What Causes Calf Pain While Walking?

Experiencing calf pain while walking has happened to a majority of us. Sometimes, it subsides on its own, whereas, there are times when it refuses to go and makes it difficult to walk. There are different causes of this condition. Often, it is seen that people experience this ache when they resume exercise after a long break, or if they are new to exercise.

On the other hand, some people experience it for the first time, when they are working out and it subsides on its own, only to haunt a person later on, while walking. There are times when the ache is not as serious, also, there are times, when it can be very difficult to cope with. There are a wide range of reasons as to what causes calf pain while walking.

Sometimes, the cause for this condition is overactivity. Due to this, the muscles in that area are strained. This straining is often similar to an injury to the muscles of the calves. Any injury, which occurs from the back of the knee to the ankle may trigger this ache.

There are three main muscles, which constitute the calf muscles, namely soleus muscle and two gastrocnemius muscles. Often, injury or strain caused to gastrocnemius muscle is termed as muscle strain.

It happens if the muscle is over stretched. In moderate strain, it is seen that the person will experience discomfort and pain while walking. In some cases, swelling and bruising will also be seen.

Poor blood circulation to the feet may also give rise to this condition. Although a rare condition, it may nevertheless affect a person. Poor blood circulation may be caused by various physical as well as mental factors. Anxiety, tension, etc., are some of the mental reasons, which can give rise to this condition.

Physical conditions, like diabetes, varicose veins, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, peripheral artery disease, may also give rise to this condition. Raynaud's disease may also cause poor blood circulation to the extremities.

Along with pain, the person may also experience cold feet. This condition often affects women and children who live in cold climates.

Sudden ache while walking may be caused due to cramping of the muscles in the leg. This condition is also known as 'spasms'. These spasms may be caused due to over straining of the muscles resulting in injuries. This condition is normally seen when the person is sleeping, or when a person starts walking after a rigorous exercise.

When a person experiences cramp, there is sudden involuntary contraction of the muscles, which results in a knot being formed. If you have suffered from this condition while walking, it may also be caused due to low electrolyte levels in the body.

This often happens after you have been working out for a very long period of time, which has led to loss of electrolytes. This is also often the reason of ache while running.

It is not uncommon to see people not warming up sufficiently before they start with their walking exercise. Before you start with a brisk walk, the muscles of the calves have to be conditioned to tune them for the hard work they are just about to go through. Hence, simple stretches are recommended so that one can prevent muscle strains.

When a person starts the walking exercise after a substantial gap, then it can give rise to stiffness. Since you are working out after a long period of time, the muscles are relaxed and with the impact of the exercise, they become stiff and give rise to pain when walking.

While brisk walking, if your feet roll over too much, it is known as over pronation. This condition places a lot of stress on the muscles and also the Achilles tendon. Hence, you will want to take this cause into consideration.

If you have tight muscles and weak shins, then it can give rise to pain. If you do not wear the right kind of footwear, or walk or run on hard surfaces, then it leads to additional pressure on the shin bones, which further places a lot of stress on the muscles.

To relieve yourself from this condition, it is important that some of the stretches are practiced regularly so that the muscles are strengthened.

These were some of the causes of calf pain while walking. Now that you are aware of this fact, you will have to take measures to rectify the problem. It is best to consult your health care professional for the same. A health care professional will be able to diagnose the condition better after looking at your condition. It is recommended that you do not self treat the condition.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.