Care and Treatment
- Rest: Avoid walking or running with calf muscle pain.
- Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Compression: Apply a compression bandage or wrap to your calf.
- Elevation: Lift your leg into an elevated position, preferably above the level of your heart.
In this post
What causes aching calf muscles?
Calf pain is usually caused by cramp, when the muscles suddenly contract. This might happen if you have been doing new exercises, if you are dehydrated, or if you are deficient in some minerals. Cramps normally go away quite quickly by themselves.
When should I be concerned about calf pain?
See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:
Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C) A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride.
How long does it take for calf pain to go away?
Recovery and prognosis will depend on the extent of the injury. In the less severe cases it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. In the most severe cases that don’t require surgery a full recovery may take up to six weeks.
Is it good to massage sore calves?
Massaging your legs is a good way to revive sore, tired legs after exercising or other activities. A separate foot massage can help even more. Other things you can do to relieve sore muscles that compliment massage include: stretching exercises.
What deficiency causes calf pain?
Iron deficiency can also cause anemia which in severe cases can cause painful lower leg cramps.
What does a blood clot in calf feel like?
Symptoms of DVT in the leg are: throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh. swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs) warm skin around the painful area.
What does calf pain indicate?
Calf muscle pain is usually the result of a mild injury, such as a strain, or leg cramps. But severe or ongoing pain in your calves can be a sign that the muscles in your lower legs aren’t getting enough blood.
What are the first signs of a blood clot in the leg?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include:
- Leg swelling.
- Leg pain, cramping or soreness that often starts in the calf.
- Change in skin color on the leg — such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin.
- A feeling of warmth on the affected leg.
Is walking good for calf strain?
Rest: After the strain occurs, you need to stop vigorous physical activity and rest the strained calf muscle. Continue walking and standing if the pain is not severe. If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend crutches. Ice: Apply ice to the calf muscle to help reduce swelling.
What is the fastest way to heal a calf muscle?
Management and Treatment
- Rest: Once you feel calf pain, stop doing physical activity and rest your leg.
- Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours.
- Compression: Apply a compression wrap or sleeve to your calf.
Is calf pain serious?
Calf pain can result from a number of causes, including overworking the muscle, cramps, and foot conditions. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, other causes may require immediate medical attention.
How do I release my calf muscle?
Stretches to relieve tight calves
- Stand near a wall with one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent.
- Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall.
- Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg.
- Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.
How do you know if you pulled a muscle in calf?
Muscle pain when flexing your ankle or pointing your toes. Problems bending your knee. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg.
Where are your pressure points for calf pain?
Zu san li is located below your kneecap, between the two bones of your lower leg. It’s about 2 to 3 inches below the knee on the outer side of your leg. You can find it by putting your hand on the outer side of the leg over your knee with your fingers facing down.
What are the 10 signs of low magnesium?
10 Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
- Calcification of the arteries. Unfortunately, this is one of the first symptoms to appear, as well as one of the most serious.
- Muscle Spasming & Cramping.
- Anxiety & Depression.
- Hormone Imbalances.
- High Blood Pressure / Hypertension.
- Pregnancy Discomfort.
- Low Energy.
- Bone Health.
Why does putting a bar of soap in bed prevent leg cramps?
Soap as a Possible Treatment
Advocates say that something in the soap—magnesium, lavender, or even electrically charged ions—seeps into the skin and alters your body chemistry. Magnesium and lavender are popular additions to sleep aids, but there is no evidence that a bar of soap in the bed will help relax your legs.
What can I drink for leg cramps?
Drink plenty of fluids. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, will often help leg cramps.
What are the 10 signs of a blood clot?
Arms, Legs
- Swelling. This can happen in the exact spot where the blood clot forms, or your entire leg or arm could puff up.
- Change in color. You might notice that your arm or leg takes on a red or blue tinge, or gets or itchy.
- Pain.
- Warm skin.
- Trouble breathing.
- Lower leg cramp.
- Pitting edema.
- Swollen, painful veins.
How do you check for blood clots in legs at home?
This evaluation, known as Homan’s Test, consists of laying flat on your back and extending the knee in the suspected leg. Have a friend or family member raise the extended leg to 10 degrees, then have them squeeze the calf. If there’s deep pain in the calf, it may be indicative of DVT.
Does a blood clot in the leg hurt constantly?
A DVT blood clot can cause a calf cramp that feels a lot like a charley horse. Like leg pain, the cramping sensation with DVT will persist and even worsen with time.