According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the leg is the region of your body between your knee and ankle and includes the calves, in back of the leg. Repetitive weight-bearing exercise is one of the main culprits of chronic calf pain. On the other end of the spectrum, prolonged inactivity also can create conditions that lead to chronic calf muscle pain, as can infections and arterial disorders.
Identification
Muscle strain is a common injury that often is repetitive if you don't rest the muscle long enough for it to heal. Runners often experience the strain from overstretching their calves without proper conditioning through prolonged stretches prior to running. Ischemia is a condition caused by a lack of sufficient blood flow to the calves. Deep aching, cramps, swelling and weakness begins after about 30 minutes of exercising. Surgery often is required to repair the thrombosis.
Features
You calf muscle might ache for a while before you notice the swelling associated with a deep vein thrombosis. According to Family Doctor, the condition is fairly common, especially among the obese. Varicose veins are more noticeable and are caused by weakened blood vessels. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is another common condition that causes constant pain after walking a short distance. The pain often resembles leg pain caused by arthritis or diabetes.
Prevention
Prevention is the best precaution against calf muscle pain. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, you should build the intensity of your exercising gradually to prepare bones and muscles for the increase. Stretch your calves without bouncing prior to any exercises involving your legs. Anti-inflammatory medications and sports massage can help to prevent strains. Staying moderately active, controlling your weight and blood pressure and quitting smoking also can help prevent calf problems.
Warning
Various conditions that cause chronic calf muscle pain can be caused by an injury that you didn't notice and require emergency medical treatment. What you think is simply a sprain, for example, actually might be a broken bone that left untreated can develop into leg deformities, according to Family Doctor. If your calves become swollen, warm and tender to the touch, seek immediate medical care in case a blood clot has formed.
Treatments
Rest often is the best treatment for calf pain. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are recommended to treat muscle strains and pulls, stress fractures and torn calf muscles. Deep vein thrombosis is usually first treated with blood thinners, elevation and support hose. Strong support stocking also can relieve pain caused by varicose veins and water retention. Antibiotics can treat infections such as cellulitis.
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