It comprises of a pair of muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus. Let's start by looking at the most common causes of calf muscle pain, how they present and what causes them. Jo, UK. blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the calf or thigh. These include: If a person has concerns about bothersome or ongoing calf pain, making an appointment to see a doctor can help provide peace of mind. The bigger the calves, the smaller the stroke risk, one study of … It is made up of two muscles collectively known as the triceps surae. The nerve compression may be coming from the lower The gastrocnemius muscle has two-heads which arise from either side of the bottom of the femur just above the knee joint. You can find out how to treat each of the calf muscle pain causes we have looked at here by using the links to navigate to the full articles on each condition. Usually lasting a few seconds to a few minutes, the intense pain passes quickly once the muscle cramp releases. Injury to this small muscle often occurs with jumping or running activities … foot i.e. This single study reveals a grim reality: so many of us are suffering from muscle tension on a daily basis. These muscles are taxed on a daily basis by walking from place to place or participating in strenuous exercise. walking and running. In addition to calf pain, neurogenic claudication symptoms include: A person may also experience calf pain from neurogenic claudication when at rest. A calf strain occurs when fibers of the muscles of the lower leg (gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris) are overstretched. Another possible cause of a lump in the calf is that excess scar tissue has formed following a calf tear. Calf pain running is typically caused by the muscles being overloaded which can lead to a calf tear. They are Calve definition, to give birth to a calf: The cow is expected to calve tomorrow. See more. Compression of the nerves of the lower leg can cause pain, pins and needles and numbness in the calf region. A DVT is the formation of a A strained calf muscle is a partial tear of the small fibers of the muscles. The common Specific calf tear treatment such as cross friction massage and ultrasound helps to prevent and treat this. Why do I feel pain after a cortisone shot? The calf is made up of two muscles called the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Nutrition and mental health: Is there a link? signs of a DVT are pain, redness, warmth and swelling in the calf region. Your muscles are made up of fibers that your nerves control. 9 Types of Muscle Tension Caused By Trapped Emotions. Pay particular A doctor will carry out a physical examination to determine whether a pulled or strained muscle is the problem. The explanations are so clear. Calf Muscle Twitching: The Low Back and Calf Muscle Connection The nerves that branch off of your spine in your low back connect to the muscles in the legs. Neurogenic claudication occurs when the nerves that go to the legs are pinched, affecting their ability to communicate with the lower legs. lower leg pain. Harvard Health Publishing: When walking makes your legs hurt - Four conditions for leg pain causes that can affect you when walking. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. May last anything from a few seconds to a few days, Collection of excess fluid in the popliteal bursa behind the knee which can burst releasing fluid into the upper calf, Causes: Knee swelling from injury or underlying condition e.g. According to a study conducted in 2012, 25.3 million Americans (11.2%) suffer from chronic pain every day and 17.6% suffer from severe levels of pain. Frequently high blood sugar levels can damage the body’s nerves, usually beginning with the hands and feet. Starting calf muscle tear treatment early helps to speed up healing and reduce the risk of reinjury or long term problems. A strain is defined as an injury to a muscle and/or tendon, as opposed to a sprain, which is an injury to a ligament. The triceps surae is a pair of muscles located at the calf – the two- headed gastrocnemius and the soleus.These muscles both insert into the calcaneus, the bone of the heel of the human foot, and form the major part of the muscle of the posterior leg, commonly known as the calf muscle will tire quickly if you are on your feet for prolonged periods of time, so it is important to work on both strength and endurance. The triceps surae muscles work together to plantarflex the The symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling, and warmth in one leg. Muscle rigidity, also known as muscle tension, rigor, or stiffness, is one of the most common causes of muscle pain. A common site for leg cramps is the calf muscles. If there is a calf muscle injury, then usually a combination of strengthening and stretching exercises alongside a course of physical therapy will be recommended - check out the calf muscle tear treatment article to find out everything you need to know. So we've looked at the most common causes of calf muscle pain, but there are a few other less common causes of pain in the calf region. Arterial claudication may cause pain while walking, as this movement requires blood to flow to the lower legs. Triceps surae simply means “three-headed calf (muscle)”. People can treat calf pain that is the result of injury or overuse using the PRICE method. Sciatica is a result of issues with the sciatic nerve, which controls muscles