Calf pain while walking can occur for a variety of reasons. You may have a broken bone or shin splint, a deep vein problem such as peripheral artery disease or varicose veins. While you might try rest and home remedies to relieve a temporary soreness in your leg, see a doctor if the pain is chronic.
Features
When arterial blood vessels become clogged with cholesterol and fat, the linings of the arteries are damaged, which results in hardening of the arteries. When blood flow to the lower extremities occurs, it results in a condition called peripheral artery disease, or PAD. In addition to pain, you may experience leg cramps and hip or thigh pain as well.
Symptoms
Peripheral artery disease typically occurs in the calves, according to the University of Southern California Center for Vascular Care. It happens in the same place after walking for the same distance. As the disease progresses, the pain continues even when you stop to rest because the blood cannot flow to the legs. Elevating legs does not alleviate the pain either. Eventually, gangrene may set in as the tissues in the calves begin to die.
Risks
Risk factors for hardening arteries, or atherosclerosis, in the lower leg are the same as for any arterial blockage problems. People with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels are at risk for developing leg pain when walking. Obesity is a major risk factor for the condition. Smoking, diabetes and a family history of atherosclerosis also contribute to the prevalence of the condition.
Treatment
The first line of treatment for PAD is lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, says the Mayo Clinic. One key is to lose weight and ease the severe pain so that you can continue to walk and exercise. Medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol may be needed, and a drug called cilostazol may be prescribed to increase blood flow to your legs. Surgery may be required to bypass the affected arteries. Untreated, peripheral artery disease can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Alternatives
According to the Family Doctor website, other conditions may cause lower leg pain while walking as well and may respond to rest and elevation. Conditions that cause pain when walking include varicose veins, cellulitis, arthritis and edema. Rest, ice and elevation usually relieve a strain or muscle pull. Broken bones, sprains and Achilles tendon tears must be treated as a medical emergency.
