Seven Reasons that may cause frequent Leg Pain

Our calf muscles comprise the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are responsible for pointing our feet forward, raising our toes, and propelling our body forward as we walk. Leg pain or calf pain while walking can occur for various reasons, ranging from a mild muscle strain to a more serious underlying health condition affecting blood flow to our legs.

Reasons that may cause leg pain

1. Muscle Injury

Muscle strains, or pulled muscles, can cause leg pain. These may occur from excessive activity or overstretching (intentionally or from injury). Calf strains commonly affect runners and people who play sports such as tennis or basketball. They vary in severity, with mild strains being injuries caused by overstretching the muscle, while more severe strains can result in torn muscle fibers.

2. Muscle Cramping

The calves are a common area for muscle cramps or charley horses, which can cause severe leg pain while walking. Calf cramps may be caused by to few reasons, which may include:

• Dehydration

• Pinched nerves

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Poor blood flow to your calf muscles

• Medication side effects

• Too much exercise

3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to our legs from the heart narrow down. This generally causes leg pain. The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition that occurs when substances such as fat and cholesterol (plaque) build up in the walls of blood vessels. Pain from PAD is at its worst while walking and climbing stairs and improves with rest. If left untreated, it may cause changes in skin color and wounds that are difficult to heal due to poor blood flow.

4. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a wear-and-tear condition in the lower back that causes the part of our spine that houses our spinal cord and nerves to narrow. Over time, it can lead to pressure on the nerves, causing calf pain when walking. Pain from lumbar spinal stenosis often starts in the back. Once the nerves are compressed, you can experience burning pain that radiates down your leg, sometimes affecting the calf. Other symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in your leg muscles. This condition often causes pain when standing up straight and walking. Leaning forward takes some pressure off the nerves, so pain is typically better when sitting down.

5. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the blood vessels can’t pump blood adequately back to the heart, leading it to accumulate in the legs. Varicose veins are one of the common symptoms of CVI. This condition causes lower leg pain that typically occurs while walking or at the end of the day and improves with rest. In addition to pain, CVI can cause a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the leg.

6. Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS)

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a rare condition that can affect the leg or, less often, the arm. Multiple compartments throughout the body contain muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The contents of these compartments are surrounded by fascia, strong tissue that does not stretch. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome occurs when muscles swell, causing pressure to build up in the area. Because the fascia does not stretch, this can cut off blood flow to the area. This condition can affect the calf after too much physical activity.

7. Blood Clot

Leg pain can also occur with blood clots that can potentially be life-threatening—if you suspect you might have this condition, seek immediate medical attention.

Self-Care to Relieve Calf Pain

Self-care treatments can help relieve calf pain, especially if a soft tissue injury, such as a muscle strain, causes your symptoms.

Start with the RICE method:

• Rest: Reduce your walking as much as possible. If you have to walk a lot, it might be helpful to temporarily use a walking device (such as crutches or a cane).

• Ice: To decrease pain, apply ice to your calf for up to 20 minutes several times per day.

• Compression: Wrap your calf in a supportive elastic bandage to provide some support and reduce swelling.

• Elevate: Prop your leg up (preferably higher than your heart) to help reduce swelling when you’re resting.

Gentle calf stretches can help reduce leg pain when walking.

Follow these steps to manage leg pain:

1. Place your palms flat against the wall at shoulder height.

2. Step one foot back and straighten your knee to target the gastrocnemius muscle.

3. Bend your front knee and slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch (but no pain) along your calf.

4. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

5. Repeat this stretch with your back knee slightly bent to target the soleus muscle.

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as Aleve (naproxen) or Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), can help reduce calf pain and inflammation for soft-tissue conditions.

The Bottomline

Leg pain while walking can occur for a variety of reasons. It can improve with rest and other home remedies. A healthcare provider can treat leg pain caused by underlying medical conditions with medications and lifestyle changes. One must consult a physiotherapist to manage and relieve the pain.