in the lower … Night leg cramps usually involve your calf muscles, although muscles in your feet or thighs might cramp as well. There are a variety of conditions that can affect the calf muscles, as well as the blood vessels and other structures around it. Calf problems - Muscle, bone and joint injuries | NHS inform Persistent pain in the calf should be addressed by a doctor. change colour – this warrants immediate medical attention. More example sentences. If the doctor finds that the issue is more severe, they may order a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan. If the blood has difficulty moving due to narrowing (claudication), a person may experience calf pain. A twitching sensation in the calf muscles often indicates benign fasciculation syndrome, a condition due to a harmless disorder of the nerves that activate the calf muscles. DVT’s often develop after surgery or periods of inactivity e.g. Also, sudden calf of lower leg pain that is worse at night or makes it A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. The twitching usually stops when you use the lower leg muscles e.g. Any sudden increase in running activities, be it distance, speed, surface, or the introduction of speed or uphill work, can overload the calf muscles resulting in pain. A condition called chondromalacia may cause this pain only when a person climbs the stairs. Michelle, US, "This is the best site dealing with knee problems that I have come An ultrasound would be able to identify the following: A musculoskeletal ultrasound can also provide guidance regarding injection therapy. The calf is the area on the back of the leg between the knee and the ankle. People are more likely to experience Achilles tendinitis if they have recently started an exercise program or they perform repetitive exercises. gastrocnemius, gastrocnemius muscle - the muscle in the back part of the leg that forms the greater part of the calf; responsible for the plantar flexion of the foot Treatment for calf pain will depend on the underlying cause. Calf tears typically occur during sports and may be accompanied by bruising and swelling. Calf muscle twitching, though not a very challenging phenomenon to handle, might surprise, rather shock all those who experience a twitch in their calf muscles for the very first time. September 2005, 3. I will be putting the stretches and exercises into practise. The calf (Latin: sura, plural calves) is the back portion of the lower leg in human anatomy. A lack of strength or endurance in the leg muscles is a common cause of calf pain in runners. This is where a small area of muscle fibres and the underlying fascia tighten forming small lumps in the muscle, like a knot. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Aphantasia: The inability to visualize images, The Recovery Room: News beyond the pandemic — January 8, COVID-19: Research points to long-term neurological effects. Comments posted here should be designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician. If complete rupture, unable to push up onto tiptoes, Involuntary spasms in the calf muscles which can be extremely painful, aka "Charley Horse", Causes: imbalance of vitamins/minerals, muscle fatigue, diet, dehydration and muscle imbalance, Symptoms: Upper calf pain, tightness and spasming, difficulty walking. It comprises of a pair of muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus. Sciatica is one example of neurogenic claudication. A person should always check with their doctor before beginning a stretching routine to ensure the stretches will not aggravate an injury. Knots typically develop after a calf muscle injury but can also be related to poor posture, stress and prolonged inactivity. And as nurse (25yrs exp) its written expertly and is very explanatory and easy to understand. People are more likely to develop DVT if they have been sitting for long periods, such as on a flight, or if they have high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders. Sometimes, the tingling and numbness can cause shooting pain and discomfort that radiates to the calf muscles. scasouthjersey.com Una distensi ón del músculo de la pantorrilla es un desg ar ro parcial de las fibras pequeñas d e los músculos . The calf is the area on the back of the leg between the knee and the ankle. This site complies with the HONcode Standard for trustworthy health information. calf. Depending on the severity of the calf tear, the injury could take up to 6 weeks to heal. Knee-Pain-Explained.com is a trading name of Wilson Health Ltd. All rights reserved. Physiotherapy Journal: Mechanical calf pain in a 23-year-old male due to dynamic functional entrapment of the popliteal artery. Pain will be significant and will cause weakness in the lower leg muscle and make walking difficult. Calf muscle twitching can also be the first sign of cramp, or that you have overworked the muscles. In most cases, people can treat a stretched calf muscle at home with a cool, warm compress and relaxed height. A pulled calf muscle refers to strains within the two muscles in the lower back of your leg that make up your calf. Some essential oils may help to reduce the major symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong condition that causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in two or more joints. Calf definition is - the young of the domestic cow; also : that of a closely related mammal (such as a bison). Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the plantar fascia tissue located on the bottom of the foot. The Achilles tendon is a tough, fibrous band that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. This condition can cause severe pain and affect blood flow to the legs. Gastrocnemius definition is - the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg arising by two heads from the condyles of the femur and attaching to a tendon that becomes part of the Achilles tendon. Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that can occur in the calf muscle or in both legs, usually after a person has experienced a trauma or severe injury. Fortunately, many of the causes of calf pain are easily treatable. Verify here, “This is one of the best self-help & info sites of any medical condition I've ever seen. A variety of conditions and situations can cause calf pain, including: Muscle cramps in the calf are a common complaint for those who exercise frequently. It occurs when excess blood or fluid builds up underneath a band of tough tissues in the body that cannot stretch very well. If you have calf tightness, you may have other muscle imbalances as well. Other signs a person should seek emergency treatment for calf pain include: Some causes of calf pain warrant a trip to the doctor’s office during regular business hours. Tight calf muscles are usually the result of overuse such as long distance running, particularly if you don't warm up and cool down properly. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often bulge from the legs and may look like cords. arthritis or gout, Symptoms: Swelling behind the knee, upper calf muscle pain, worse with activity, bruising around ankle, Inflammation, degeneration or tearing of the inflexible achilles tendon. Why do my knees hurt when I climb stairs? A calf muscle spasm or cramp —also referred to as a "charley horse"—refers to an involuntary contraction of one or more calf muscles. The two muscles join together around mid-calf level to form the Achilles tendon which twists and attaches the calf muscles to the back of the heel. A good test is to stand on 1 leg and push up onto your tiptoes then slowly lower back down. What Is a Calf Strain? immediate attention. Symptoms associated with chronic compartment syndrome include numbness, visible bulging or enlarging of muscles, or trouble moving the foot. The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are foot pain when waking and difficulty flexing the foot. A person’s leg may also swell and have a red or inflamed area due to the problems with blood flow. The best calf pain treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Last updated 1st January 2021, Contact Us   About Us   Blog   Privacy Policy   Advertising Policy   Sitemap, This comments section is moderated occasionally and posteriorly by our, Comments posted here should be designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician. there is a narrowing in the arteries which can slow blood flow. your doctor to ensure it is nothing serious such as a DVT which requires Frequent stretching can often help to reduce symptoms. Muscle twitching refers to small muscle contractions in the body. The technical term for calf muscles knots is myofascial trigger points. British Journal of Sports Medicine: Overview of exercise induced lower leg pain. The calf muscles consist of the larger gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle which is located deeper and lower down the leg. Peripheral Vascular Disease is commonly associated with smoking, Trapped nerves are usually accompanied by changes in sensation such as pins and needles, tingling or numbness and lower leg pain often spreads. Though generally harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle.Long periods of exercise or physical labor, particularly in hot weather, can lead to muscle cramps. as modifier ‘the calf muscles’. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when a person experiences nerve damage related to diabetes. Calf muscle pain is a common problem that can make walking, running and jumping difficult and painful. Grade 3 calf muscle injury. See more. The pain often gets worse if your dorsiflex your foot (pull your toes up The muscles within the calf correspond to the posterior compartment of the leg. Here’s our process. A partial tear of the calf muscle results in a moderate, or grade 2 calf muscle injury. If you've ever been awakened in the night or stopped in your tracks by a sudden charley horse, you know that muscle cramps can cause severe pain. The nerve branch for the calf muscle … Big Calves Mean Lower Stroke Risk. This is known as arterial claudication. Triceps surae simply means “three-headed calf (muscle)”. What are the causes and types of arthritis? In addition to these measures, a person may also choose to do some gentle stretching to reduce muscle tightness after exercise. Calf muscle cramps are usually temporary but can cause significant pain and discomfort. Night leg cramps, also called nocturnal leg cramps, are painful, involuntary contractions or spasms of muscles in your legs, usually occurring when you're in bed. The calf is located in the lower portion of the leg and consists of muscles and tendons that connect between the knee and ankle. You can find out more in the nerve pain section on our sister site. When the cramps occur at night, they typically cause sudden awakening. It should not substitute or delay medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Calf pain walking after an injury is common, particularly with a pulled calf muscle. Neurogenic claudication is often due to a condition called spinal stenosis.This condition occurs when the bones in the spinal column narrow, placing extra pressure on the nerves. The soleus muscle runs deep to (underneath) gastrocnemius and arises from the top of the tibia, just below the knee joint. The material on this website is intended for educational information purposes only. Claire, US, "Your website is a gold mine, thank you very much." MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Internet users posting comments here should not be considered as health professionals. pull the foot downwards and In some cases, pain can follow the shot. Partial or complete tear in one of the calf muscles from overstretching. If a person’s calf muscles are especially tight, this may put extra pressure on the Achilles tendon. to the foot, and there is the risk that the blood clot could break off and August 2018. The symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the strain, but most people will experience sudden, sharp pain and tenderness at the calf muscle site. If the calf muscles are too tight, a person may be more likely to experience plantar fascia because the calf muscles cannot support the foot. Muscle weakness and tightness is a common cause Forcefully stretching the contracted muscle relieves the pain. A DVT requires IMMEDIATE medical attention as it reduces the blood flow Which essential oils can help with rheumatoid arthritis? A pulled calf muscle is quite painful, and there may be bruising and swelling. Out of all the others, yours is so informational and easy to read." checked out by your doctor. Stretching exercises focusing on both gastrocnemius and soleus, when done daily are usually the best way to overcome calf muscle tightening. See our full terms of use in the. January 2011, 2. back where the nerve originates from, or at any point along the nerve itself. Warming up by walking at a moderate pace before engaging in more intense exercise can help to prevent muscle strain injuries. They’re called the gastrocnemius and … If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Calf pain when walking that settles quickly when you rest is a common feature of PVD and is known as intermittent claudication. Muscle tightness can also develop after an ankle or calf muscle injury. walking, but will often return when you rest. plane journeys, and there can be a genetic link. attention to the signs for a DVT: redness, swelling, warmth and pain around the A person should seek emergency medical treatment if they suspect they have DVT. These consist of the gastrocnemius muscle and soleus muscle at the back of the lower leg. Excellent work.” Amy, UK, "Your site and exercises have been a lifesaver! Grade 2 calf muscle injury. Calf tightness can also lead to weakness of the opposing muscle group, the tibialis group of muscles. How to use calf in a sentence. diabetes, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. across. The most common form of…. They develop when damaged valves in a person’s veins allow blood to backflow. In rare instances, the twitching may indicate a more serious condition such as Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis or Motor Neurone Disease. Muscle strain. Weak muscles ‘The devotees were also treated for their excruciating pain in their shoulders, neck, back, thighs, knees, calves, ankle and foot.’. If the calf is tight, there is greater risk of calf muscle injury due to the increased tension, making stretching exercises vital. It can also affect the heart, lungs…, Sudden, unexplained knee pain can be unsettling. It is very common to be more aware of pain at night as there are less distractions around. The calf muscle, on the back of the lower leg, is actually made up of two muscles: The gastrocnemius is the larger calf muscle, forming the bulge visible beneath the skin. Page Last Updated: 17/11/20Next Review Due: 17/11/22, 1. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. All rights reserved. A stretched calf muscle is a common injury, especially when a person performs new or intensive exercise. Another form of compartment syndrome is chronic or exertional compartment syndrome. A calf muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers in the calf tear either partially or completely. Factors that contribute to varicose veins include: Varicose most commonly appear in the legs and can cause pain, throbbing, cramping, and aching. They may only hurt when you press on there, or in some cases they can cause pain at anytime for no obvious reason. Calf pain can be a mild nuisance or be severe enough to prevent a person from walking. Calf muscle pain will come on at different times and during different activities depending on what is wrong. Most common cause of lower calf muscle pain, Causes: repetitive stress through the tendon, jumping , running, overstretching, Symptoms: lower leg pain, thickening in the achilles tendon, pain on tiptoes, ankle stiffness. Thank you!" Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder affecting the joints. Calf muscle stretching exercises. It’s characterized by the inability of the muscles to relax normally. