What causes soreness and pain in the lower legs during sleep at night?

The possible causes of calf soreness at night may include physiological factors, as well as pathological conditions such as lower extremity varicose veins or lumbar disc herniation. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

If you engage in intense physical activity or overexert yourself before bedtime—such as mountain climbing or farm work—lactic acid can accumulate in the calf muscles and fail to be broken down and eliminated promptly. This may lead to calf soreness during sleep. Applying heat therapy or getting appropriate rest can help relieve the discomfort.

2. Pathological Factors

a. Lower Extremity Varicose Veins
Prolonged standing or walking during the day can impair local blood circulation and cause obvious dilation of the leg veins. Under pressure from blood flow, calf soreness may occur at night. Medications such as micronized purified flavonoid extract tablets (e.g., Aescuven Forte) or diosmin tablets may be taken according to medical advice.

b. Lumbar Disc Herniation
A herniated lumbar disc can compress nearby nerves, causing muscle soreness in areas such as the calf. Pain may become more pronounced at night, and some patients may also experience numbness. It is recommended to take medications like ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, gentle local massage may help improve blood circulation and alleviate symptoms.

Besides the above, nighttime calf soreness could also result from damage to the calf bones. If pain persists or fails to improve, medical evaluation and treatment are advised.