What Causes Calf Muscle Discomfort While Exercising?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

Question: I noticed some minor right calf discomfort while exercising on an exercise machine that simulates a walk/run motion yesterday. I had some slight discomfort in both Cal es bit the right was more noticeable. It seemed to dissipate after I stopped and after stretching... Though I did stretch the muscle pretty good. Today, when I got up from bed, I felt it when I walked. It was mild and I wasn't particularly concerned as I have been exercising alot... But, as I am a worrier, I began to obsess about dvt. I exercised again today bit tried not to overdue it. It didn't really hurt more than yesterday except that I am noticing it when I walk or flex or point toes... Especially point. My ankle pulse is strong. There is not swelling or redness. But I do take natural estrogen and progesterone. Bio identical. If I wasn't so scared, I would probably barely noticeable this but I'm so focused on it that now I'm not even walking normally. The Internet has me totally freaked out!
It is not really very tender to touch... Hard to find where it actually hurts by feeling... But it is a bit tender when I lay it on something but just when I first put it there. It feels like a pulled muscle but that's what the internet says dvt feels like. So scared!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
DVT least likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I understand your concern.
Minor discomfort in the calf specially after exercising can be due to-

1. Calf muscle strain and tear - Usually due to overwork and overstretching of the muscles. Recent increase in leg exercises may cause these. Gradual increase in exercise and pain killers with mild anti inflammatory drugs can help in reducing the symptoms.

2. Prolonged intake of hormonal therapy like oral pills or HRT might cause this.

3. Muscle ischaemia- associated with diabetes usually. There is acute pain associated with it.

4. Deep vein thrombosis- comes last among the list of probable diagnosis. Least likely in your case.

You may get the initial physical examination, relevant tests and treatment done under care of 'Orthopaedician'.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

As I said, the pain is so minor that I don't need painkillers. It's the internet instilling fears of dvt that frightens me. Should I be so worried about that? As for exercise, I am have been exercising for a while. Nothing new. However, I may have pushed a bit harder the day before I noticed it. Then, on that day, I stretched it possibly more as tea actually felt good and I thought it might be good for it. I am rather phobic about health issues. As there is no obvious decrease in circulation, no swelling or redness or heat etc, should this be checked out at this point? I even checked ankle pulse. I've never been able to find top of foot one though one doctor did and it was fine (a month ago, not for this) As I said, if I wasn't so afraid this is something I probably would barely notice. I doubt most people would. Is it okay to exercise in the mean time as I have been?
As for HRT, take it subcutaneously and have decreased it over the past several years. However, I added vaginal estriol because of dryness associated urinary tract infections. It's helped and I use a very small amount. I mentioned it because of blood clot fear. But it can cause muscle pain? Also, I'm not using synthetic. I didn't use it out of fear last night. Am I overreacting? Oh, and I don't have diabetes.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
DVT not likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
From the description provided it seems to a minor calf muscle sprain. The pain will decrease on its own in next few days. Since there is no acute pain or swelling there is no need to get it examined for DVT right now. It is better to give rest to the muscle for few days so that it heals properly.
Vaginal estrogen preparation will not cause a blood clot or any other serious complications. Just relax and it will be alright in a week.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (33 minutes later)

The internet says if it causes sharp pain when flexed, that's bad. Is that true? If I flex, it does cause some pain. It's sharp but not bad... Same, actually worse when point. And walking aggravates it. But I would put the pain at maybe 2. Nothing causing me to flinch or inhibit movement etc. I was surprised that the Internet said that as I would think any calf injury from any cause would be aggravated by those things as you are directly engaging the muscle.
As I said, I also take tri estrogen and progesterone as a skin cream. I added the estriol vaginally a few months ago.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This cannot pin point the diagnosis.

Detailed Answer:
It is not advisable to make a self diagnosis based on internet search. It will only add to anxiety. The sharp pain can happen in case of muscle strain or injury or DVT. This cannot pin point the diagnosis.
Since the pain is a mild one it is likely to subside with rest. In case the pain and swelling increases then do consult your physician for detailed investigations.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (36 minutes later)

I went to an urgent care because I was so worried. The provider there examined both legs, moved my feet around, flexed them etc. He said there was no signs of blood clot but only an ultrasound could rule it out 100 percent. So I can't have that until tomorrow and I'm sort of worried. He said he wasn't really concerned but I am anxious and he can't tell me absolutely. What do you think? I'm going to go but do you think there's need to worry? Or is this like a standard "Cover your butt" liability type thing? He said to rest but not because he's worried about clot but because of muscle strain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Clot is a rare possibility.

Detailed Answer:
Your clinician is right. Chances of having a clot are less than 5%. But it is best to get an ultrasound done and be 100% sure. Till then it is best not to worry. It is just a minor strain.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 hours later)

But had I come to see you, would you have advised me to give it a few days first or go right for the test and, if yes, would that be more for my anxiety or medically necessary? I'm wondering if it is improved this morning, should I hang onto the lab slip, just in case, but assume it's, as you said, a muscle strain that is healing... Because something else would worsen not improve, right?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It will heal on its own.

Detailed Answer:
If you would have come to my clinic I would have advised you to wait and let it heal gradually. Your excessive anxiety has made the test necessary.
If it is improving then you can wait.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (24 hours later)

I did not have the test. I realized that I was in panic mode and the test was $500 out of pocket (cash, no ins). So I went to see my primary doctor yesterday. He checked it. No swelling, hest or redness. Circulation, as exhibited by veinous return in toenails excellent. Forcible flex of foot little or no pain. He said he has seen hundreds of clots and none exhibited like this. He feels that that test, or the d-time blood test would both be a waste of money. He said to let it go and to try and learn to wait and allow things to resolve on their own. I asked if I should be afraid to exercise and he said no, go home and workout (he is a huge exercise proponent). I didn't workout yesterday thought I did walk some. Walking brings very little discomfort at this point. I think I will begin regular workout today and if something hurts, I will back off of that. Does that sound good to you? My routine is moderate, not strenuous, aerobic machine which also engages most muscles, pushing and pulling... Plus stretches.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are doing it right.

Detailed Answer:
You are doing the right thing. The pain will gradually subside. Do continue with moderate exercise meanwhile.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (18 minutes later)

Thankyou, you have a wen a tremendous help! All the best to you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank you.
I am happy I could help.
Please do recommend our services to others too in case you found them helpful. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you the best in whatever you do.
Best regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar