Why Does the Muscle in My Calf Hurt?

Calf muscle pain can be caused by overexertion, cold exposure, lumbar disc herniation, and venous thrombosis.

1. Overexertion: Excessive walking or running may lead to increased activity in the legs, which can easily cause soreness and pain in the calf area.

2. Cold Exposure: When the legs are exposed to cold, it can also cause muscle pain in the calf, mostly due to blood stagnation in the muscle area.

3. Lumbar Disc Herniation: In cases of lumbar disc herniation, it may compress the blood vessels and nerves in the calf area, also easily causing calf muscle pain.

4. Venous Thrombosis: When venous thrombosis occurs in the calf area, it may affect normal blood circulation, leading to impaired calf venous return. When blood stagnates in the venous area, it can easily cause pain in the calf area.

If calf pain occurs after intense exercise, it usually resolves gradually within 3 to 7 days as lactic acid is gradually absorbed by the body. However, if the calf pain is caused by lumbar disc herniation or venous thrombosis, prompt medical attention at a reputable hospital is necessary to avoid delaying treatment. For lumbar disc herniation, treatment options include massage, physiotherapy, manipulation, and surgery. For venous thrombosis, treatment can involve medication and surgery, while also elevating the calf area.