Anyone can experience the self-induced calf muscle pain, rendering the lower back portion of the leg feeling cramp for a short period. Most calf pain also causes a person to be unable to walk normally and forego sports activities. Experts would say that calf muscle pain often results from too much exercise or sudden stretching of the muscles, most often just a small tearing of muscle fiber. Some severe cases of muscle tearing in the area would need specific calf pain treatment from health professionals.

Some calf pain symptoms are apparent when the two gastrocnemeius and soleus muscles of the calf are jerked and stretched suddenly beyond normal levels. Those active in any form of sports have stronger tendencies for stretching these muscles and then exhibit calf pain swelling. Often times, athletes come across cases of calf pain from overexertion, fatigue and slow adjustment to weather changes.

Improper exercise and stretching of muscles mostly cause calf muscle pain, like sudden stress and a direct blow to the calf muscle area. Also, doctors have cited that excessive steep hills running, calcium deficiency and lack of magnesium and dehydration could cause calf muscles pain as well.

Generally, one could experience calf pain symptoms to know an onset of tearing in the muscles. These symptoms should be known to any person so he can determine the degree of calf pain and know the proper calf pain treatment.

First, when there is stiffness in the calf muscle area after an exercise, there could be micro tearing of muscle fibers known as Grade 1 muscle strains. These are easily cured within 3 weeks, whereby Grade 2 muscle strain will need at least 2 months of healing of the partial tearing of muscle fibers. Grade 3 is when there is complete tearing of muscle fibers and would need more than 3 months to heal the torn muscle.

Another calf pain symptom would be aching calves which can be caused by varicose veins and is usually identified as Grade 2 muscle strain. When there is calf pain swelling, it could also be that there is inflammation of subcutaneous tissues or skin in the calf area; hence, calf pains are experienced.

So how are does one treat a calf pain? Once diagnosed, the calf pain treatment depends on the severity of calf muscle pain, ranging from complete rest to your lower legs and forgoing sports for the meantime. It is best to apply cold pack to the calf area 3 to 4 times a day for at least 20 minutes. When more calf pain swelling is noticed in the lower leg, wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling and elevate your leg higher than your heart’s level. If the calf pain swelling persists and there is tenderness in the area, take pain relievers like aspirin or acetaminophen. Only when the calf pain and swelling has reduced should slight muscle stretching activities should be resumed.