Calf Pain After Basketball: Causes and Solutions

Q: Calf Pain After Basketball: Causes and Solutions

Hello： 1. Please refrain from playing basketball. 2. It is recommended that you visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for a detailed examination of your injury and to receive further treatment. 3. You may consider other forms of exercise such as swimming or cy

After playing basketball for 10 to 20 minutes, my calves hurt a lot?

Hello Doctor: I am currently 20 years old and weigh 140 kg.
I am trying to lose weight, so I play basketball every day.
After about 10 to 20 minutes of running and jumping, I start to feel pain in my left calf.
If I continue to run and jump, the pain in my calf worsens, and it feels as if my calf might snap upon landing.
The painful area in my left calf is approximately four finger lengths below my knee, and when it hurts, there is swelling on the left side of the painful area (when I look down at my left calf).
It appears to be muscle inflammation, but pressing on it does not cause pain.
(I just noticed the swelling today.) The calf remains swollen even when it is not painful.
When I get home, lying down helps the pain subside quickly (about 40 to 60 minutes), but sitting in a chair does not relieve the pain; in fact, it feels worse, and it takes over an hour of sitting for the pain to go away.

When I was 16, I lost weight during the summer and fall, going from 122 kg to 90 kg, also by playing basketball, but my calves did not hurt then.
It wasn't until I went from 122 kg to around 104 kg that I occasionally noticed pain in my left calf, but I stopped playing basketball as autumn approached.
Since then, whenever I occasionally play basketball, my calves do not hurt, but if I play every day, the pain returns.
(When I was lighter, the pain was mild; when I was heavier, the pain was significant.) I have always thought that my weight was the reason for the calf pain.
However, today I noticed swelling next to the painful area, which makes me uneasy, so I wanted to ask about it.

I am unsure if running for just 10 to 20 minutes would cause pain, as I have not tried that.
When I play basketball, I primarily jump off my left foot and land on my left foot; could this be the reason? I enjoy making a turn for a layup, and while running, my body starts to turn, with my left foot needing to jump, so the left foot is the last to turn.
Each time I use this move, my left calf starts to hurt shortly after, and landing after this move causes even more pain.
I started using this turning layup technique when I was 16 and losing weight because it was fun, and I did it frequently for a couple of weeks before I noticed occasional pain in my left calf.
Is this the main cause?

qmmq, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/11

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics

Hello: 1.
Please refrain from playing basketball.
2.
It is recommended that you visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for a detailed examination of your injury and to receive further treatment.
3.
You may consider other forms of exercise such as swimming or cycling, which are gentler and less intense.
4.
Reduce your food intake, including beverages.
Thank you! Answered by Dr.
Chuang Yong-Ching, Orthopedic Department.

Reply Date: 2006/05/11

More Info

Understanding calf pain after basketball can be quite complex, especially when considering your history of weight fluctuations and the specific movements involved in the sport. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing pain and swelling in your left calf, particularly after engaging in basketball activities. Let's break down the potential causes and solutions for your situation.

Potential Causes of Calf Pain
1. Muscle Strain: Given that you are engaging in high-impact activities like basketball, it is possible that you are experiencing a muscle strain. This can occur when the muscles are overstretched or overused, particularly if you are jumping and landing frequently. The pain you feel during and after activity could be a sign of muscle fatigue or minor tears in the muscle fibers.

2. Tendinitis: The pain and swelling you describe could also be indicative of tendinitis, which is inflammation of the tendons in the calf area. This condition often arises from repetitive stress and can be exacerbated by sudden increases in activity levels, such as playing basketball daily.

3. Compartment Syndrome: The swelling you notice in your calf, especially if it persists even when you are not active, could suggest a condition known as compartment syndrome. This occurs when pressure builds up within the muscles, leading to pain and potential damage to the muscle and nerves. It is crucial to monitor this symptom closely.

4. Biomechanical Issues: Your description of favoring your left leg during jumps and landings could lead to uneven stress on your muscles and joints. If you are consistently landing on one foot or using one leg more than the other, it can create imbalances that lead to pain and injury.

5. Weight Considerations: At 140 kg, the impact on your joints and muscles during high-impact activities like basketball is significant. Extra weight can increase the strain on your calf muscles, making them more susceptible to injury.

Recommendations for Management and Treatment
1. Rest and Recovery: It is essential to allow your body time to recover. If you experience pain during or after basketball, consider taking breaks or reducing the intensity of your workouts. Resting will help prevent further injury.

2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Aim for 15-20 minutes of ice application several times a day, especially after playing basketball.

3. Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate stretching exercises for your calf muscles before and after playing. Strengthening exercises can also help improve muscle endurance and reduce the risk of injury. Focus on exercises that target both your calves and the surrounding muscle groups.

4. Proper Footwear: Ensure that you are wearing appropriate basketball shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Poor footwear can contribute to pain and injury.

5. Gradual Increase in Activity: If you are returning to basketball after a break, gradually increase your activity level. This will allow your muscles and tendons to adapt to the stress of the sport.

6. Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist despite these measures, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional, such as a sports medicine physician or a physical therapist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and may recommend imaging studies to rule out more serious conditions.

7. Weight Management: Since you mentioned being in the process of losing weight, continuing to focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise can help alleviate some of the stress on your body. However, ensure that your exercise regimen is appropriate for your current fitness level.

In conclusion, calf pain after basketball can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, tendinitis, and biomechanical issues. By implementing rest, ice therapy, proper stretching, and seeking professional advice if necessary, you can effectively manage your symptoms and continue enjoying basketball. Remember to listen to your body and prioritize your health to prevent further complications.

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