Introduction:
Every time you run, walk, or climb stairs, do you experience a sudden, intense pull or tightness in your calf? You might be surprised to learn just how common calf muscle soreness is, and it’s not limited to athletes. Calf discomfort can disrupt your daily routine and affect your mobility, whether it is brought on by overuse, inadequate footwear, dehydration, or even nerve-related problems. The good news is that you can get back on your feet pain-free with the correct physiotherapy care and easy at-home ways to reduce pain and regain flexibility.
The calf muscles refer to the posterior of lower leg. It is composed of three distinct muscles plantaris, soleus, and gastrocnemius. Your ability to walk, run, leap, stand on your toes, and flex your foot—push your toes down towards the ground—all depends on the coordination of these lower leg muscles.
What are the Causes of Calf Muscle Pain?
Multiple factors can cause to calf muscle pain, such as:
- Overuse or strain: Repeated tension or abrupt contractions can lead to muscle discomfort.
- Muscle cramps: Caused by the muscles suddenly shortening. Constraints might result from dehydration as well as exertion. A cramp may only last a few seconds, but it can cause your muscle to hurt for hours afterwards, they are very common at night.
- Achilles tendonitis: Without a break in between the repetitive activity inflames the tendon and cause pain. It is very common in runners.
- Medical conditions: Peripheral artery disease, Diabetes and Nerve damage
- Injury: such as muscle strain, trauma, fall
- Poor footwear or biomechanics
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Age-related wear and tear
- Shin splints
What are the Symptoms of Calf Muscle Pain?
If you have a calf strain you may experience symptoms such as:
- sudden pain at the back of your leg
- your calf is stiff and weak when you walk
- you find it hard to rise up onto your toes
- swelling or bruising in the calf muscle
Calf Muscle Pain Treatment:
RICE method to mild pain:
- Rest: Take break and don’t exert any pressure or weight on the affected leg
- Ice: During the day, apply ice-pack to your swollen foot for 20 minutes twice a day. (Do not apply ice directly to the skin, it can cause ice-burn. Always use Ice-Pack)
- Compression: Wrap or apply a compression bandage on your leg. Compression decrease pain and improve blood flow to the sore location.
- Elevation: Raise your leg to a higher position, ideally higher than your heart. Use cushions, blankets, or pillows to support your leg all the way down.
Stretches and Exercise:
Stretches and rolling improves the flexibility and reduces muscle tension. Stretching also enhance blood circulation. Some of stretches include
- Standing calf stretch
- Seated calf stretch
- Wall pushup calf stretch
- Calf raise stretch
Massage Therapy:
Massage therapy promotes relaxation and improves circulation that reduces the inflammation and pain. Some techniques for massage are foam rolling and myofascial release.
Medications:
- NASIDS (anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Pain killers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Prevention Techniques:
- Proper warm up and cool down
- Strengthening exercises
- Running and walking, regular exercise
- Proper and comfortable footwear
- Electrolyte balance
Schedule an Appointment:
Struggling with calf muscle pain? Book your appointment now with expert and most experienced physiotherapists at physio resource (best physiotherapy clinic in Gullberg, Lahore). Set off on the path to rehabilitation. Our top-notch physiotherapists provide the best possible care while maintaining a close eye on the needs of their patients.
Contact us
Physio Resource
Phone No: 0304-4283442
Address: 93-A1, Gurumangat Road, Gullberg, III, Lahore
Written by: Dr. Ahmad Bilal (Consultant Physiotherapist, MS NMPT)
