It is important to note that the calf muscle is situated in the rear bottom part of the leg. There are various reasons why an individual can develop calf muscle pain. The pain can occur due to a torn or pulled muscle, nighttime cramps or an indication of a circulatory issue.
The initial step is to schedule an appointment with a doctor so that the calf muscle pain can be assessed properly in order to rule out other serious conditions. Once the exact cause is determined, the doctor can discuss the suitable treatment options for the pain.
Calf muscle strains or pulls
If the individual engages in activities that involve repetitive running, jumping, pounding, stopping and starting, there is likelihood for the calf to be pulled or strain. The treatment for calf muscle pain depends on the severity of the injury. In case the muscle pull is mild, the treatment usually involves application of ice, rest, elevation and avoiding activities that trigger the pain which can take up to a few weeks. In case the injury is moderate, it will take longer.
A moderate sprain would require pain and anti-inflammatory medications to help relieve the symptoms. As for severe injuries, the doctor will apply a cast in order to immobilize the affected area for a certain period of time. In case the injury does not respond to any of the treatment options, surgery might be required in order to repair the calf muscle. The objective is to seek treatment as soon as the calf muscle pain is noticed. When treatment is provided early, the healing process will be a lot faster. You can learn how to provide these measures effectively by enrolling in a first aid course today.
Nighttime calf cramps
The cramps in the calf muscle that occur in the middle of the night can be painful and can disrupt sleep. Understandably, this will lead to fatigue during daytime and problems concentrating. This can occur once the calf muscles diminish suddenly without any medical cause. The muscle can feel hard and tight.
Once the cramps occur, you have to gently stretch by flexing the foot and pulling the toes back. The individual should take slow deep breaths as the stretch is held and try to relax the muscle. Apply heat and provide a gentle massage.
Varicose veins
If the individual spends a lot of time using his/her feet, varicose veins are likely to develop. The veins become engorged and turn bluish in color and eventually develop a web-like appearance. In most cases, varicose veins do not cause any symptoms but they can cause calf muscle pain.
The individual should get enough exercise, cut down excess weight, use compression stockings and avoid extended periods of standing in order to relieve the symptoms. In case the varicose veins do not respond to changes in the lifestyle and the symptoms become severe, the doctor would recommend surgery.
Circulatory problems with the calf
Once the plaque builds up on the artery walls in the blood vessels in the legs, the individual can develop peripheral artery disease. The main indication of the condition is calf muscle pain or cramping when moving. These cramps occur during activity since the arteries are blocked while the leg muscles are not receiving enough blood and oxygen.
Take note that rest helps alleviates the cramps. When managing the condition, the same treatment is used for coronary artery disease. The individual should eat foods that contain less fat and cholesterol, cut down excess weight, regular exercise and stop smoking.