Calf Pain

What Is the Calf?

The calf is a back part of the lower leg – between the knee and ankle.

Causes of Calf Pain

Pain in the calf may arise from:

• Calf muscles: exercise, injury, mineral deficiencies, dermatomyositis
• Injury or inflammation of Achilles tendon
• Nerves: pinched sciatic nerve (read about sciatic nerve pain)
• Arteries: atherosclerosis (smokers, diabetics)
• Veins: varicose veins
• Blood: venous thrombosis
• Leg swelling from any cause
• Lymphatic vessels: elephantiasis, enlarged lymph nodes in the groin or behind the knee
• Joints: popliteal cyst behind the knee
• Skin: streptococcal or staphylococcal infection of the skin or under-skin tissues (cellulitis), Herpes zoster,  systemic sclerosis

Related Articles:

• Itchy Legs
• Leg Numbness

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Latest Updated on August 24, 2014 by Dr. Chris

Published on July 28, 2009 by Dr. Chris

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