Calf cramps can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:
2.
Other symptoms of muscle injury can include:
3.
In severe cases, the affected leg might have to be amputated.
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Varicose veinsare the most common symptom of CVI.
In addition to pain, CVI can cause a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the leg.
Other symptoms can include:
5.
Over time, it can lead to pressure on the nerves, causing calf pain when walking.
Pain from lumbar spinal stenosis often starts in the back.
Other symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in your leg muscles.
This condition often causes pain when standing up straight and walking.
Leaning forward takes some pressure off the nerves, so pain is typically better when sitting down.
Multiple compartments throughout the body contain muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
The contents of these compartments are surrounded byfascia, strong tissue that does not stretch.
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome pops up if muscles swell, causing pressure to build up in the area.
Because the fascia does not stretch, this can cut off blood flow to the area.
This condition can affect the calf after too much physical activityusually running or military marching.
Pain from CECS worsens with activity and typically improves with rest.
Start with the RICE method:
Gentle calf stretches can help reduce pain when walking.
Treatment Options for Calf Pain When Walking
Minor muscle injuries typically heal with home remedies.
Summary
Calf pain when walking can occur for a variety of reasons.
It can improve with rest and other home remedies.
A healthcare provider can treat calf pain because of underlying medical conditions with medications and lifestyle changes.
In severe cases, you may need surgery.
National Library of Medicine.Muscle spasms.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Sprains, strains & other soft-tissue injuries.
American Heart Association.What is peripheral artery disease?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Chronic venous insufficiency.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Lumbar spinal stenosis.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Compartment syndrome.
2019;10:71-79. doi:10.2147/OAJSM.S168368
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Foot and ankle conditioning program.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.What Are NSAIDs?
American Heart Association.Prevention and treatment of PAD.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Deep vein thrombosis.
