The occurrence of pains in the calves ("potatoes of the legs") and there are some possible causes.
If the pain is acute, initiated after physical activity, it is more likely to be the result of a distension of the calf muscle (gastrocnemius). In some occasions it will be necessary to use muscle relaxant and / or anti-inflammatory, in addition to rest, to improve symptoms. Another cause of acute pain is cramps, when the muscle is contracted for a few minutes, associated with a lot of pain. They are usually self-limiting and require no treatment unless the pain remains even after resolution of the cramp. To avoid them, it is important to perform stretching and bodybuilding 3x / week, in addition to adequate nutrition and hydration during the practice of physical activity. And, after an exercise routine, rest for a day, at least.
However, there are diseases that can cause pain in the calves and patients should be alert to them:
- venous insufficiency: especially common in women, in people who spend many hours standing and elderly. Usually, the pain in the calves is a pain in weight (the legs become "heavy"), more common at the end of the day and may be present swelling, "vases" (teleangiectasias) and varicose veins. The treatment consists of the use of elastic stockings, regular practice of physical exercises and, sometimes, surgery will be necessary to remove the veins that have been dilated and dysfunctional. The diagnosis and follow-up should be done by a medical vascular surgeon;
- arterial insufficiency (intermittent claudication): common in the elderly and especially in smokers. Usually, the pain is strong, in a pang, and occurs after walking a few blocks or when climbing a street or ladder. It is characteristic that the patient needs to stop walking because of the pain, and the rest for a few minutes, resolves the symptoms. However, returning the walk, the pain reappears. The number of meters walked to start the pain varies according to each patient and tends to be smaller according to the severity of the arterial obstruction. The treatment consists of the use of medications and surgery is often necessary to clear the affected artery, and it is important and fundamental to stop smoking. The diagnosis and follow-up should be done by a medical vascular surgeon;
- Baker's cyst: some people may have a cyst in the knee, and if the cyst burst, there may be calf pain and swelling in the knee. Surgical removal may be necessary at times. Diagnosis and follow-up should be done by an orthopedist or rheumatologist.
If calf pain is recurrent, it is important to seek specialized medical evaluation.
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