Leg Pain Lower Calf

Leg Pain Lower Calf | safe4cure

A cramp or strained muscle is the usual culprit for calf pain, which is located in the rear of the lower thigh. leg pain lower calf, though, might occasionally be a sign of a more serious condition.

What causes calf pain?

Cramp

Cramping, which occurs when muscles suddenly contract, is typically the source of calf pain. If you have been performing new workouts, if you are dehydrated, or if you are mineral deficient, this could occur. Cramps typically disappear on their own quite fast.

Calf strain

The gastrocnemius and soleus are the two muscles that make up the calf. They come together at the heel bone-attached Achilles tendon.

Calf strains are caused by overstretching or injuring one of these two calf muscles. Normal symptoms include an instantaneous calf pain with possible pop, snap, or rip sensations. You may also experience the following symptoms if you have a calf strain:

Leg back ache that came in suddenly.
When you walk, your calf feels weak and rigid.
You have trouble getting to your toes.
After one or two days, your calf may be bruised.

Other possible causes of calf pain include:

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which controls your lower leg, is troubled.
A bruise brought on by harm
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is when your hands, feet, legs, and arms are all affected by damaged nerves.
When a blood clot develops in the deep veins of the arm or leg, it is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A medical emergency has occurred. If you suspect you may have DVT, consult a doctor right away (see below).
A dangerous illness called compartment syndrome

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if:

Your calf is enlarged.
Your leg appears abnormally chilly or pallid.
Tingling or numbness in your leg
You have a weak leg
You are retaining fluid.
Your calf is heated, painful, and red.
You have breathing issues and both of your legs are swollen.
Your calf hurts when you walk or right after.
After being treated at home for a few days, the pain either worsens or does not get better.
You suffer from aching varicose veins.

If you have recently spent a lot of time sitting down, such as on a flight, and you are experiencing DVT symptoms, seek medical assistance right soon. These consist of:

Your calf is enlarged.
Your leg hurts.
The calf's skin is crimson.
Your calves are heated.

How is calf pain treated?

Gently stretch or massage the muscle if it is cramping.

The 'RICE' technique of treatment should be used first if you have an Achilles tendinitis or calf strain:

Clean up the area.
Using an icepack with a lid or a bag of frozen peas, ice the region for 20 minutes.
Apply a bandage to the area to provide compression; however, if the discomfort persists, remove the wrap.
Elevate the lower leg so it is above the level of the heart by sitting or lying down (maybe supported by pillows).

Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce swelling and decrease pain. Start strengthening and stretching the muscle after 48 hours, for instance by performing calf stretches and heel raises.

Never resume strenuous physical activity until you can move your ankle and knee without discomfort or tenderness, and your calf strength has fully recovered.

Can calf pain be prevented?

Stretching helps to build and mend the calf, so do it both before and after exercise. If you are starting something new, don't overdo it and increase your exercise volume gradually.

Water is essential to staying cramp-free. Although the research is inconclusive, some persons, particularly pregnant women, have exhibited cramp prevention with magnesium supplementation.

Keep your blood sugar under control if you have diabetes to avoid diabetic neuropathy.