Calf Pain

Calf issues are usually caused by sport injuries or tripping and should settle within 6 weeks. Some other calf problems are caused by circulatory complaints.

Facts & Figures:

• 12% of all running issues involve the calf muscles.
• Calf muscles are the one for the most common sporting injuries.

When to get advice:

• Pins and needles or hot burning pain usually in the back of the calf that do not improve after one week.
• The leg does not bear weight.
• Can’t lift heel from the floor.
• Swelling, heat and tenderness in your calf especially if you cannot recall an injury.
• The issues have not improved within 6 weeks.

Move or rest?

First 24 hours

• Rest your calf but try to avoid log period of not moving.
• Try to move your ankle and knee gently for 10/20 seconds when you are awake.

After 48 hours

• Use your leg as much as possible.
• When going up the stairs reduce the strain by leading with your good leg.
• When going down the stairs reduce the strain by leading with good leg.
• Avoid doing heavy lifting or sports until you have better movement and less discomfort.

Check out the exercise in the tools sections