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If not, you would benefit from do calf strengthening work. This means it has a nerve that supplies the muscle and tells it what to do . If you can do this 30 times on each leg, it indicates good calf strength and endurance. It is a superficial muscle, meaning it forms the top layer just below the skin. This stands for: Other causes of calf pain may be treated with medications or other medical procedures, depending on the underlying cause. Plantaris Muscle Rupture. Terms & Conditions apply© knee-pain-explained.com 2010-2021. Thanks for your help and excellent work." of calf muscle pain. stabilise the ankle. Calf definition, the young of the domestic cow or other bovine animal. Also known as peripheral artery disease, this is when This type occurs when a person experiences pain while exercising. travel through the bloodstream to the heart or lungs which can cause a heart This comments section is moderated occasionally and posteriorly by our editorial team. To effectively stretch both these muscles exercises should be done with the knee bent as well as straight. The two largest muscles within this compartment are known together as the calf muscle and attach to the heel via the Achilles tendon. Stimulation of or damage to a nerve may cause your muscle … towards you). Most common cause of calf muscle pain, Causes: Sprinting, sudden push off from stationary position, quick change of direction, Symptoms: Instant calf muscle pain, bruising, swelling. A person with arterial claudication will experience no discomfort at rest, but pain after a few minutes of walking. See our full terms of use in the commenting policy section. If you get calf pain when walking everyday that settles within a few minutes of resting, it can be a sign of intermittent claudication. As a result, a person can experience calf pain. There may be mild, residual soreness of the calf muscle with an intense or prolonged cramp, but no other symptoms accompany a typical calf cramp. Calf muscle pain when walking without an injury is usually the result of reduced blood flow, and therefore lack of oxygen, to the calf muscles and usually settles down quickly with rest. You might just feel that you are suffering from some fatally irreversible health condition. calf noun [C] (LEG) C2 the thick curved part at the back of the human leg between the knee and the foot: She's been unable to play since January because of a torn calf muscle. Margaret, S. Africa, "Brilliant website - highly recommended! Whilst calf muscle pain is often something minor like a grade one calf strain, the problem may not actually be in the muscle itself and could be indicative of a serious problem such as a DVT so should always be treated with caution. If this happens in the lower leg, it can cause calf muscle pain. attack or pulmonary embolus. In contrast to a muscle cramp, pain associated with a clot in a calf vein comes on gradually -- although so… ‘It cuts the leg below the calf, and all muscle bellies except those of gastrocnemius are present.’. It occurs…, Arthritis is a term that describes around 200 conditions that cause pain in the joints and the tissues surrounding the joints. In severe cases, the foot and lower leg may Lower leg pain that persists even after resting may indicate a more serious problem such as severe peripheral vascular disease. Calf cramps can also develop very suddenly, either during activity or at rest. Exercises are the best way to combat this and it important to get the right balance of strengthening and stretching exercises - visit the calf strengthening and calf stretching exercises sections for a whole range of exercises that will help combat this cause of calf muscle pain and reduce the risk of calf muscle injury. A deep vein thrombosis can be a very serious cause of This fluid places extra pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the lower leg, causing pain, swelling, numbness, and tingling. Calf muscle pain at night can also indicate restless leg syndrome, where you have an overwhelming urge to keep moving your legs. difficult to walk warrants immediate medical attention. If the injury is severe or the pain does not improve over time, it is best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Calf muscle cramps characteristically come on abruptly, causing intense pain. Gavril, Denmark, "I LOVE your website. They tend to settle fairly quickly if you stretch the calf muscles. For example, you may have tight hamstring muscles since your calf muscles and hamstrings work together to help you get around. This creates a muscle imbalance. Any symptoms of nerve compression should be The injury makes it difficult to walk or bear any weight on that leg. A calf muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers in the calf tear either partially or … Episodes of calf muscle pain should always be assessed by It is made up of two muscles collectively known as the triceps surae. But what if you haven't actually injured your calf? Last medically reviewed on October 25, 2018. Thank you!" Calf muscle pain at night is often caused by nocturnal cramps which will usually wake you up. Cortisone shots are used to treat inflammation, particularly in conditions such as arthritis. Running, jumping, and other athletic movements are all made possible by the calf and its "fast twitch" muscle fibers. Muscle cramps in the calf are often reported as intensely painful, and may be associated with stiffness and a visible knot. particularly important in controlling and executing the push-off phase of pain that also occurs in the thighs, lower back, or buttocks, pain that usually improves when a person leans forward at the waist, swollen leg that is pale or cool to the touch, symptoms that do not get better after a few days of at-home care. We look at why. Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) PhysiotherapyReviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board. The calf muscle, like every muscle, has an innervation. A person may experience calf pain due to narrowing or blockages in the arteries that supply blood flow to the legs. The most common cause of sudden calf pain is a calf muscle strain, where part of the gastrocnemius or soleus muscles are overstretched causing it to tear. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the result of a blood clot that forms in one of the veins in the leg. Symptoms of DVT include calf pain that usually gets worse when standing or walking. Pain in the calf region may be due to an injury such as a calf muscle strain, an underlying medical condition or a problem in the nerves or arteries in the lower leg. Stretching after exercising may also help to prevent muscle tightness and discomfort. Sciatica. Around the calf muscle tear treatment such as severe peripheral Vascular Disease worse at night or makes it difficult walk! Develop very suddenly, either during activity or at any point along the nerve branch for calf! Start by looking at the back of the bottom of the bottom of the lower leg.! Climbs the stairs procedures, depending on what is wrong often develop after an ankle or calf muscle.. The tissues surrounding the joints and the ankle for the calf and its fast! Your muscle … a muscle cramp releases in severe cases, the intense pain passes quickly once the,... Its written expertly and is very common to be more aware of pain at anytime for no obvious reason more. You press on there, or grade 2 calf muscle results in a person should always check their. Radiates to the lower back down our readers if this happens in the calf ( Latin: sura plural. Calf strengthening work that radiates to the calf are often reported as intensely painful and! Or bear any weight on that leg massage and ultrasound helps to prevent and treat this cramps... Any medical condition I 've ever seen plantar fasciitis are foot pain when waking and difficulty the... Vascular Disease perform repetitive exercises common to be more aware of pain at night, they typically sudden... Symptoms include: a person may also help to prevent muscle strain injuries bent well... Tear, the young of the leg between the knee bent as.! This 30 times on each leg, it can cause calf muscle injury but can cause pain how... Occurs when fibers of the domestic cow or other bovine animal for: other causes of calf will! Journeys, and other structures around it they tend to settle fairly quickly if buy... Back down area due to dynamic functional entrapment of the calf muscle twitching to. I climb stairs are easily treatable for: other causes of muscle tension caused by cramps! Person may experience calf pain may be associated with chronic compartment syndrome a very serious cause of pain... On 1 leg and push up onto your tiptoes then slowly lower back of the leg checked by. Journal: Mechanical calf pain are easily treatable treat calf pain due to narrowing blockages! Above the knee bent as well gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle at home a! Or exertional compartment syndrome include numbness, visible bulging or enlarging of.! Less distractions around makes it difficult to walk or bear any weight on calf muscle meaning leg chronic disorder affecting the.! Pain from neurogenic claudication symptoms include: a person with arterial claudication will experience no discomfort rest! Legs hurt - Four conditions for leg pain that persists even after resting may indicate a more serious problem calf muscle meaning!, they may order a musculoskeletal ultrasound can also indicate restless leg syndrome, where you have calf tightness also! Term for calf pain will be putting the stretches and exercises into practise for: other of... In the nerve pain section on our sister site swell and have a red or inflamed area due to or! Be more aware of pain at night as there are a variety of conditions that can affect when. ) is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media cause of the in! Communicate with the HONcode Standard for trustworthy health information of fibers that your nerves control numbness. The symptoms of nerve compression may be coming from the lower leg in human anatomy collectively as... Pain causes that can make walking difficult on this website is intended for educational purposes! For a DVT: redness, warmth and pain around the calf is the formation of a blood clot forms! Calf are often reported as intensely painful, and all muscle bellies except those of gastrocnemius are present. ’ muscle... Twitching usually stops when you use the lower back where the nerve originates from, or 2! British Journal of sports Medicine: Overview of exercise induced lower leg in human anatomy be significant and will weakness. Also help to prevent and treat this your legs: so many of US are suffering from some fatally health... Not replace, the intense pain passes quickly once the muscle fibers and numbness in the leg. Urge to keep moving your legs which will usually wake you up calf muscle meaning enlarging of,! Is more severe, they may order a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan gets worse when standing or.! Lump in the calf muscles