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What Causes Pain And Strain In Calf Muscle?

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Posted on Sat, 19 Jul 2014
Question: have a discomfort in calf muscle, kind of strain or pain. what's reason for it? any medicine/ exercise you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Description below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

Reason for calf discomfort could be muscle strain.
The pain is due to associated muscle spasm . So it is important to relieve it. I would suggest you the following which will definitely help

1 Hot water Fomentation: Either by towel soaked in hot water or by hot water bag. Intermittent application of heat for 15 to 20 minutes each session 4 to 5 times a day will be helpful
2. Muscle Relaxant: Oral taken muscle relaxant like Chlorzoxazone along with analgesic like Diclofenac Sodium will be helpful
3. Local application of Diclofenac Sodium gel will be helpful.
4. Adequate rest and avoiding sudden movement.
5. Gradual & gentle calf stretching exercises to relieve the associated spasm.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (3 hours later)
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX for answering my query. I have follow up question and some additional information to give. Do you think I should get any tests done to confirm what's cause for discomfort in calf muscle. If yes what test do you suggest? Also what would be cause of it? can it because I wear shoe for almost 12-13 hrs in a week days.
My lifestyle is pretty much like
Getting into bus at 7am and reach office at 8 to 7pm work..I do get up many times during working hours for tea/coffee/water..and reach home back by 8:30 PM.

Saturday and Sundays are off and on those days I don't feel much of discomfort unless I go out for shopping on bike and walk a little. Reason I told my life style is if you think there're is any change required.

Other area where I get pain is between heel and toe but this is not as bad as calf discomfort, based on my research this looks like plantar fasciitis.

Thanks again for responding..awaiting your response.





doctor
Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Related to wear and tear.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Both your calf pain and foot pain(planter fasciitis) seems to be related to wear and tear. Due to repeated micro-trauma inflammation occurs and that is the cause for pain. You can go for MRI to confirm your diagnosis.

You need some change in your lifestyle. A short term rest and oral anti inflammatory drugs are required to take care of the inflammation.

To help the pain, ice the area immediately after getting up in the morning. You can use either a store-bought cold pack or a frozen wet towel. Ice for 10 or 15 minutes. To reduce inflammation, take an aspirin or ibuprofen at mealtime.

A 4-inch wide Crepe bandage wrapped around the region also helps reduce discomfort.

Calf and anterior (front of) leg stretching and strengthening addresses the biomechanical problems and reduces pain.

Use shoes with good arch support and a cushioned sole.

Wishing yo speedy recovery..

Warm 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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saurabh Gupta

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 5930 Questions

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What Causes Pain And Strain In Calf Muscle?

Brief Answer: Description below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. Reason for calf discomfort could be muscle strain. The pain is due to associated muscle spasm . So it is important to relieve it. I would suggest you the following which will definitely help 1 Hot water Fomentation: Either by towel soaked in hot water or by hot water bag. Intermittent application of heat for 15 to 20 minutes each session 4 to 5 times a day will be helpful 2. Muscle Relaxant: Oral taken muscle relaxant like Chlorzoxazone along with analgesic like Diclofenac Sodium will be helpful 3. Local application of Diclofenac Sodium gel will be helpful. 4. Adequate rest and avoiding sudden movement. 5. Gradual & gentle calf stretching exercises to relieve the associated spasm. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care