What does it mean when both your calves hurt?

What does it mean when both your calves hurt?

Calf pain can be a sign that your leg muscles aren’t getting enough blood. If you have a problem called claudication, your legs will hurt when you’re active, and your feet, thighs, hips, and bottom may also ache. Your doctor can run tests to see how well blood flows to your lower limbs.

Why do both my legs really ache?

Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.

When should I be concerned about calf pain?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C) 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.

How do I know if my calf pain is serious?

Symptoms that might indicate a more severe condition include: swelling. unusual coolness or pale color in the calf. tingling or numbness in the calf and leg….8. Compartment syndrome

1. severe pain that doesn’t improve after rest or medication.
2. numbness.
3. trouble moving the affected area.
4. a noticeable bulge in the affected muscle.

How do you relieve tight calf muscles?

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is good for immediate treatment of muscle issues in the first 48 to 72 hours after you notice tightness and pain. Following the RICE method helps reduce damage in the muscles. Try using an ice pack for 20 minutes every two hours while resting and elevating the leg.

How do I know if my leg pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you observe these symptoms:

1. Fever and other signs of infection.
2. Bluish or blackish colored leg.
3. Cold and pale legs.
4. Swelling of legs with breathing difficulties.
5. Unable to put more weight on the leg.
6. Leg injury with popping and grinding noise.
7. Swollen, red painful legs.

Why does my leg ache in bed?

Pain in your legs and feet at night, or when trying to sleep, is often a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Peripheral artery disease leg pain can occur anywhere in your leg, but the most common places to feel pain are in the muscles of your calf, thigh or buttocks.

Can a blood clot feel like a pulled muscle?

These symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charley horse,” but may differ in that the leg (or arm) may be swollen, slightly discolored, and warm. Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.

How do I get rid of calf pain?

Home remedies for calf pain relief

1. R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Icing and elevating the leg are two common principles of R.I.C.E.
2. OTC medications. Calf pain can also be soothed with common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
3. Stretching. Light stretching can help ease calf pain.

Why are my calves always tight and sore?

What are the causes? Tightness or pain in the calves is often the result of overuse. Activities like running and playing sports can be hard on your calf muscles. Endurance sports are particularly tough on the body.

What problems can Tight calves cause?

Tight calf muscles limit the range of motion in your ankles, which causes some people to walk more on the balls of their feet. This shift toward the front of your foot when you’re moving can lead to problems like bursitis and nerve entrapment.

When should I be concerned about leg pain at night?

Nighttime leg pain could be a sign of the worst form of PAD – critical limb ischemia (CLI). With CLI, the pain attacks in your legs or feet can persist for minutes to hours. Leg pain at night can be a sign of a serious condition, and only a healthcare professional can diagnose you with PAD.

What causes pain in the back of the calf?

The symptoms that are often associated with calf pain include: Calf pain usually presents with a sharp pain or even a dull aching pain with some tightness at the back of the leg, in the calf muscle area.

Why does my leg hurt when it’s cold?

Most of the time pain due to cold is described as a deep ache or cramping pain. Cold can also aggravate pain that may be pre-existing. For example, people with joint pain due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may experience worsening of the pain with coldness.

Why does my calf hurt so much at night?

Why do my calves ache at night? Restless leg syndrome is a common cause of leg pain or itchiness or discomfort at night that is alleviated by movement of the legs. It is much more common at night and may lead to sleep disturbances that impair functions during the day.

What should I do if my calf hurts?

Elevation: Elevating the calf above the level of your heart will get swelling and inflammation to decrease. Further treatments for calf pain If your calf pain worsens or persists, you should consult your physician who may recommend the following.