Pain in the calf

Calf pain can have various causes. This pain can occur suddenly, but it can also develop gradually. You might only feel this pain while walking, or also when sitting or lying down. Curious to learn more about the causes and treatment? Feel free to read on. We’re happy to explain it to you.

What is calf pain?

Calf pain usually refers to pain in the calf muscles. These are located between the heel and the knee joint. In most cases, the pain is caused by overuse. This type of pain is temporary and generally not serious.

What symptoms come with calf pain?

Calf pain is usually recognized by a swollen, warm and red calf. You may experience tingling in the calf. On the other hand, it’s also possible to feel very little sensation. The pain can occur suddenly or develop gradually. Some people feel pain during movement, while others feel it when they’re at rest.

The most common calf injuries

A calf injury is often the cause of calf pain. Below we briefly explain the most common injuries.

1. Achilles tendon injury

The Achilles tendon is a tendon of the calf muscle. An injury can occur when the Achilles tendon is overstretched. This overstretching happens when the calf muscle is too short. A calf muscle is considered too short when your foot rolls too far inward or outward during activity. This causes pain in the calf. This injury is especially common among athletes.

2. Muscle strain (calf muscle tear)

A muscle strain is the most common injury to the calf. In this case, a part of the calf muscle is torn. When this happens, you experience severe pain and may have difficulty continuing to walk. Contracting the calf muscle is nearly impossible. It’s important to stop your activity as soon as this injury occurs. Rest is essential afterward.

3. Pulled calf muscle

A pulled calf muscle means the muscle has sustained some damage. This damage is less severe than with a muscle tear. With a pulled calf muscle, you’ll feel pain throughout the entire calf muscle, especially during exertion. Rest is also important for this type of injury.

4. Calf cramps

Calf cramps usually occur during or after exercising. Symptoms may arise when your calf muscles overstretch while running or due to a lack of fluids in your body. Overuse and dehydration can both cause cramps in your calf.

Treatment for calf pain

If you have calf pain, it’s important to get enough rest. The required rest period depends on the specific injury. It’s therefore wise to first visit a physical therapist. After a few weeks, you can gradually resume your sports activities. Wearing a calf brace can provide support and extra stability. A brace can be both a solution and a preventive measure to restore or maintain good condition in the calf.