What causes pain in the calf?
Disease description:
After running 8 kilometers in one breath, I feel pain in my calves. Why is this happening? What causes calf pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Common causes of calf pain:
1. Muscle strain: Prolonged walking, running, standing, or engaging in high-intensity physical activities can lead to overuse of the calf muscles, resulting in pain. This type of pain is usually caused by muscle fatigue, lactic acid buildup, or minor tearing of muscle fibers. Rest, cold compresses, heat therapy, and moderate massage can effectively relieve this pain.
2. Poor blood circulation: Vascular diseases such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or arteriosclerosis may impair blood circulation in the calf, causing pain. This pain may be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, skin discoloration, and warmth.
3. Nerve pain: Sciatica or peripheral nerve disorders can cause calf pain, accompanied by stabbing pain, numbness, or a burning sensation.
4. Bones: Fractures, stress fractures, or osteoporosis may also cause calf pain, especially more common in elderly individuals.
5. Nerve compression: Conditions such as lumbar disc herniation or piriformis syndrome may compress the sciatic nerve, leading to calf pain. This type of pain may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and abnormal sensations.
