Calf Pain – Causes, Remedies, and how Physiotherapy Manchester can help

181 views 20 slides Feb 06, 2023
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About This Presentation

If you are dealing if severe calf pain, then a professional Physiotherapy Manchester will plan out a routine of stretches and strengthening exercises to ensure that you’re not suffering from the calf muscle every day.

To know more about the causes, remedies, and preventions of lessening calf pain...


Slide Content

CALF PAIN –
CAUSES, HOME
REMEDIES, AND
PREVENTION TO
ALLEVIATE IT

At some point in your lives, you must surely experience discomfort in your lower leg.
From sporting activities to continuous illnesses, there are many reasons to experience
discomfort in legs. However, at times the pain can be intense enough to make
everyday tasks seem like daunting tasks. Leg or calf injuries are more severe as they
hinder even the tiny task like getting up in the morning.
Calf pain can be described as a sensation of pain that runs down the feets. The calves in
our body are ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons and veins. As the calves are
composed of so many muscles and veins, it can be the possible reasons for discomfort.
In this article we will discuss what the calf muscle pain feels like and later we will talk
about some causes and various remedies for calf pain.
So, keep reading!

WHAT CALF PAIN FEELS LIKE
The calf is made up of two muscles namely gastrocnemius and the
soleus. These muscles connect at the Achilles tendon, which
connects directly to the heel.
For some people experiencing calf pain can feel like the sensation
of aching, dull or a sharp pain in the lower leg’s back. Seldom, it is
also accompanied by tightness.
The signs that may suggest a more serious condition
includes:
Swelling
A rare coolness or paleness in
the calf
A tingling or numbing sensation
within the calves
Weakening of the leg
Fluid retention
Redness and the tenderness
of the calves

CAUSES OF CALF PAIN
If these are something you are facing then do consider consulting a Chronic Pain
Specialist as only they can help you get relief.
Calf pain could be due to various causes and may be a sign of other health issues. And
it is quite challenging to alleviate calf pain by yourself. However, there are instances
that require medical attention immediately.
There are many causes for the pain in the calf, which could be due to foot problems,
cramps, and muscles that are overworked. While some conditions are minor and
treatable by home remedies, other cases are more severe and require urgent
attention. Here are some causes and conditions that may be related to the pain of the
calf and need attention.
1) DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

The reason for this is blood clotting within the deep vein of the leg and in the calf
itself. There are a variety of circumstances and causes that can cause DVT such as
smoking, drug-related problems, or prolonged sitting in a row.
Some of the symptoms of DVT are:
Calf warm sensation
Skin discoloration
Leg tenderness
Swelling of the affected area
Veins are becoming more noticeable
It is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance if any of the listed symptoms are
present.
2) Muscle Cramps

They can be painful and abrupt muscle contractions that can last for a few minutes
or hours. Muscle cramps are frequent and usually occur while performing intense
exercise. They can be caused due to mineral deficiencies or muscle injuries, as well
as dehydration.
Muscle cramps that are chronic and persistent however, may be
caused by:
Peripheral Vascular disease
Diabetes
Alcoholism
Hypothyroidism
Kidney failure
In extreme situations, a reduced blood flow to different body parts as well as other
medical conditions may cause muscle cramps.

It is a form of nerve damage that can affect your arms, hands as well as your legs and
feet. DPN is an extremely common diabetes complication that results from
overexposure to neuroinflammation, genetic influences and a higher level of blood sugar.
3) Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)
Inability to feel temperature fluctuations and discomfort
Numbness
Balance and coordination are lost
Muscle weakness
Muscle cramps
Sharp pain
A few of the most common symptoms of DPN include the
following:

Sciatica results from problems that affect the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is responsible for controlling muscles located in the lower leg and the back
of the knee. It may cause the sensation of numbness, pain, or feeling of tingling within the
back of your lower leg. It can extend across the leg until the calf as well as other muscles.
4) Bruise
A contusion, also known as a bruise is caused by trauma, such as a blow or fall. The injury
causes capillaries under the skin to explode which results in discoloration. Most bruises
heal by themselves.
If you have any then consult a professional practitioner for any unidentified bruises or
bruises that return in the same spot without injury.
5) Sciatica

Achilles tendonitis is caused by excessive use, strain or stress upon the Achilles tendon
that connects the plantaris gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the ankle’s back.
The most common symptoms are Inflammation of the tendon, stiffness at that leg’s back,
and simple home treatments can help.
Cold or hot packs
OTC pain medicine
Physiotherapy Manchester
Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
Treatment for lower levels of pain can include:
6) Achilles tendonitis
They could include:

For a quick and effective way to get rid of any pain is to switch to the over-the-counter
(OTC) painkillers, such as diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen. The muscle relaxants like
Tramadol can also help reduce the tension in your muscles.
However if not medications then below are a few home remedies that can help you
Here are a few of the most effective home remedies to instantly relieve from calf pain
resulting from minor injuries:
Stretching
Reducing the intensity of activities
Using OTC medications for pain
Home Remedies for Leg Pain
If the home remedy doesn’t help or the pain gets worse it’s crucial to visit an expert.
If any of the symptoms mentioned above occur it is important to seek medical attention
immediately.

