Calf Pain

The region of the body commonly referred to as the calf is in the back of the leg, just below the knee. The calf is made of three major muscles. These muscles are the two gastrocnemius muscles (medial and lateral), and the soleus muscle. Another smaller muscle, called the plantaris muscle, is also in the calf.

While muscle injuries are the most common cause of calf pain, there are other causes of calf pain due to circulation problems, knee joint problems, and other conditions.

Determining the cause of your calf pain can help guide appropriate treatment. Some common causes of calf pain include:

• Calf Muscle Strain
  A calf muscle strain is the most common cause of acute onset calf pain. Usually this injury occurs during a sports or exercise activity. Common symptoms of a calf strain include pain, swelling, and bruising.
• Plantaris Muscle Rupture
  The plantaris muscle is a thin, small muscle that is not even present in about 10% to 20% of the population. The muscle runs along the gastrocnemius muscle, but is a tiny fraction of the size. The plantaris muscle can rupture, causing a sudden, snapping pain in the back of the leg. Because the muscle is of no functional importance, treatment is non-operative.
• Achilles Tendonitis / Rupture
  The Achilles tendon is the connection of the calf muscles to the heel. Calf pain is usually considered pain in the softer, muscular portion of the lower leg, whereas an Achilles tendon rupture typically causes pain in the back of the heel. Achilles ruptures that occur higher up on the tendon should be considered in the evaluation of calf pain.
• Baker's Cyst
  A Baker's cyst is not a true cyst, rather it is a collection of knee joint fluid that has pooled in the back of the knee. When excessive amounts of fluid accumulate, it can cause pain in the back of the leg. Occasionally, the Baker's cyst will rupture causing the fluid to enter the calf region.
• Blood Clots
  A blood clot needs to be considered as a cause of calf pain, especially when the calf pain is not the immediate result of an injury. Blood clots can form is the deep veins of the leg, causing a blockage in circulation. This may cause swelling and pain in the calf. Blood clots are more common in the days and weeks after injuries and surgical procedures.
• Cramps
  Cramps in the leg muscles are a common cause of calf pain. Usually the symptoms are intermittent (not constant pain), and relieved by stretching and heat application.

For more information please call 020 8455 7809 or email us on info@igophysio.co.uk

Back to Top