Calf Muscle Strain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment - Knee Pain Explained (2023)

FAQs

Can strained calf muscle cause knee pain? ›

Calf or Hamstring Strain or Cramp

Sudden activity and overuse are two leading causes of pain behind the knee. This is due to a calf or hamstring strain or cramp, according to Dr. Tanaka. Movements that require pushing off or severe knee bending cause this calf and hamstring pain, respectively.

Are Knee Pain and Calf Pain Related? Yes, calf pain and knee pain are usually linked to some degree. If you have arthritis, you may experience pain the radiates from the knee to the calf. Arthritic joint discomfort is primarily caused by inflammation.

Rest the area. Ice the area for 20 minutes, using a covered icepack or bag of frozen peas. Compress the area with a bandage (but if the pain gets worse, loosen the bandage). Elevate the lower leg by sitting or lying down (for example with pillows), so it is above the level of the heart.

You should use the RICE method, which includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation, while you're at home. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication – or recommend an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen – to help reduce swelling and pain.

The top part of the gastrocnemius has two heads that start on the inside and the outside of the femur (thighbone). The gastrocnemius goes down the back of the leg and attaches to the Achilles tendon. Gastrocnemius strains are common because the muscle connects to two joints (the knee joint and the ankle joint).

Muscle strain — The quadriceps muscles (front of the thigh) and the hamstring muscles (back of the thigh), which straighten and bend the knee respectively, are susceptible to strain ("pulled muscles").

Tight calves could cause knee pain, ankle pain, a decrease in ankle mobility, restricted movement and worst case scenario, a torn achilles tendon. Stretching is one of if not the most efficient way of treating and preventing tight calves, though a lot of people find it hard to perform effective calf stretches.

A tight Calf muscle can cause a tendon strain that can present pain behind the knee and limit your knee flexion. Stretching out the tissue where the muscle joins the tendon can reduce the pain.

Deep vein thrombosis, tendonitis, muscle spasm, and a Baker's cyst are some of the reasons of discomfort below or behind the knee and calf. Although these are frequent illnesses that might cause discomfort, other medical disorders can also cause discomfort in certain areas of the legs.

Do use "RICE." Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is good for knee pain caused by a minor injury or an arthritis flare. Give your knee some rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, wear a compressive bandage, and keep your knee elevated.

What is the best medicine for knee pain in old age? ›

Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an analgesic or pain reliever that also reduces fever. Some people take acetaminophen to reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that affects the joints, including the knee. People also take acetaminophen to relieve other mild to moderate pain.

Calf stretches can really help reduce knee pain and improve flexibility. The calf is made up of two muscles at the back of your lower leg. The larger muscle, gastrocnemius, starts just above the knee, and soleus, which sits underneath, starts just below the knee.

In the less severe cases it usually takes up to three days for a pulled calf muscle to start feeling better. In the most severe cases that don't require surgery a full recovery may take up to six weeks. In the case that the injury requires surgery the recovery period may extend up to six months to a full year.

Short walks are good for the healing muscle, but avoid long distances and standing for long periods. You may find it more comfortable in shoes with a thicker or higher heel to start with, as this will lessen the stretch on the calf.

A pulled muscle should first be treated using the R.I.C.E. method. During the first 72 hours, heat should be avoided to prevent increased swelling and inflammation. After about 72 hours, heat can be incorporated into treatment to increase blood flow and aid the overall healing process.

The gastrocnemius is one of the calf muscles, but attaches to the femur at the back of the knee, and runs down to attach to the calcaneus (heel bone) through the achilles tendon. It acts as a secondary knee flexor.

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is on the outer side of your knee. It connects your femur to your calf bone (fibula). The collateral ligaments prevent the knee from moving side to side too much. Cruciate ligaments: The two cruciate ligaments are inside your knee joint and connect your femur to your tibia.

The most common causes of knee pain are related to aging, injury or repeated stress on the knee. Common knee problems include sprained or strained ligaments, cartilage tears, tendonitis and arthritis.

Strengthening exercises. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you can help reduce the stress on your knee joint by regularly working the muscles around your knee. To help strengthen your knees, focus on moves that work your hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and hip muscles.

Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Medical conditions — including arthritis, gout and infections — also can cause knee pain. Many types of minor knee pain respond well to self-care measures. Physical therapy and knee braces also can help relieve pain.

When should I see a doctor for knee and calf pain? ›

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:

A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason.

Depending on the location of the tear will determine where a person might experience symptoms. Anterior knee pain, pain along the inner or outer aspect of the knee, even at times pain in the calf region can all be signs that a meniscus could be compromised.

