Calf pain is usually caused by cramp, when the muscles suddenly contract This might happen if you have been doing new exercises, if you are dehydrated, or if you are deficient in some minerals Cramps normally go away quite quickly by themselves
Is calf pain serious?
Muscle cramp Calf muscle cramps are usually temporary but can cause significant pain and discomfort Causes of calf muscle cramps include: dehydration
When should I be concerned about calf pain?
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (378 C) A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride
What does it mean when your calf hurts?
Calf pain can be a sign that your leg muscles aren’t getting enough blood If you have a problem called claudication, your legs will hurt when you’re active, and your feet, thighs, hips, and bottom may also ache Your doctor can run tests to see how well blood flows to your lower limbs
Does calf pain go away on its own?
Muscle-related calf injuries are common in athletes They can happen suddenly or develop over time, and you may not feel pain right away Most calf muscle injuries heal on their own with adequate rest
How do I relieve calf pain?
Home remedies for calf pain relief RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) Icing and elevating the leg are two common principles of RICE OTC medications Calf pain can also be soothed with common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen Stretching Light stretching can help ease calf pain
How long does calf pain last?
A typical grade I calf strain will heal in seven to 10 days, a grade II injury within about four to six weeks, and a grade III calf strain within about three months The most common injury is a grade II calf strain, which takes about six weeks for complete healing
What deficiency causes calf pain?
Potassium helps maintain normal cell function in the body, particularly in the nerves and muscles It is relatively common for people to have a potassium deficiency However, if a person has a severe deficiency , they may experience symptoms such as leg cramps
How do I know if my leg pain is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention if you observe these symptoms: Fever and other signs of infection Bluish or blackish colored leg Cold and pale legs Swelling of legs with breathing difficulties Unable to put more weight on the leg Leg injury with popping and grinding noise Swollen, red painful legs
Can dehydration cause calf pain?
That means less vital organs — like your muscles and digestive system — don’t get the water and electrolytes they need Without these fluids, your muscles can start to cramp You may particularly experience leg cramps in your calf muscles and thigh muscles You may also have involuntary contractions like muscle spasms
How do I relax my calves?
Stand near a wall with one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent Also bend your back knee, keeping your heel on the ground, as you lean toward the wall Feel the stretch in the lower part of your calf muscle Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds
Can lower back cause calf pain?
Your back may be the source of your leg pain if your symptoms include: Pain that radiates down your leg Muscle weakness in your leg
What doctor treats calf pain?
Here are some specialists who can treat leg pain and injuries: Orthopedic specialist or orthopedic surgeon Vascular surgeon Rheumatologist
Should you massage a calf strain?
The No HARM Protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area
How do I get my legs to stop aching?
Home Care Rest as much as possible Elevate your leg Apply ice for up to 15 minutes Do this 4 times per day, more often for the first few days Gently stretch and massage cramping muscles Take over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
What causes calf strain?
Calf muscle strains usually occur when someone suddenly moves or overstretches their calf after standing still Quick pivots, jumps or abrupt stops can cause strains This injury is especially common when your toes get forced upward (toward your body) and your ankle pulls your calf muscles down too quickly
Is calf pain normal in pregnancy?
Leg cramps — painful involuntary muscle contractions that typically affect the calf, foot or both — are common during pregnancy, often striking at night during the second and third trimesters
Where is your calf?
Your calf muscle sits in the back of your lower leg It starts below your knee and extends to your ankle
What does calf strain feel like?
A calf strain usually starts with sudden pain in the back of the lower leg A pop, snap or tearing sensation may be felt Occasionally, with a severe tear, it may feel like you have been shot in the back of the leg Afterwards, the calf may swell and it will be difficult to rise up onto the toes
What is the best vitamin for leg cramps?
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential for regulating your body’s functioning It’s involved in more than 300 of your body’s biochemical processes, including muscle contraction and nerve transmission Magnesium is a widely used remedy for leg cramps
What vitamin is good for weak legs?
You know to drink milk — it can help fight leg heaviness when coupled with vitamin D Vitamin D helps your body use calcium But when you’re deficient in this vitamin, your legs may feel weak, sore and heavy A vitamin E deficiency may be another reason your legs feel heavy after a run
What Vitamin Are you lacking when your legs hurt?
Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle aches, weakness, and bone pain in people of all ages
What are the signs of clogged arteries in your legs?
Claudication is a symptom of a narrowing or blockage of an artery Typical symptoms of claudication include: Pain, a burning feeling, or a tired feeling in the legs and buttocks when you walk Shiny, hairless, blotchy foot skin that may get sores
Why is my leg hurting at night?
Pain in your legs and feet at night, or when trying to sleep, is often a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) Peripheral artery disease leg pain can occur anywhere in your leg, but the most common places to feel pain are in the muscles of your calf, thigh or buttocks
Can High BP cause leg pain?
High blood pressure can seriously affect the circulation causing pain in the legs with walking, cold feet, and stroke Fortunately, when high blood pressure is detected early, treated, and monitored, the consequences of high blood pressure can be avoided
Which vitamin helps muscle cramps?
Some research shows that replacing certain nutrients, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium, may help counteract muscle cramps Plus, deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, and certain B vitamins may increase the chances of muscle cramps ( 3 , 4 , 5 )