straight and your heel on the ground. Lean into the wall until you feel a decent stretch in your calf. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs.
- Seated calf stretch: This one is similar to the standing stretch, but you’ll be doing it from a seated position. Place a towel around the ball of your foot and hold on to both ends. Gently pull the towel towards you, using your hands to apply pressure and massage the muscle.
- Downward facing dog: This classic yoga pose is great for all-over body stretching, but it also does wonders for your calves. Start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees. Then, tuck your toes under and lift your hips up and back, until your body forms an upside down “V” shape. Keep your knees slightly bent and your heels lifted off the ground. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.
Doing these stretches regularly can help you avoid calf pain, or at least make it more manageable when it does happen. Give them a try and see how you feel! If you need a stretching tutorial, check out our comprehensive stretching guide here.
So now that we’ve covered the basics of calf pain and some potential solutions, it’s time to take action. The best way to start fixing your problem is by calling us at 859-264-1141 or scheduling an appointment online. We can assess your injury and give you a personalized treatment plan that will help get you back on your feet (or calves) in no time. We hope this article was helpful, but if you have any further questions don’t hesitate to reach out.