"Why Do My Calves Ache? How Can I Find Relief?"

Understanding and Alleviating Calf Soreness

Many friends may encounter soreness in their calves in daily life, a condition that can be quite distressing. Leg soreness arises from various sources, and it is crucial to comprehend these causes to manage them effectively and mitigate discomfort. Certain dietary choices can also aid in relieving calf soreness. Let's delve into the underlying reasons and explore ways to address this issue.

1. Causes of Calf Soreness

Lumbar disc herniation is a potential cause of leg soreness, often accompanied by pain. This pain typically manifests as low back pain and neuralgia radiating from the buttocks, the back of the thighs, and the outer calves to the heels or dorsum of the foot. Clinical statistics indicate that about 95% of patients with lumbar disc herniation experience some degree of low back pain, with 80% reporting lower extremity pain. Another factor is blood flow. For individuals with varicose veins in their legs, maintaining the same sleeping position for an extended period without changing can compress the veins, hindering blood flow and causing stagnation, which may lead to muscle spasms and soreness in the legs. Fatigue, such as excessive exercise or prolonged heavy lifting without adequate rest, can also contribute to calf soreness by causing soreness in the leg muscles.

2. Methods to Relieve Leg Soreness

Spiral Torsion: Stretch your legs straight out and cross your right leg over your left while keeping your right leg straight. Twist your upper body to the right, supporting yourself with your right hand, and bring your left elbow close to your right knee. This pose helps to stretch and twist the muscles in your waist.

Butterfly Stretch: Sit with your feet together and hold your toes with both hands. Slowly lean forward from your hips, bending your torso and pressing your elbows against your legs to stretch the inner thigh muscles.

Horizontal Stretch: Lie flat on your back and raise your legs. Hug your knees with your hands from the back. Use your arms to lift your body up until you feel a full stretch in your leg ligaments.

3. Foods that are Beneficial for Leg Soreness

Calcium-Rich Foods: Consume foods high in calcium or that promote calcium absorption. Dairy products are abundant in calcium and are well-absorbed. Animal livers, egg yolks, fish, meat, and beans are excellent sources of vitamin D, vital for calcium absorption. Seafood like seaweed and small shrimps are rich in calcium. Mustard greens and cauliflower are also good sources. Eating beans with their skins can enhance calcium absorption. Cooking bones with vinegar increases their calcium content, and fried spareribs with vinegar are calcium-dense. Eating fried fish with the bones significantly boosts calcium absorption, preventing wastage and promoting overall health.

High-Calorie Foods: Include foods high in calories and protein, such as lean meat, river fish, chicken, duck, and eggs. Additionally, consider increasing the intake of carbohydrates like rice and noodles.