What causes calf pain when climbing stairs?
Sep 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, leg pain when climbing stairs may be caused by muscle fatigue, insufficient muscle strength, lower extremity varicose veins, chronic tendonitis, lumbar disc herniation, etc. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, avoid excessive fatigue, ensure adequate rest, engage in appropriate physical exercise, and maintain a balanced diet, all of which help promote overall health.
Generally, leg pain in the calf when climbing stairs may be caused by muscle fatigue, insufficient muscle strength, lower extremity varicose veins, chronic tendonitis, lumbar disc herniation, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and identify the underlying cause under the guidance of a healthcare professional before initiating treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Muscle Fatigue
During high-intensity activities such as climbing stairs, the calf muscles require substantial energy, which may lead to lactic acid accumulation and result in pain. Adequate rest and regular stretching can help alleviate muscle fatigue.
2. Insufficient Muscle Strength
If the calf muscles lack sufficient strength, increased muscular load during stair climbing may easily cause pain. Regular strength-training exercises targeting the calf muscles, such as jumping rope or squats, can help improve muscle strength.
3. Lower Extremity Varicose Veins
Impaired venous return in the lower limbs may increase venous pressure. When climbing stairs, forceful contraction of the calf muscles further elevates venous pressure, potentially causing pain. Patients often experience additional symptoms such as leg swelling and skin pigmentation. Treatment may include medications such as diosmin tablets, sodium aescinate tablets, or warfarin sodium tablets, used according to medical advice.
4. Chronic Tendonitis
Overuse or injury may damage tendon tissue, triggering an inflammatory response and release of inflammatory mediators. During stair climbing, nerve endings may be stimulated, leading to calf pain. Patients may also experience local redness, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment may include topical medications such as ketoprofen gel, flurbiprofen gel patches, or loxoprofen sodium gel patches, used as directed by a physician.
5. Lumbar Disc Herniation
A protruding nucleus pulposus may compress spinal nerve roots. When climbing stairs, lumbar flexion may exacerbate nerve root compression, resulting in calf pain. Patients may also experience back discomfort and numbness in the lower limbs. Under medical supervision, medications such as celecoxib capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or mecobalamin tablets may be used for treatment.
To maintain health, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue, ensure adequate rest, engage in moderate physical exercise, and maintain a balanced diet.