Rest
Ice Application
As muscle sprains are an extremely common reason for leg discomfort. Resting and
restricting movement can facilitate healing of the injured tissues and can result in relief
from pain.
You can apply ice or a cold pack on the affected area to relieve pain. Applying cold can
reduce inflammation in the leg and eases discomfort.
1) RICE Method
RICE treatment treatment known as RICE therapy is a basic self-care technique to ease
leg pain.
It involves:

Compression
Elevation
You can apply a bandage to the leg to lessen swelling.
The compression is particularly helpful when you have varicose veins.
Make sure your leg is elevated to relieve discomfort.
Placing pillows below your legs while on bed can help reduce stress on your legs.
2) Stay Hydrated
The condition of dehydration has been associated with muscle cramps that last for a long
time. Dehydration and electrolyte depletion for marathon runners can cause leg cramps in
the muscles. Thus, you can reduce those symptoms simply by drinking an adequate
amount of water. Be careful not to go overboard when drinking too much water since it
may cause kidney damage.

3) Try Heat Therapy
Applying heat to muscles that are tense and tight may relieve tension, and studies have
shown that it closes the pain receptors and relieves muscle tension. A superficial heat
therapy treatment has proven to be effective in relieving pain for patients suffering from
knee injuries and osteoarthritis.
The therapy of heat wrap is effective for treating leg pain caused by low back pain (LBP).
Some patients can find relief by using cold and hot therapy in a series.
4) Try Massage Therapy
A massage by an expert massage therapist has numerous therapeutic effects on the body.
Massage can boost the flow of blood in the muscles that are affected. The increased blood
flow eliminates the inflammation and the pain.
Patients who experience leg discomfort due to low back pain (LBP) are able to benefit
from this easy remedy. The treatment additionally reduces anxiety and stress.

5) Stretches and Exercise
In many instances, weak muscles are the reason for leg discomfort. The inactive lifestyle
can reduce blood flow to the legs which can cause frequent spasms, cramps, or nerve
impingements. Exercises that are light and stretching can help strengthen the torso,
abdominal muscles, and leg muscles. This can help prevent calf pain over the long haul.
6) Make sure you follow an anti-inflammatory diet
Following a diet that is anti-inflammatory is the most effective way to relieve the pain and
aches in your calves. Garlic, ginger and turmeric are well-known to have anti-inflammatory
qualities.
Multiple studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of
ginger. According to an meta-analysis the extracts of turmeric are proven to alleviate the
pain and symptoms associated with arthritis. Therefore, a significant reduction in pain is
possible for knee osteoarthritis patients.

7) Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for painful calf muscles.
It is a part of any muscle related treatment, regardless of the root cause. A professional
practitioner will plan out a routine of stretches and strengthening exercises to ensure that
you’re not suffering from the calf muscle every day.
Prevention
Here are a few suggestions to help you avoid the pain in your calf:
1) Mobility work
Maintaining your calf muscles and ankle active through exercises like the stretching or
moving joints could aid in the prevention of calf pain.

2) Rest
Taking a break from exercise between workouts can facilitate the growth and repair of
muscles.
Include a warm-up prior to exercising and then a cool-down to loosen muscles and avoid
any future injuries.
Make sure the shoes you put on for exercise offer enough support particularly when
you jog or run to exercise.
3) Warm-up/cool-down
4) Consider wearing proper shoes

Increase your exercise gradually.
If you’re a novice to a certain exercise or expanding the duration of your workout,
make sure to increase it slowly. The increase in your exercise level abruptly could
cause injuries.
5) Gradually increase exercise

CONCLUSION
If you have been suffering from symptoms for
longer than six months and are affecting your
daily activities, it is highly recommended to
consult a physiotherapist or a doctor.
Serious symptoms of any muscle pain should
not be kept unsolved for a longer time. At CT
Clinic, we have also designed a customized
COPA therapy for effective recovery.
For the best muscle strengthening assistance,
contact us and book an appointment now!

CONTACT
(+44) 0161 4597 034
[email protected]
52 Burton Road, West Didsbury,
Manchester. M20 3EB
IN HERE!
https://www.ctclinic.co.uk/

THANKS YOU