Back or Side Sleeping for Less Knee Pain

If on your back, put a pillow under your knees for support. On your side, keep your knee in a flexed position to minimize pain. Try to never sleep with your legs crossed. If you have knee pain due to injury, you should see an orthopaedic specialist.

Best Sleep Position for Knee Pain

Sleeping with knee pain may require you to elevate the knee and leg. If so, sleeping on your back is the best option. Place pillow under both legs to elevate the knee above the level of the heart. If there is swelling in the knee, the elevation can help to reduce it.

Heat and ice can both be used to manage different parts of knee pain. Ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation and is best with injuries. Heat can help with pain management, especially on stiff joints. It can also help mobility.

Such is the case with vitamin D. When you aren't getting enough, you may get pain in your joints. Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve joint pain. Vitamin D also can help manage autoimmune conditions that affect the joints, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes.

Over-The-Counter Medication for Knee Pain

The main over-the-counter drugs are acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs), including aspirin (such as Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). These can help with simple sprains or even arthritis.

Evidence shows that oral NSAIDs—specifically diclofenac , ibuprofen , and naproxen —are more effective in reducing pain than Tylenol in people with knee osteoarthritis. Oral NSAIDs can also be more effective than Tylenol in improving both physical functioning and reducing stiffness (14).

The Best Exercises for Bad Knees. The most effective way to alleviate pain in your knee joints is simply to get moving, Woods says. “Walking, water aerobics, cycling, swimming, yoga, and strength training all help improve the symptoms associated with arthritic knee pain and knee pain in general.”

Is walking good for knee pain? ›

People with knee osteoarthritis may reduce their risk of knee pain by walking more, according to a study published online June 8, 2022, by Arthritis & Rheumatology.

A calf strain usually starts with sudden pain in the back of the lower leg. A pop, snap or tearing sensation may be felt. Occasionally, with a severe tear, it may feel like you have been shot in the back of the leg. Afterwards, the calf may swell and it will be difficult to rise up onto the toes.

Athletes and people over 40 are especially prone to this type of muscle injury. Calf muscle tears usually heal after a few weeks of conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, compression and elevation. In rare cases, you may need surgery.

Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. In rare cases, calf muscle tears require surgery.

Put your affected leg about a step behind your other leg. Keeping your back leg straight and your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee and gently bring your hip and chest toward the wall until you feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg. Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

The No HARM Protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.

Heat helps loosen tight muscles and joints and relieves pain and muscle spasms. If you have swelling, it's best to use ice for 24 hours, then switch to heat. If swelling isn't a problem, it's fine to use heat when you first notice knee pain.

Wearing an elastic compression bandage is also suggested to limit bleeding and swelling in the tissues. If your sporting injury comes in the form of shin splints, physical trainer Jim Frith recommends sleeping on your back, with legs stretched out and toes pointing towards you to keep calves lengthened.

Ice wins to shut down swelling, inflammation and pain early on where heat may actually make an injury worse.” If you're dealing with lingering injuries (older than 6 weeks) then it's okay to use heat. The increased blood flow relaxes tight muscles and relieves aching joints.

What are the symptoms of a calf strain? ›

A feeling of tightness, tenderness, or weakness in the calf area. Spasms (a gripping or severe tightening in the calf muscle). Sharp pain in the back lower leg when trying to stretch or move the ankle or knee. A pulling sensation at the time of injury.

The calf muscles can cause pain behind your knee!

The tendons of the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle attach separately above the knee on the back sides. When a muscle crosses a joint, it acts on it mechanically to increase joint pressure (which can cause pain).

Rest: Once you feel calf pain, stop doing physical activity and rest your leg. Don't push through pain, which can make the problem worse. You might be required to use crutches or wear a boot for several days. Ice: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your calf muscles for 20 minutes every two hours.

Only return to exercise and your normal activities after your calf is completely free from pain and swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medications. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.

For athletes, calf muscle strains are common—but treatable—injuries. However, calf pain can have a number of causes and some, like a blood clot, are serious. If you believe you may have strained your your calf muscle, remember to use the R.I.C.E.

Most cases of leg pain go away either on their own or with self-care measures. However, there are cases that warrant a visit to an orthopedist for prompt intervention. An orthopedist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect the bones and soft tissues.

Tight calves could cause knee pain, ankle pain, a decrease in ankle mobility, restricted movement and worst case scenario, a torn achilles tendon. Stretching is one of if not the most efficient way of treating and preventing tight calves, though a lot of people find it hard to perform effective calf stretches.

Although compression socks cannot cure your calf strain, they can significantly help reduce and alleviate pain and help further prevent calf injuries. Copper-infused compression socks can reduce calf pain and swelling, prevent damage, and treat the issues that are causing calf pain.

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.