Calf pain, especially calf pain associated with athletic injuries or sports participation, can be painful and debilitating. The Sports Injury Clinic website states that calf pain may be caused by muscle strains, contusions and cramps, delayed onset muscle soreness or more serious conditions, such as a compartment syndrome or deep vein thrombosis. In most cases, however, calf pain can be treated using conservative measures such as massage therapy, trigger point therapy and compression stockings.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be an effective way to reduce calf pain, especially calf pain associated with muscle strains and cramps. The Sports Injury Clinic website states that a bout of severe calf cramps can cause muscle damage, as muscle fibers may be torn due to the strength and magnitude of the muscle contraction. Muscle strains or tears typically cause pain for a significant amount of time after an injury, and it's important that a person participates in a full rehabilitation program, including sports massage therapy, to help the calf muscles--including the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles--recover as quickly as possible. While self-massage may be effective in relieving calf pain, a licensed massage therapist will be able to optimally detect and treat the injured tissues and problematic areas.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is often helpful in reducing calf pain and discomfort. According to the Sports Injury Bulletin website, the first evidence of damage to the musculoskeletal system may involve the formation of a trigger point--a hyper-irritable nodule within a tight band of muscle. If the trigger point or points are not treated appropriately, problematic areas can become painful and weak and suffer nerve irritation and structural breakdown. Trigger points in the calf muscles may be overtly painful, although some people may not be aware of their presence until a manual medicine practitioner, such as a chiropractor, massage therapist or physical therapist, palpates them during a physical examination.
Trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension and pain may be performed in many ways, including ischemic compression of the problematic points, mechanical vibration, physical therapy modalities such as pulsed ultrasound and low level laser, spray-and-stretch techniques and acupuncture needling techniques.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings may help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. Varicose veins are veins, often in the calf area, that have become tortuous and enlarged due to faulty leaflet valves. According to MayoClinic.com, compression stockings often are the first line of approach to varicose vein care and should be used before trying other therapies such as surgery and injections. Compression stockings, which are worn all day, exert a steady squeezing pressure on the legs that assists veins and leg muscles in moving venous blood back to the heart more effectively. The degree of compression varies based on the type of compression stocking and the brand.
Compression stockings also come in different strengths and styles, and can be purchased at pharmacies and medical supply stores. When choosing compression stockings, appropriate fit should be considered. Pharmacists can be helpful in choosing the best compression stocking.
