What causes lumbar disc herniation and calf muscle pain and swelling?

Generally, the main causes of lower back pain and calf soreness or swelling include prolonged sitting or standing, excessive strain on the waist, lumbar disc herniation compressing nerves, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lower limb venous thrombosis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Prolonged Sitting or Standing

Maintaining the same posture for extended periods increases stress on the lumbar spine, raising pressure on intervertebral discs. At the same time, venous return in the lower limbs slows down, causing blood congestion in calf muscles and resulting in swelling and pain. To prevent this, take regular breaks to stand up and move around, perform stretching exercises for the lower back and toe raises, elevate the legs during rest, and avoid staying in one fixed position for too long.

2. Excessive Strain on the Lower Back

Frequent bending and lifting heavy objects or engaging in intense physical activity can repeatedly compress the lumbar discs, making disc herniation more likely. Simultaneously, continuous exertion of calf muscles leads to muscle strain, causing soreness and swelling. Reduce lumbar load, avoid strenuous exercise, massage the lower back and calves during rest, and apply heat therapy to relieve muscle tension.

3. Lumbar Disc Herniation with Nerve Compression

When a lumbar disc protrudes and compresses the sciatic nerve, abnormal nerve conduction results in radiating pain and swelling in the calf, often accompanied by numbness. Under medical guidance, medications such as mecobalamin tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and eperisone hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed. Wearing a lumbar support belt can help protect the lower back; in severe cases, surgical removal of the herniated disc nucleus (discectomy) may be required.

4. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Degenerative narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal compresses the spinal cord and nerves, while also impairing blood circulation in the lower limbs, leading to lower back pain and calf soreness, often accompanied by intermittent claudication. Under medical supervision, medications such as celecoxib capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, and Huoxue Zhitong capsules may be used. Lumbar traction therapy may also be beneficial, and in severe cases, decompression surgery of the lumbar spinal canal may be necessary.

5. Lower Limb Venous Thrombosis

Patients with lumbar disc issues often have reduced mobility, which slows venous blood flow in the legs and increases the risk of clot formation. This obstructs blood return, causing noticeable swelling and pain in the calf that worsens with pressure. Under medical guidance, anticoagulant medications such as rivaroxaban tablets, warfarin sodium tablets, and micronized purified flavonoid fraction (Daflon) tablets may be prescribed. Massaging the affected leg should be avoided, and in severe cases, surgical removal of the venous thrombus may be required.

In daily life, maintain proper sitting and standing postures and avoid bending over to lift heavy objects. Strengthen exercises for the back and core muscles to enhance lumbar stability. Control activity levels to prevent overexertion, keep the lower limbs warm to avoid cold exposure, and seek prompt medical attention if persistent swelling or pain develops—especially to rule out the risk of thrombosis.