Any weekend warrior whose physical activity level increases intermittently has experienced a variety of muscle aches. Pain in the back of the leg below the knee can be a simple annoyance or can be serious. There are a variety of possible causes for calf pain, so proper diagnosis is important. Although the most common causes of pain and stiffness in the back of the leg are uncomplicated, there are a few causes that are potentially very serious and need appropriate treatment.
Muscle Strain
The most common cause of achiness in the back of the lower leg is overexertion of one or more of the calf muscles. Repetitive movements or sudden bursts of activity can cause anything from micro-tears in the muscle belly to a full rupture of the muscle tendon. Everything within that spectrum of injury can lead to pain, inflammation and even noticeable bruising. Conservative treatments such as ice, rest and anti-inflammatory medications in the early stages are usually very effective. If your pain is ongoing, see your doctor.
Arterial Insufficiency
If your calf pain occurs mostly with activity, you may have arterial insufficiency or what's called intermittent claudication. When the arteries that feed the muscles of the calf are not able to deliver sufficient blood during activity, there will be a lack of oxygen, which is required for metabolic activity in these muscles. If this is the cause of your pain, it should be completely relieved with rest. Arterial insufficiency may be caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the calf. You may find that a walking program of increasing intensity can eventually overcome the insufficiency.
Venous Insufficiency
If your pain occurs predominantly while resting, it may be caused by decreased blood flow through the veins in the calf. This can cause a backup of fluids and therefore swelling and pain. Venous insufficiency is not as common a contributor to calf pain as arterial insufficiency.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially serious condition in which a blood clot develops in the veins in the back of the leg, leading to symptoms of pain and swelling in the leg and foot. This most often happens after periods of decreased activity such as driving or flying long distances. Surgery or injury to the area can also cause blood clots. According to the Mayo Clinic, DVT has the potential to cause life-threatening conditions such as stroke and pulmonary embolism. If you have signs or symptoms of DVT, contact your doctor.
