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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Calf Muscles

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Posted on Thu, 4 Aug 2016
Question: While playing pickle ball, when not stressing, my left calf suddenly starts to hurt. This happened once before, I rested used cold and heat, and it got better in about a week. That was about a month ago. It showed up again today. I don't think I'm actually injuring myself. Could I be experiencing some sort of chemical imbalance?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Some information about what might be going on:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I doubt that the pain is from a chemical imbalance, such as an electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium) - otherwise it would be probable that you would have pain in other places as well. If you are on a water pill, that can deplete potassium though, in which case you should have a blood chemistry panel checked. Cholesterol lowering medicines (statins) can cause muscle aches too.

If there is swelling in the calf, then you should go in to be seen promptly as that can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (clot) and that is risky and needs attention.

But if neither of the above apply, then it might be a muscle cramp which might be prevented by stretching your feet, ankles, and legs prior to any vigorous activity.

I hope this information helps and gives you some ideas of what might be going on.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 minutes later)
That is a very reasonable response. I have had cramps before so I know it isn't a cramp. I suspect a minor muscle pull. The reason I kind of didn't think it was a pull is because the new pain arrived in between activity, not when I was running or stepping. I was just standing and my calf started to hurt a little. With no more activity, it got worse. Almost no pain when I'm still. Hurts a little more when I stretch it.
Any other thoughts?
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A muscle strain or pull is possible.

Detailed Answer:
It is possible that it could be a muscle strain/pull. If it isn't hurting significantly, or the pain is controlled with the naproxen, rest and apply heat before use and ice after. Take the naproxen after eating food so that it doesn't cause problems with the stomach lining.

If your calf is hurting considerably, then do go in to see your doctor for evaluation, and possibly physical therapy exercises specific to the injured muscle (if it is an injured muscle) would help.

Another thing I am thinking can cause pain in one's calf is claudication (pain due to inadequate blood flow). Usually this type of pain starts during exercise, and you've made clear that it did not, so claudication is low on the list.

If the problem continues, please do go in and be examined in person.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Calf Muscles

Brief Answer: Some information about what might be going on: Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I doubt that the pain is from a chemical imbalance, such as an electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium) - otherwise it would be probable that you would have pain in other places as well. If you are on a water pill, that can deplete potassium though, in which case you should have a blood chemistry panel checked. Cholesterol lowering medicines (statins) can cause muscle aches too. If there is swelling in the calf, then you should go in to be seen promptly as that can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (clot) and that is risky and needs attention. But if neither of the above apply, then it might be a muscle cramp which might be prevented by stretching your feet, ankles, and legs prior to any vigorous activity. I hope this information helps and gives you some ideas of what might be going on.