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What are the Different Causes of Chronic Calf Pain?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

The most common cause of chronic calf pain is a muscle injury, which can cause inflammation, strains, or tearing in any of the three major muscles of the calf. An injury to those muscles can in turn cause other injuries, causing chronic, recurring calf pain. Tendinitis — or swelling of a tendon — is another common cause of chronic calf pain, as are cramps common during physical activity. More serious causes of chronic pain in the calves may include cysts in or around the muscles of the calf, and blood clots, which is a condition that will require medical attention.

A calf strain occurs when too much force is applied to the calf muscles. The muscles are not prepared to handle the load, and they can contract beyond their normal capacities. A muscle strain causes a dull ache, soreness, tenderness, and general weakness in the calf area. It is usually treated with the RICE system — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation — as well as light stretching and exercise after several days of rest. Medical attention is usually not necessary for treatment of a calf strain, though some more serious strains may require physical therapy. A more serious muscle tear will require significantly more rest and attention as the muscle reattaches itself. In some severe cases, the muscle may need to be repaired surgically.

Injuries to the Achilles tendon are a common cause of calf pain.
Injuries to the Achilles tendon are a common cause of calf pain.

Chronic calf pain may also result from muscle cramps or overuse. Runners will often get chronic calf pain after running too far, especially if the runner's shoes are old, worn out, or not supportive enough. Corrective footwear or new running shoes may solve the problem, as will sufficient rest between running activities. Cramps can be caused by dehydration or overuse of the muscle, as well as by lactic acid build-up in the muscles, and a runner or other athlete should be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise.

A healthcare provider examining a woman's calf.
A healthcare provider examining a woman's calf.

More serious conditions that can cause chronic calf pain include cysts and blood clots. If the pain is not the result of an injury or persistent exercise, a blood clot may be the cause. The clot restricts blood flow through the calf, and swelling and pain usually accompanies the presence of a clot. If pain persists after a surgery, beginning of a medication regimen, or other practice out of the ordinary, one should consult a doctor immediately. If the pain is behind the knee, a Baker's cyst may be the culprit; this cyst is caused by fluid collecting above the calf muscles. The fluid will have to be drained to alleviate the pain.

Discussion Comments

anon943978

I had this problem before, not because I starved or didn't sleep, but doing that can cause your potassium to be imbalanced, which has nothing to do with an injury.

If you are starving, then I'm guessing that money is tight. Potassium pills are inexpensive. Have it tested and if you need to take a cheap pill every day, then so be it. If this is the problem, you wouldn't want to continue to leave it untreated because of what it can do to your heart.

I'm not a doctor, just a patient and wanted to answer since there were no other answers. Your issue seems like it could fit into this realm. Best wishes.

anon336491

I get severe calf muscle pain if I starve and don't sleep. I have been having this since 1975. I am 60 years old. Please help.

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    • Injuries to the Achilles tendon are a common cause of calf pain.
      By: Alila
      Injuries to the Achilles tendon are a common cause of calf pain.
    • A healthcare provider examining a woman's calf.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A healthcare provider examining a woman's calf.
    • Chronic calf pain can be caused by running too far.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Chronic calf pain can be caused by running too far.
    • Muscle injuries are the most common cause of calf pain.
      By: Leo Lintang
      Muscle injuries are the most common cause of calf pain.