What Causes Severe Pain In The Calf?

Posted on Wed, 19 Oct 2016

Question: I have a severe pain in my left calf which is relieved by moving around. I also have shortness of breath for which I went to emergency room Monday. They released me with no findings. I did not have the pain in my calf at that time. I had been to emergency room early in September with gall bladder pain. They released me with no findings, but I ended up in interventional radiology 2 days later (blockage and infection).
I am wondering if I could have blood clot. Very anxiety producing to go to ER after being dismissed with no findings twice in one month.

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Blood clot is not likely

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,

Pain caused by a blood clot is persistent and can't be relieved by moving around.
So, most probably your pain has neuromuscular origin, or could caused by costochondritis or joint problems.
If it is already relieved by Naproxen, I would advise you to plan a regular visit to your doctor, instead of referring to ER, so you will have the opportunity for more detailed check-up and examinations and find out the cause of your complaints.

Take care

Come back if you have any further questions

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

Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (1 hour later)

Just wondering...you referred to joint problems, and I don't have any pain in my joints. Also, I looked up costochondritis and it seems to involve the chest bone or rib cage. I was wondering what the connection is

Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
I just wrote some possible causes, but the exact cause may be found out only after careful examination and some tests, that's why I advise you to see your GP for detailed tests.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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