6 common reasons for calf pain while walking – and how to tackle them

Your calf muscles – consisting of the gastrocnemius And soleus muscles – are responsible for pointing your feet forward, lifting your toes and propelling your body forward as you walk. Calf pain while walking can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild muscle strain to a more serious underlying health condition that affects blood flow to your legs.

1. Muscle cramps

The calves are a common site for muscle cramps (also called “charley horses”), which can cause severe calf pain while walking.

Calf cramps can have various causes, such as:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Side effects of medications
• Pinched nerves
• Poor blood flow to your calf muscles
• Too much exercise

2. Muscle injury

Muscle strains or strains can result from excessive activity or overstretching (intentional or due to injury). Calf trunks are common in runners and people who play sports that require a lot of running (such as tennis or basketball).

They vary in severity, with mild strains being injuries caused by overstretching the muscle, while more severe strains can result in torn muscle fibers.

Other symptoms of muscle injury may include:

• Bruises
• Muscle spasms/cramps
• Swelling
• Weakness

3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the leg muscles (arteries) become narrower. The most common cause of PAD is: atherosclerosisa condition that occurs when substances such as fat and cholesterol (plaque) build up in the walls of blood vessels.

The pain from PAD is worst while walking and climbing stairs and improves with rest. If left untreated, it can lead to changes in skin color and wounds that are difficult to heal due to poor circulation. In severe cases, the affected leg may need to be amputated.

4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Veins are blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the blood vessels cannot sufficiently pump blood back to the heart, causing it to pool in the legs.

Varicose veins are the most common symptom of CVI. This condition causes pain in the lower leg that usually occurs while walking or at the end of the day and improves with rest. In addition to pain, CVI can cause a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the leg.

Other symptoms may include:

• Changes in skin color, often around the ankles
• Open wounds (ulcers)
• Swelling in the ankles or lower legs
• Tightness or itching in the legs

5. Lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a wear and tear condition in the lower back that causes the part of your spine that contains your spinal cord and the nerves that supply your legs to narrow. Over time, this can lead to pressure on the nerves, causing calf pain when walking.

Pain from lumbar spinal stenosis often starts in the back. Once the nerves are compressed, you may experience burning pain that radiates down your leg and sometimes affects the calf. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness in your leg muscles.

This condition often causes pain when standing upright and walking. Leaning forward relieves pressure on the nerves, so the pain is usually better when you sit.

6. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS)

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a rare condition that can affect the leg or, less commonly, the arm. Multiple compartments throughout the body contain muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The contents of these compartments are surrounded by fasciastrong tissue that does not stretch.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome occurs when the muscles swell, creating pressure in the area. Because the fascia does not stretch, it can cut off blood flow to the area. This condition can affect the calf after too much physical activity, usually running or military marching.

Pain from CECS worsens with activity and usually improves with rest. Other symptoms may include:

• Ankle weakness
• Muscles “bulge” in the affected area
• Muscle cramps
• Numbness

Self-care to relieve calf pain

Over-the-counter treatments can help relieve calf pain, especially if a soft tissue injury, such as a muscle strain, is causing your symptoms.

Start with the RICE method:

• Rest: Reduce walking as much as possible. If you have to walk a lot, it may be useful to temporarily wear one walking device (such as crutches or a walking stick).
• Ice: To reduce pain, you can apply ice to your calf for up to 20 minutes several times a day.
• Compression: Wrap your calf in a supportive elastic bandage to provide some support and reduce swelling.
• Elevate: Prop your leg up (preferably higher than your heart) to help reduce swelling while you rest.

Gentle calf stretches can help reduce pain while walking.

Follow these steps:

1. Place your palms flat against the wall at shoulder height.
2. Step one foot back and straighten your knee to gastrocnemius muscle.
3. Bend your front knee and slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch (but not pain) along your calf.
4. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times.
5. Repeat this stretch with your back knee slightly bent to straighten the knee soleus muscle.

Available without a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve (naproxen) or Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), can help reduce calf pain and inflammation in soft tissue disorders.

Treatment options for calf pain while walking

Minor muscle injuries usually heal with home remedies. However, more serious injuries may be necessary physiotherapy to help restore range of motion and strength as you heal. In severe cases, some people need surgery.

Healthcare providers treat cardiovascular conditions that cause calf pain, such as PAD and CVI, with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.

When should you consult a healthcare provider?

If your calf pain while walking does not improve with home remedies, consult a healthcare provider. In some cases, calf pain can be a sign of diabetes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot that can be potentially life-threatening if it travels to your lungs (a pulmonary embolism).

In addition to pain, symptoms of deep vein thrombosis in the calf may include:

• Painful
• Changes in skin color
• Cramps
• Swelling
• Sensitive to touch
• Warm skin

If you suspect you have a blood clot, seek medical attention immediately.

Summary

Calf pain while walking can occur for various reasons. It may improve with rest and other home remedies. A healthcare provider can treat calf pain caused by underlying medical conditions with medications and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Calf pain can also occur with blood clots that can be potentially life-threatening. If you suspect you have this condition, seek medical attention immediately.