Everyone from trained athletes to couch potatoes can experience mysterious or troubling pain in their calf muscles from time to time. While the cause is usually something simple like tightness or strain, calf muscle pain can be an indicator of more serious problems.
Calf muscles can be sore for a variety of reasons.
Hyperpronation
Many people unconsciously engage in abnormal foot motion, or hyperpronation, by walking on their instep or rolling their feet; this places a constant strain on the calf muscles to compensate.
Incorrect Posture
Bad postural habits like constantly leaning your weight forward can also put ongoing undue strain on the calf muscles.
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment Syndrome is a swelling of the blood vessels or nerves in muscle tissue that constricts the flow of blood and nutrients. It usually occurs after surgery, injury or even repetitive activity like running.
Dehydration
When athletes, runners or even those who work out regularly don't stay properly hydrated, the lack of adequate amounts of minerals such as calcium and magnesium can lead to muscle strain.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a certain type of blood clot. Swelling, heat and tenderness may accompany calf pain in cases of DVT, though some cases are asymptomatic; victims of cancer or pulmonary disease are particularly susceptible.
Charley Horse
A Charley horse is a sudden, knotty spasm of the muscle. According to bodyandfitness.com, it can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, mineral deficiency or blood trapped in the muscle and relieved with vigorous kneading.
