In particular, upper calf pain or pain behind the knee is one sign of a deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot deep in the leg that can lead to a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke
What muscle is at the top of the calf?
The top part of the gastrocnemius has two heads that start on the inside and the outside of the femur (thighbone) The gastrocnemius goes down the back of the leg and attaches to the Achilles tendon Gastrocnemius strains are common because the muscle connects to two joints (the knee joint and the ankle joint)
What muscle is behind knee and top of calf?
The gastrocnemius actually begins as two separate muscles that merge together The gastrocnemius and soleus have their own origin, but they end in the common Achilles tendon, which inserts at the heel The gastrocnemius and the plantaris originate above the knee joint, and the soleus below the knee joint
Can a bad knee make your calf hurt?
Can bad knees cause calf pain? Yes A number of knee problems can strain the muscles and tendons that run along the calf A common issue is a Baker’s cyst, a complication of arthritis in the knee joint
What are the signs and symptoms of a gastrocnemius strain?
Signs and symptoms A sudden pain at the back of the leg, particularly at the muscular tendinous junction Difficulty in contracting the muscle or standing on tiptoe Pain and swelling or bruising in the calf muscle Pain on resisted plantar flexion or contracting the muscles against resistance
Why do the top of my calves hurt?
Calf pain can result from a number of causes, including overworking the muscle, cramps, and foot conditions While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, other causes may require immediate medical attention
Why does the top of my calf muscle hurt?
Muscle Cramp If you work your calf muscle too much, you can get a sudden pain in your leg A muscle cramp can also happen if you hold a position too long or haven’t had enough water to drink Most cramps are harmless and improve if you massage yourself, do gentle stretching, and apply a warm towel or heating pad
Why does the back of my calf and knee hurt?
Knee sprains, infections, tendinitis, and muscular spasms are among disorders that can produce discomfort at the back of the calf or knee Tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons, can affect the calf muscles, for example
How do you fix Popliteus strain?
The treatment for popliteus tendinopathy includes rest, ice application, elevation, an elastic wrap, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for pain, such as aspirin or ibuprofen Additional treatment for popliteus tendinopathy may include oral corticosteroids or corticosteroid injections
How do you check yourself for a torn meniscus?
Self tests for a meniscus tear Stand on your affected leg Bend it slightly Twist your body away from your leg Twist your body toward the leg Pain on torsion away from the leg may indicate a medial meniscus injury – the inside meniscus
Can a torn meniscus cause calf pain?
Depending on the location of the tear will determine where a person might experience symptoms Anterior knee pain, pain along the inner or outer aspect of the knee, even at times pain in the calf region can all be signs that a meniscus could be compromised
How do you know if you have torn your calf muscle?
Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include: No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg Snapping or popping sensation in your calf Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf
Why does my calf hurt when I squat?
Most calf pain is due to overuse, injury, and age-related wear and tear on the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the calf There are two calf muscles—gastrocnemius and the soleus—that meet at the Achilles tendon, which is attached to the heel bone
What is the difference between a calf strain and a tear?
Symptoms 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
What does a grade 3 calf strain feel like?
Someone who experiences a grade three calf strain will experience immediate and excruciating pain They will be unable to continue the activity, and may not be able to move their calf muscle at all If this is the case, visiting a doctor is the only option, and surgery is quite likely
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
What is soleus syndrome?
The superficial posterior compartment contains the distal portion of the sural nerve with the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles Increased pressure in this compartment, or soleus syndrome, manifests itself as plantar flexion weakness and paresthesias of the lateral foot and distal calf
How do you stretch your upper calves?
Calf stretch 1 Stand near a wall with one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds
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 long should you rest a strained calf muscle?
In the less severe cases it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better In the most severe cases that don’t require surgery a full recovery may take up to six weeks In the case that the injury requires surgery the recovery period may extend up to six months to a full year
Can you walk on a strained calf muscle?
You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling redness