Calf pain is a common and disconcerting symptom, making even simple tasks uncomfortable. Injuries, muscle problems and blood vessel disorders commonly present with calf pain. Accurate diagnosis of the cause of calf pain helps guide appropriate therapy to alleviate the symptom and prevent possible complications.
Calf Muscle Strain
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center explains that a calf muscle strain occurs when the large muscle at the back of the calf--the gastrocnemius--experiences excessive or sudden tension, causing small tears in the muscle fibers. Symptoms of calf muscle strain include pain, weakness and stiffness. Standing on tiptoe typically aggravates the pain. Calf muscle fatigue from overuse increases the risk for injury.
Muscle Cramp
A calf muscle cramp, also called a charley horse, can cause sudden, severe pain. Information provided by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics explains that a charley horse represents an involuntary, sustained contraction of the affected muscle. Dehydration, diuretic medications and overuse increase the risk for a calf muscle cramp. Massaging or stretching the muscle by bringing the foot toward the shin may help release the contraction, alleviating the pain. Pointing the toes may cause the cramp to recur.
Phlebitis
Information provided by the Mayo Clinic states that a blood clot in the superficial or deep veins of the lower leg can cause calf pain. This condition is termed thrombophlebitis or phlebitis. The presence of a blood clot in the vein causes inflammation, which evokes pain. The leg may swell, and the area near the affected vein may be tender. The skin of the affected area may redden. Clots in the deep veins of the legs pose a risk for pulmonary embolism. With this disorder, part of a deep vein blood clot moves through the circulation and lodges in a lung artery. Pulmonary embolism may substantially block blood flow through the lungs, a potentially life-threatening circumstance. Anticoagulant medications reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism from deep vein blood clots.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
The deposition of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the extremities characterizes the disorder peripheral arterial disease. The plaques impede blood flow to the extremities, depriving the muscles of needed oxygen and nutrients. Metabolic waste products accumulate in the tissues. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that peripheral arterial disease most commonly affects the legs. The disorder typically presents with calf muscle pain. Early in the course of the disease, pain occurs with physical exertion such as walking or climbing stairs. With disease progression, pain may occur at rest. Oxygen deprivation, or ischemia, provokes the aching calf muscle pain of peripheral arterial disease.
