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Suggest Treatment For Pain, Swelling And Stiffness In The Calf Muscles

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Posted on Thu, 23 Mar 2017
Question: Hi,

i went for a run in the morning and suddenly while running there was a strong pain in the calf of my right leg. now the calf is swollen and has become stiff. i can walk but its finding it difficult to walk without limping.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Muscle cramp v/s tear

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

Such kind of sudden onset pain in the calf usually occurs due to a muscle cramp / fatigue of the calf muscles (gastrocnemius/soleus).This can occur due to overdoing of exercises like running which leads to muscle fatigue.

Other possibility is of a probable partial calf muscle tear leading to haematoma formation and stiffened calf.

I suggest you to take bed rest with application of a compression bandage around the calf and leg elevation.

Avoid running and other strenous activities.

Take analgesic anti inflammatory muscle relaxant tablets like ibuprofen, aceclofenac or chlorzoxazone.

Calcium and L-carnitine tablets can accelerate the recovery process.

By these measures,you should be fine within the next 3-5 days.

If the symptoms worsen,you can get a ultrasonography / color doppler of the calf region.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind 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. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahaveer Patil

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1209 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Pain, Swelling And Stiffness In The Calf Muscles

Brief Answer: Muscle cramp v/s tear Detailed Answer: Hi Mr. XXXXXXX Thank you for posting the question. I have gone through your medical history in detail. Such kind of sudden onset pain in the calf usually occurs due to a muscle cramp / fatigue of the calf muscles (gastrocnemius/soleus).This can occur due to overdoing of exercises like running which leads to muscle fatigue. Other possibility is of a probable partial calf muscle tear leading to haematoma formation and stiffened calf. I suggest you to take bed rest with application of a compression bandage around the calf and leg elevation. Avoid running and other strenous activities. Take analgesic anti inflammatory muscle relaxant tablets like ibuprofen, aceclofenac or chlorzoxazone. Calcium and L-carnitine tablets can accelerate the recovery process. By these measures,you should be fine within the next 3-5 days. If the symptoms worsen,you can get a ultrasonography / color doppler of the calf region. I hope the answer was useful. Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have. Thank you. Kind regards.