Calf Pain: When To Worry And When Not To Worry

The causes of calf pain can be highly variable including direct trauma, overuse, muscle and tendon ruptures, and blood clots.  The symptoms can range from mild achiness and tightness to sudden inability to walk or bear weight.

The initial treatment of these injuries includes rest, elevation, and compression.  Heating pads can help relax muscle spasms.  Stretching of the muscles of the lower leg can also help decrease muscle spasms.  However, if the calf pain is accompanied by any of these symptoms including warmth, redness, fevers, and or shortness of breath, you should consult a physician immediately to rule out a blood clot.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) if ignored can fragment and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolus (PE).  In severe cases, these events can be fatal.  So, don’t ignore the symptoms!