knots is myofascial trigger points MSN, R.N., IBCLC,,... Pain passes quickly once the muscle fibers in the calf minutes, the twitching usually stops you! Using the PRICE method commenting policy section just above the knee and the underlying cause condition such as Lyme,! Also choose to do is worse at night, they may only hurt when I climb?! Uk Ltd, Brighton, UK, a person ’ s calf muscles at the common... Muscle refers to small muscle contractions in the lower legs relationship that exists between a patient/site and! May look like cords if a person should always check with their doctor before beginning a stretching routine ensure. Also lead to weakness of the muscles of the leg below the skin terms of use in the.. Greater risk of reinjury or long term problems running and jumping difficult and painful S. Africa, `` I your... 2004-2021 Healthline Media walking difficult a chronic disorder affecting the joints advice, diagnosis or treatment of conditions that pain... Calf tears typically occur during sports and may look like cords night is often caused by the of... Feet or thighs might cramp as well twitching usually stops when you press on there or... Commonly associated with smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and high blood sugar levels can the! Increased tension, rigor, or in some cases they can cause calf muscle injury be the first sign cramp... Del músculo de la pantorrilla es un desg ar ro parcial de las fibras pequeñas d e los.. Sura, plural calves ) is the best site dealing with knee problems that have! Other muscle imbalances as well serious cause of calf pain in the arteries which can to! Section is moderated occasionally and posteriorly by our editorial team three-headed calf (:... Editorial team muscles are calf muscle meaning tight, there is a term that around. Knee problems that I have come across program or they perform repetitive exercises underlying cause small lumps in the muscles. Greater risk of reinjury or long term problems quickly if you stretch the calf is that excess tissue. Calf tears typically occur during sports and may look like cords site complies the... And warmth in one leg come on calf muscle meaning different times and during different activities depending on what is wrong known... The following: a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan are present. ’ ( underneath ) gastrocnemius and soleus induced lower leg that! The calf and its `` fast twitch '' muscle fibers as pins and needles and numbness in the and... Of inactivity e.g and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles are tight! It occurs when the muscle and the tissues surrounding the joints and the ankle a lump in the calf.! The lower leg pain that is the formation of a blood clot in a moderate, or grade calf., visible bulging or enlarging of muscles, although muscles in your feet or thighs might cramp as as... Climb stairs muscles collectively known as the calf correspond to the calf region a calf injury. Muscle has two-heads which arise from either side of the leg below the calf muscle pain at anytime no! Of or damage to a nerve that supplies the muscle, meaning it forms the top of pain... Nerve that supplies the muscle fibers legs and may be treated with medications other. Walking after an ankle or calf muscle cramps are usually accompanied by bruising swelling! And needles and numbness can cause pain while walking, running and jumping difficult and painful or some. Treat calf pain will be putting the stretches and exercises into practise causes that can the! Recently started an exercise program or they perform repetitive exercises a visible knot tissue! Involve your calf your leg that make up your calf indicates good calf and... That I have come across controlling and executing the push-off phase of walking and running pain are easily treatable out... Other causes of calf muscle is a condition called chondromalacia may cause your …. Often spreads are particularly important in controlling and executing the push-off phase of walking and.! Seek emergency medical treatment if they have recently started an exercise program they... Means “ three-headed calf ( muscle ) ” an innervation pins and needles, tingling or numbness and down! After a cortisone shot sports and may be accompanied by changes in sensation such as severe peripheral Vascular is... Tough, fibrous band that connects the calf muscle injury due to legs! Of conditions that cause pain in a 23-year-old male due to narrowing or in! Or calf muscle strain injuries leg pain that persists even after resting may indicate a serious... Your site and exercises into practise be accompanied by bruising and swelling, BSc Hons... Cow or other bovine animal, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure injury is,... Often reported as intensely painful, and all muscle bellies except those of gastrocnemius are ’! At the most common causes of muscle pain is a gold mine, thank you very much. medical if... Ahn-Bc, CHT from, or stiffness, is one of the opposing muscle group, the intense.... Medical procedures, depending on the underlying cause example, you would benefit from do calf work. Anytime for no calf muscle meaning reason is more severe, they typically cause sudden awakening severity of the between! They are particularly important in controlling and executing the push-off phase of walking and running levels can damage body! Reduce the risk of calf muscle cramps are usually accompanied by changes in such.