Calf Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

Calf pain

Hello, Doctor.
I haven't really paid attention to when it started, but I remember it was during my senior year of high school.
One night, it was raining, and when I went to bed, I experienced severe pain in my calves that kept me from sleeping.
Recently, I've noticed that if I stand or walk for more than 30 minutes, or if my calves get wet in the rain (though not every time), I feel intense pain from my calves down to the soles of my feet when I get home.
The soles of my feet also feel numb.
This situation can sometimes last for several hours.
I'm currently only 18 years old, and this seems quite serious.
What should I do? Should I see a family medicine doctor? During the summer, I was doing home exercises and may have injured my knee, as it occasionally hurts.
Should I see a doctor for this as well? If it needs time to heal on its own, are there any methods to help speed up recovery?

Xu Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/11

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! It is recommended that you visit a rehabilitation specialist to assess for any lumbar spine issues.
During the acute phase, medication treatment may be used, followed by a rehabilitation plan.
You can also consult with a rehabilitation physician or physical therapist for appropriate exercises.

Reply Date: 2021/10/11

More Info

Calf pain can be a distressing symptom, especially when it interferes with your daily activities and sleep. Given your description, it seems that your calf pain has been persistent since high school, and it intensifies with prolonged standing or walking, as well as exposure to rain. This pattern of pain, along with the tingling sensation in your feet, warrants a thorough evaluation.

Possible Causes of Calf Pain
1. Muscle Strain: Overuse or strain of the calf muscles can lead to pain, especially if you've recently increased your physical activity. This is common in young athletes or individuals who engage in new exercise routines.

2. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as sciatica or peripheral neuropathy can cause pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs, leading to sensations of tingling or numbness in the feet.

3. Circulatory Issues: Conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause calf pain, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

4. Compartment Syndrome: This occurs when pressure builds up within the muscles, leading to severe pain, especially after exercise. It can be a medical emergency if it leads to muscle and nerve damage.

5. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the calf can cause pain, particularly if you've been active or have a history of knee issues.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Pain Intensity: If the pain reaches a level that is unbearable or disrupts your sleep, it is important to seek medical attention.

- Swelling or Redness: Any swelling, redness, or warmth in the calf could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

- Numbness or Tingling: Persistent tingling or numbness in the feet could suggest nerve involvement and should be evaluated.

- Duration of Symptoms: If the pain lasts for several hours after activity or does not improve with rest, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

When to See a Doctor
You should consider seeing a doctor if:
- The pain is severe and persistent.

- You experience swelling, redness, or warmth in the calf.

- You have difficulty walking or standing.

- You notice any changes in sensation in your legs or feet.

Which Specialist to See
For your symptoms, starting with a primary care physician (家醫科) is a good choice. They can perform an initial evaluation and may refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a neurologist, if necessary.

Self-Care and Recovery Tips
1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Give your muscles time to heal.

2. Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce inflammation.

3. Compression: Use compression bandages to help reduce swelling and provide support.

4. Elevation: Elevate your legs to help reduce swelling.

5. Gentle Stretching: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching of the calf muscles can help improve flexibility and reduce tension.

6. Gradual Return to Activity: If you have been inactive, gradually increase your activity level to avoid re-injury.

Conclusion
Your symptoms of calf pain, especially when associated with prolonged standing or walking, should not be ignored. While it could be due to muscle strain or overuse, there are other potential causes that may require medical evaluation. It is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and a quicker return to your normal activities.

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