Calf pain: what can it be and what to do?
Feeling pain in the calf after a long walk or physical effort can be common, however, it should not be frequent. Understand what to do to end this problem and find out what may be causing the malaise.
Different situations can give rise to calf pain. However, it is common for discomfort to appear soon after intensive practice of physical exercises or, in some cases, it may occur more frequently in pregnant women.
However, the reasons that initiate pain can be varied, from poor blood circulation to more serious illnesses, such as thrombosis or rupture of the Achilles tendon.
It is possible to control and eradicate the lesions at home, but if the symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
The calf, popularly known as the leg potato, has three main muscles that are used intensely during races and long walks.
Although these three muscles are almost always responsible for the discomfort, the pain is likely to be related to the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues surrounding these muscles.
Check out everything about it right now, what to do when calf pain appears, the main causes and recommendations to deal with the problem.
What can cause calf pain?
It can start after a calf cramp, a common symptom of muscle fatigue , which can also occur during sleep.
The pain caused by the cramp provides strong and acute spasms and, in certain situations, it is possible to see how the muscles are contracting, creating a fully visible nodule.
Among the reasons related to muscle contraction, the lack of minerals, intense practice of physical exercise and muscle fatigue can be highlighted.
However, in other cases, pain in the back of the leg may be associated with a more serious problem.
Among the most serious cases, the best known is the rupture of the Achilles tendon , which is composed of the nerves and ligaments of the calf with the heel bone.
In cases like this, it is advisable to go to a specialist sports doctor to carry out an adequate treatment.
What factors can cause calf pain?
The wrong practice of physical activity, lack of adequate minerals, muscle fatigue and high-intensity load exercises may be some of the reasons related to calf pain.
However, there are other alternatives to exemplify what pain can be, check it out below!
1. Poor blood circulation
Whether due to lack of physical exercise or stretching, this reason is also common in pregnant women, especially at the end of pregnancy.
Elderly and recently operated people can also suffer from the pain caused by poor circulation.
To solve this problem, the daily practice of stretching and physical activities is indicated, as well as reducing salt in food or using special elastic stockings.
In addition, poor circulation can bring with it other problems, such as varicose veins.
2. Varicose Veins
Pain in the calf when walking may be related to the appearance of varicose veins, which swell with the pressure of activity, causing discomfort and a feeling of heaviness and extreme fatigue.
The use of elastic stockings, specific medicines and the moderate practice of physical activities may be the best option for those who suffer from the problem.
In some cases, the doctor may advise laser treatment or surgery to remove the varicose veins. Remember to look for a specialist before starting any treatment.
3. Achilles tendon
Breakup can happen by intense practice of physical activity or some direct trauma to the leg or heel region.
The pain is strong, acute and extremely intense, making it difficult to walk and move your foot completely to the ground.
It’s common for people to hear a loud pop or feel as if they’ve been hit by a blow to the back of their leg when they tear this tendon.
It is necessary to see a doctor in this situation, as the treatment involves putting the leg in a cast and, in some more serious cases, it is necessary to undergo surgeries to reconstruct the ligament.
4. Calf Stretch
Stretching usually occurs during physical exercise, when the muscle in the back of the leg reaches its physiological limit .
The factor may also be linked to the intense combination of physical activity and temperature, that is, when it is too hot or too cold.
The pain related to the muscle injury is severe and may intensify over time, until it becomes impossible to walk.
The treatment is simple: just apply hot water compresses to the calf, stretch and, if necessary, use analgesic ointments developed to treat injuries and muscle pain.
5. Pain while running
Calf pain when running may be related to the athlete’s physical condition, that is, when feeling pain in both legs at the same time, it means that the athlete may just be fatigued due to exercise.
In order for these pains to go away, only frequent exercise and a stable rhythm are indicated, so that the muscles can get used to the frequency of activities.
However, calf discomfort during running can also be the result of weak or incorrect stretching of the muscles.
In this situation, stop your activity immediately, sit on the floor and stretch your legs for a few minutes and then return to the activity.
6. Deep Venous Thrombosis
The most common symptom is calf swelling, that is, muscle hardening, in addition to heat, redness and swelling of a segment of veins.
Deep Vein Thrombosis can lead to death, because the disease causes clots in the veins and these can rise to the lung, causing pulmonary embolism.
This condition can also happen in people who have suffered a stroke, lengthy surgeries with general anesthesia, cancer, severe respiratory diseases and heart attack.
Diagnosing and treating the problem early reduces the chances of embolism. For this, medical monitoring and the consumption of anticoagulant and fibrinolytic drugs are essential.