Pain in the calf
May 16, 2011 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Uni-Arzt Freddy Feuerstein
Good evening,
I have been experiencing pain in my right calf for three weeks now. I went to see my primary care physician today and he sent me to a specialist who ruled out a thrombosis. Now I am back to square one, the pain is worse at night and when I start walking again after sitting. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary like sports, so what could it be?
Dear inquirer,
there are a number of differential diagnoses that can cause pain in the calf.
1. Have you seen a specialist in? Internal Medicine? Was an ultrasound examination performed? If this does not show a deep vein thrombosis, it is largely excluded. But even this examination is of course not 100% certain.
2. A muscular problem could be present, this can also occur without the influence of sports, for example if you have a cramp at night. (This can be caused by a magnesium deficiency. This can be easily treated with magnesium tablets, e.g. effervescent tablets from the supermarket)
3. A problem originating from the bones could be present. Unfortunately, you have not written how old you are and what comorbidities you have. Please share this information with me in your reply. This can be relevant.
4. A simple muscular strain is also possible. Especially muscle strains or muscle fiber tears can still persist after 3 weeks.
5. Has your leg changed? Is it thicker than the left one? Is it red? Warm? Or rather cool? If you find it noticeable, take a photo and upload it.
6. Do you smoke? Do you have diabetes? Are you overweight? These would all be risk factors for a vascular disease.
7. You could have a venous disease, such as CVI, chronic venous insufficiency, which manifests itself in internal or external varices (varicose veins).
8. If the pain occurs especially after/exercise, it is also possible that you have PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease, also known as intermittent claudication) where the arterial vessels are strongly narrowed and lead to a reduced perfusion of the corresponding area.
9. For vascular diseases, you would need to see either an internist with a focus on vascular issues (phlebologist) or a vascular surgeon, who would then initiate the appropriate tests.
If you have any further questions or information for me, please feel free to ask in your reply.
Otherwise, all the best for now…
Sincerely,
T.C. Müller
