Calf Muscle Hurts When Walking?

Claudication is a common condition where pain occurs in the legs with exercise due to a reduction in the circulation

. The cause is hardening of the arteries otherwise known as atherosclerosis. The common symptom is of a cramp like pain developing in the calf muscles on walking.

When should I be concerned about calf pain?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:

Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever

greater than100 F (37.8 C) A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride.

Is it OK to walk with a calf strain?

You can still walk with a mild strain, but it may be uncomfortable

. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: mild swelling. redness.

What are the reasons for calf muscle pain?

• Muscle cramp. Muscle cramps in the calf are a common complaint for those who exercise frequently. …
• Muscle strain. …
• Arterial claudication. …
• Neurogenic claudication. …
• Achilles tendinitis. …
• Compartment syndrome. …
• Diabetic neuropathy. …
• Plantar fasciitis.

Is walking good for tight calf muscles?

Stretching regularly may be your best bet for keeping your calf muscles loose and pain-free. Here are some other things you can do to prevent tight muscles: Warm up before stretching and other exercise.

A slow walk or jog for a few minutes should be enough to get the blood flowing

.

Can walking too much cause calf pain?

If you stand or walk a lot, the pressure on your legs can cause varicose veins in one or both calves

. These thick, bulging veins can cause pain, burning, swelling, and itching.

How do you know if you pulled a calf muscle?

Symptoms of a torn calf muscle can include: No calf strength, including being unable to balance or bear weight on the injured leg. Snapping or popping sensation in your calf. Sudden pain in the back of your lower leg, like someone kicked your calf.

Can dehydration cause calf pain?

That means less vital organs — like your muscles and digestive system — don’t get the water and electrolytes they need. Without these fluids, your muscles can start to cramp.

You may particularly experience leg cramps in your calf muscles and thigh muscles

.

Should I massage a calf strain?

Getting a massage is also very beneficial right after the initial injury

(just not at the site of the tear!) Massage can lengthen the entire posterior chain while increasing circulation around the strain through the whole leg. Rubbing the bottom of your foot over a tennis ball can also ease the pain felt in the calf.

How long does a strained calf muscle take to heal?

Recovery and prognosis will depend on the extent of the injury. In the less severe cases it usually takes

up to three days

for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. In the most severe cases that don’t require surgery a full recovery may take up to six weeks.

Can you walk with a grade 3 calf strain?

A grade 3 calf strain is a severe injury involving a complete tear to half or all of the calf muscle.

Crutches or even a moon boot may be required to enable walking due to severe pain and weakness

. Immediate swelling and bruising will be present within 24 hours.

How do you get rid of calf muscle?

1. Stop doing whatever exercises that made your calves muscular in the first place. The main way to reduce your calf muscles is by using them as little as possible and giving your muscles a chance to reduce on their own.
2. Do more low-intensity cardio. …
3. Focus on losing weight overall.

How do you lose calf muscle?

Lose Calf Fat by

Building Muscle Mass

Stand upright with your arms crossed over your chest. Then lift your heels and rise up on your toes. You can hold this position for a few seconds, then lower your heels to the ground. Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times.

How do you treat a tight calf muscle?

If overuse is causing the tight calves, take a break from any activity that may cause the calf muscles to strain. Treatment is not necessary unless the overuse leads to an injury. For a strain, using the RICE method —

rest, ice, compression, and elevation

— will support recovery.

Why are my calves so tight without exercise?

Tight calves can be caused by:

Overuse – sudden start/increase in activity or change in activity

. Underuse – not moving enough. Muscle wasting (atrophy) – see underuse but also common in older age. Muscle tears – these would also be acutely painful as well as tight.

How do I loosen my calf and Achilles?

1. Place your hands on a wall for balance. You can also do this with your hands on the back of a chair, a countertop, or a tree.
2. Step back with your left leg. …
3. Press your hips forward, bending your right leg slightly. …
4. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
5. Repeat 2 to 4 times for each leg.

How do you massage tight calves?

Why do my legs ache so much after walking?

If you walk long distances, walk on steep inclines, wear unsupportive shoes or walk on hard surfaces, you can overwork you legs and cause muscle fatigue

. Certain medical conditions can lead to aching legs such as arthritis, blood clots, nerve damage and varicose veins.

What is the difference between a calf strain and a tear?

Symptoms.

A calf strain usually starts with sudden pain in the back of the lower leg.

A pop, snap or tearing sensation may be felt. Occasionally, with a severe tear, it may feel like you have been shot in the back of the leg.

Is it better to rest or exercise a pulled muscle?

“

The most important treatment for acute muscle strain is rest

,” he explains. “Continuing to stress a pulled muscle could result in further damage to muscle and a much longer healing time.

Which vitamin helps muscle cramps?

One way to stop cramps is to stretch or massage your muscles and to eat enough of these key nutrients:

potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium

.

Does drinking water help joint pain?

Drinking more water may not treat the joint pain

but it can keep your joints healthy. Proper hydration can improve the production of synovial fluid, reduce the inflammation and maintain the shock absorbing properties of cartilage.

What are the symptoms of not drinking enough water?

• Persistent Bad Breath. Water is essential for saliva production and helps rinse away bacteria so you can maintain healthy teeth and gums. …
• Fatigue. …
• Frequent Illness. …
• Constipation. …
• Poor Skin Health. …
• Sugar Cravings. …
• Decreased Urination.