Why do the calves hurt but not the thighs when climbing mountains?

Generally, calf pain without thigh pain during mountain climbing may be caused by overexertion, muscle strain, lactic acid buildup, lumbar disc herniation, knee arthritis, and other reasons. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Overexertion

If mountain climbing lasts too long, it may lead to overexertion, resulting in calf pain without thigh pain. It is recommended that patients rest adequately and avoid excessive physical strain.

2. Muscle Strain

Excessive duration of mountain climbing may cause overexertion, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. Patients are advised to rest and avoid overexertion.

3. Lactic Acid Buildup

Leg soreness may result from prolonged walking, causing lactic acid to accumulate in leg muscles and fail to enter the bloodstream effectively. For individuals who lack regular exercise, sore calves are a normal phenomenon and usually resolve within 3–5 days. It is recommended that patients gradually increase their physical activity.

4. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation may compress the sciatic nerve, causing the symptoms described above. Patients can take medications such as ibuprofen or celecoxib as directed by a physician for treatment.

5. Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis is characterized by degeneration of knee cartilage and bone overgrowth. Main symptoms include knee pain, swelling, and restricted movement, which may also lead to the aforementioned condition. It is recommended that patients use medications such as sustained-release ibuprofen capsules or naproxen tablets under medical guidance.

In addition, calf pain without thigh pain during mountain climbing could also be caused by conditions such as lower limb venous thrombosis or varicose veins. Patients experiencing discomfort should seek timely medical attention to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.