Pressure in the calf while running
September 27, 2021 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf
Hello, I am 21 years old, male (6'1" tall, 180 lbs, non-smoker) and was examined for high blood pressure a few years ago. A slight tendency towards high blood pressure was detected, but no medication was recommended. In July, my cholesterol levels were also measured and they are within the normal range. For the past 1-2 weeks, I have been experiencing a strange sensation in my right leg while walking. The calf muscles feel tense, but I would not describe it as "pain", more like a strange and slightly bothersome pressure resembling muscle soreness. This feeling does not necessarily greatly limit my ability to walk and usually improves after a while of walking. I am concerned that this may be peripheral artery disease (PAD) or intermittent claudication. Is it plausible with my described profile, age and symptoms, or is it more likely to be a minor muscle injury in the calf?
Good day,
Your thought is not wrong, but not likely. To develop a relevant peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAVK), a circulation disorder that becomes noticeable when walking, it takes a few years. But you are only 21, so even if blood pressure and cholesterol were so high that they lead to long-term damage, it would be too early for you to experience this now. Besides, your cholesterol values seem to be fine and your blood pressure, according to your information, only shows a tendency.
The strange feeling in your calf could be functional, so harmless and may go away on its own, alternatively a knee joint cyst could be the cause, pressing on the vessels while walking. An orthopedic surgeon can rule this out with ultrasound.
I hope I could dispel your concerns and I am available for further questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Schaaf
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