The part of the body behind the calf that we usually call the calf belly, which is the area just below the knee, contains three major muscles: the two gastrocnemius muscles (medial and lateral) and the hallux valgus muscle. Another smaller muscle called the metatarsus muscle is also located in the lower leg. And located deep within the muscle are two bones, the larger one called the tibia and the smaller one called the fibula.
When there is a problem with the bones, such as a stress fracture, it can also cause symptoms of calf pain. Although muscle damage is the most common cause of calf pain, blood circulation problems, knee problems and other related conditions may also cause calf pain, and of course, there are a number of other contributing causes. Identifying the cause of calf pain can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Common causes of calf pain include the following.
1, calf muscle strain
Calf muscle strain is the most common cause of acute episodes of pain. Usually, such injuries occur during sports or exercise, and common symptoms of calf muscle strain include pain, swelling, and bruising.
2, medial gastrocnemius strain
The medial gastrocnemius is the most commonly injured part of the calf muscle. The medial gastrocnemius is one of the three main calf muscles, and tension in the muscle here is usually the source of calf pain.
3, metatarsal muscle rupture
The metatarsal muscle is actually a degenerative muscle, and about 10-20% of people do not have this muscle. The metatarsal muscle has a short belly and elongated tendon, starting at the top of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle of the lateral femoral epicondyle, traveling between the gastrocnemius and the flounder muscle on the back of the calf, and ending at the inner edge of the heel bone or attached to the Achilles tendon. When rupture of the metatarsal muscle occurs, it causes sudden spasmodic pain at the back of the leg. Because the metatarsal muscle is not too versatile, it is usually treated by non-surgical methods.
4.Achilles tendonitis/rupture
The main function of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf muscles to the heel area. The cause of calf pain is usually thought to be related to the soft tissues and muscles of the calf, and a rupture of the Achilles tendon usually causes pain in the heel. When assessing painful symptoms in the calf, more consideration should be given to the location above the Achilles tendon connecting the calf muscle.
5. Bread-like cysts
Bread-like cysts are not true cysts, but are caused by a collection of fluid in the back of the knee joint. When too much fluid accumulates in the back of the knee joint, it tends to cause pain in the back of the calf. Even occasionally, bread-like cysts can rupture, causing fluid to flow into the calf area.
6, blood (embolism) clots
Blood (embolism) clots can be considered as one of the causes of calf pain, especially when the calf pain is not directly caused by the injury. Blood clots can form in the deep veins of the lower extremities, leading to circulatory blockage and causing swelling and pain in the lower leg. Prevention of blood clots is a very important thing, for example, when a blood (clot) travels to the lungs it can easily cause breathing difficulties.
7.Leg cramps
Spasms in the leg muscles are a common cause of calf pain. Usually, the symptoms are intermittent (not constant and continuous pain) and can be relieved by stretching exercises and hot compresses.
When should I see a doctor for calf pain?
If the patient is unsure of the cause of the symptoms or does not know the specific treatment options for the painful condition, he or she should consider seeking professional medical help.
Treatment for calf pain must first be straightforward to find the exact cause of the problem, and a doctor’s visit should be an option when the following symptoms and signs are present.
1. The unilateral leg in which the pain occurs is unable to ensure comfortable walking.
2. the appearance of a calf deformity as a result of the injury
3. the pain persists at rest or while sleeping.
4. the pain in the lower leg persists for multiple days.
5. swelling of the calf or ankle area occurs.
6. signs of infection, including fever, redness, etc.
7. any other unusual symptoms.
Treatment of calf pain
The treatment of calf pain depends entirely on the cause of its onset. Therefore, the most important thing is to confirm the diagnosis of the cause of the symptoms before starting a treatment program. If you are unsure of the diagnosis, or if the condition manifests itself severely, you should seek professional advice from your doctor before starting any treatment program.
Here is a list of some common treatments for calf pain. Not all of these treatments are appropriate for every condition, but they can provide some help in improving calf pain.
Rest: The most common treatment option for improving calf pain is to rest the muscles and ensure that the acute inflammation subsides. This is usually the only step needed to alleviate calf pain, but if symptoms are severe, the use of crutches may also help.
Ice and heat: Ice and heat are common treatments for calf pain, but which is the right one to use? Ice or heat? How long to keep each compress on should be in accordance with professional advice.
Stretching: Stretching the muscles and tendons of the calf can help improve the pain that occurs in the calf, and you can use such stretching as a regular daily activity that has great significance for your health.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a very important aspect of treatment. The physical therapist will use different physical therapy methods to improve the strength of the patient’s muscles and enhance the mobility of the tissues, helping the patient to return to his or her previous athletic state.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (often called NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed medications, especially for patients with calf pain caused by acute inflammation.
Happily, the majority of conditions that induce calf pain symptoms do not require surgical treatment. However, the patient should know exactly what is causing the symptoms, as some acute symptoms may require special care. In addition, special attention should be paid to calf pain induced by rapid thrombosis, as this can lead to very serious conditions that also require urgent treatment to prevent serious, systemic complications.