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Suggest Treatment For Sharp Persistent Pain In The Calf Muscles
Question: The last few days I have had pain in my calf and it is not constant but hurts randomly. It's more of a quick sharp pain and then comes and goes. Some days I don't notice it. There is no swelling, redness, or warmth where it hurts. If it was a blood clot. Would it be a more constant pain and extremely painful? No recent air travel. 33 year old female smoker. I suffer from anxiety and I'm wondering if my mind is getting the better of me.
Brief Answer:
Most likely muscle imbalance can be the reason.
Detailed Answer:
Hi madam
Thank you for asking HCM.
I have gone through your query. Your calf pain can be most likely due to muscle imbalance or weakness. DVT ( deep vein thrombosis) is usually associated with redness and warmth feeling along with pain. Also there will be increased pain while flexing the leg inwards.
Have you done any unusual exertion recently like walking long distance or standing for long time. ?.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen ( motrin ) and ice pack application will be helpful to relieve your symptoms. You can take ibuprofen 400 to 800 mg twice daily up to 3 days. Keep the legs raised while sitting. Using compression stockings on both legs is good also.
If there is no improvement then consult a general surgeon or vascular surgeon to undergo examination of peripheral vessels and doppler ultrasound if necessary to exclude peripheral vascular disease or DVT.
Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Most likely muscle imbalance can be the reason.
Detailed Answer:
Hi madam
Thank you for asking HCM.
I have gone through your query. Your calf pain can be most likely due to muscle imbalance or weakness. DVT ( deep vein thrombosis) is usually associated with redness and warmth feeling along with pain. Also there will be increased pain while flexing the leg inwards.
Have you done any unusual exertion recently like walking long distance or standing for long time. ?.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen ( motrin ) and ice pack application will be helpful to relieve your symptoms. You can take ibuprofen 400 to 800 mg twice daily up to 3 days. Keep the legs raised while sitting. Using compression stockings on both legs is good also.
If there is no improvement then consult a general surgeon or vascular surgeon to undergo examination of peripheral vessels and doppler ultrasound if necessary to exclude peripheral vascular disease or DVT.
Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
Thank you. I javent done anything out of the normal. What causes muscle imbalance?
Brief Answer:
Muscle imbalance caused by uneven muscle mass symmetrically.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up.
Muscle imbalance is caused by uneven muscle mass symmetrically. Doing symmetric exercises will be helpful for this. This can be the cause if there is any asymmetry between the calf muscles of both legs. Weakness is caused by absence of muscle exercises properly.
You can do calf raises and toe ups to strengthen these muscles. Massaging of muscles is also good.
Decrease or avoid smoking as there is increased risk of peripheral vascular disease in those who are having history of excessive smoking and smoking for long term. It will be better to go for a doppler ultrasound of peripheral blood vessels if there is no improvement.
Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Muscle imbalance caused by uneven muscle mass symmetrically.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.
Thank you for your follow up.
Muscle imbalance is caused by uneven muscle mass symmetrically. Doing symmetric exercises will be helpful for this. This can be the cause if there is any asymmetry between the calf muscles of both legs. Weakness is caused by absence of muscle exercises properly.
You can do calf raises and toe ups to strengthen these muscles. Massaging of muscles is also good.
Decrease or avoid smoking as there is increased risk of peripheral vascular disease in those who are having history of excessive smoking and smoking for long term. It will be better to go for a doppler ultrasound of peripheral blood vessels if there is no improvement.
Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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