Calf problems can cause a range of symptoms including:
In many cases, new or flare-up of long-standing calf problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.
Calf problems are usually caused by injuries. These can occur due to a:
There are other less common causes of calf problems like back problems or circulatory issues.
You may feel some pain in the muscles around your knee, ankle or foot. This should improve as your calf problem gets better.
If you experience these for longer than 6 weeks, you may need to speak to a healthcare professional.
Occasionally, problems felt in your calf can be due to a back problem – even though you don’t feel pain in your back. People with this sort of problem often describe the pain as pins and needles, sharp, hot or burning pain. This is usually in the back of the calf.
If you have any of these symptoms it would be helpful to read about back problems.
There are a number of things you can do to help your calf problem.
Keeping your calf moving is an essential part of your treatment and recovery.
Within the first 24 to 48 hours of the onset of a calf problem you should try to:
When using stairs it may help to:
After 48 hours:
It’s beneficial to do specific exercises that can help in your recovery. They may be challenging at the beginning so just do what you can and try to build it up over time.
Read about exercises to help with calf problems
Keeping active’s the single best thing you can do for your general health.
Being physically active can:
Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement. Remember to warm up fully before you start sporting activities.
The following can help to reduce the pain:
More about taking painkillers.
Heat or ice can be beneficial in the management of musculoskeletal pain.
Ice is most beneficial if your calf problem is related to an injury. You can try heat to help your pain levels if there’s no swelling and your symptoms are not related to a recent injury.
Never place ice or heat directly on your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn.
How long you use ice as a treatment can vary. However, you should generally apply heat or ice for up to 15 minutes. You should also leave a few hours between treatments.
You should stop treating the area with ice or heat and seek advice from a medical professional if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.
If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use ice or heat as a treatment for calf pain.
It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.
If your calf problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Last updated:
02 February 2023