Calf Pain and Knee Noises After Injury: What to Know

Calf soreness and frequent knee noises?

Hello Doctor, my mother recently sprained the sole of her foot.
After seeing a doctor, the sprained area has healed, but she later noticed that her leg from behind the knee to the ankle is abnormally sore and cannot bend.
She even wakes up in pain at night.
In the past few days, we have tried massaging her calves before bed, and her condition has improved slightly.
However, the noise from her knee when bending has become more frequent, and her entire calf remains sore.
Although she no longer wakes up in pain at night, her condition has not improved.
What could be the issue, Doctor?

lan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/17

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

There may be degenerative arthritis in the knee joint.
When the knee bends, the joint surface between the patella and the femur slides.
If the cartilage on the joint surface has degenerated and is uneven, they will rub against each other, producing sound, and inflammation may occur, leading to pain.
It is necessary to consult a physician for appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2017/02/17

More Info

Understanding calf pain and knee noises after an injury can be quite complex, especially when considering the various factors that may contribute to these symptoms. In your mother's case, it appears that she experienced an ankle sprain, which is a common injury that can lead to a cascade of other issues if not properly managed.

Firstly, the pain and discomfort in her calf and knee could be attributed to several factors. After an ankle sprain, it is not uncommon for individuals to alter their gait or movement patterns to compensate for the pain. This compensation can lead to overuse of certain muscles and joints, resulting in discomfort in the calf and knee. The calf muscles, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus, play a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint during movement. If these muscles are strained or overworked due to compensatory movements, it can lead to soreness and tightness.

Additionally, the noises coming from the knee during flexion (bending) could be indicative of several underlying issues. These noises, often described as popping or cracking, can occur due to the movement of tendons or ligaments over bony structures or due to the presence of air bubbles in the synovial fluid of the joint. In some cases, it may also indicate a more serious issue, such as cartilage wear or meniscal tears, especially if accompanied by pain or swelling.

The fact that your mother experiences persistent soreness and discomfort, particularly at night, suggests that there may be an underlying issue that requires further investigation. It is essential to consider that the body can develop conditions such as tendinitis or bursitis in response to injury and altered movement patterns. These conditions can lead to inflammation and pain, particularly in the knee and calf regions.

Given that your mother has experienced some improvement with massage, it may be beneficial to continue with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and knee. However, it is crucial to approach this cautiously and ensure that any exercises do not exacerbate her symptoms. Physical therapy could be a valuable option, as a trained therapist can provide tailored exercises and modalities to help alleviate pain and improve function.

Moreover, if the knee noises persist or if the pain worsens, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to assess the integrity of the knee structures and rule out any significant injuries, such as ligament tears or cartilage damage.

In summary, your mother's symptoms of calf pain and knee noises following her ankle sprain may be due to compensatory movement patterns, muscle overuse, or underlying joint issues. Continued gentle massage, stretching, and possibly physical therapy can help manage her symptoms. However, if her condition does not improve or worsens, seeking further medical evaluation is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

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