It may have started off as just an occasional ache but now you are noticing pain in your calf more frequently. Sometimes it seems to lessen, but just when you think it might be going away, it flairs up again. At Paul Klein, DPM FACFAS, we want to urge patients to get calf pain evaluated promptly. This symptom can point to a host of disorders, which range from the relatively harmless to some that are serious medical threats. Below are some possible causes of calf pain:
● Achilles tendonitis—starting an exercise program too quickly or increasing speed or distance too rapidly can lead to an inflammation or even a rupture of the Achilles tendon that runs up the back of your lower leg. Although some muscle pain is normal at the start of a new fitness routine or sport, if it continues or worsens that’s a signal that something is not normal.
● Certain foot disorders—sometimes even though the pain is in your calf, the problem that’s causing it is somewhere else in your foot. Flatfeet and Equinus (an ankle condition) are two examples of foot problems that may result in calf pain.
● Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)—in the case of PVD and other circulatory dysfunction, blood flow to the legs is impeded and this can create pain in the back of your leg.
● Nutritional Deficiency/Dehydration—an imbalance in your diet or a lack of certain vitamins or minerals in your body can also cause calf pain. Some people experience charley-horse like spasms, particularly at night, in their calves if they are dehydrated.
● Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)—sometimes a blood clot can form deep inside your calf. This is an extremely dangerous condition that requires immediate medical care. People who have had surgery recently or traveled for many hours by plane are at a higher risk for DVT.
Listen to your body. If you are experiencing ongoing pain in your calf, it’s a good idea to contact our Wayne, NJ office for an appointment (973- 595-1555). Our podiatrist, Dr. Paul G. Klein, will do a complete examination of your legs and feet, as well as take your medical history. Once the correct cause of your calf pain has been diagnosed, the proper treatment to relieve the pain and care for any associated conditions will be arranged.
