Muscle pain in left calf - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

Illuminator · 04-14-2004, 08:04 PM

I've had this pain in my left calf for a while, and don't know what to do.

I've put ice on it (but it's been giving me pain for a while), and also wrap it up at times, but it's still giving me pain.

I generally notice this pain more when i exercise, but sometimes it pops up when i'm just sitting. It's sort of like a pain that makes the muscle feel weak, and it stings in a way. I would like some advice as to what to do, as i've already consulted my doctor, and he just did a quick test and said it's a muscle sprain i believe.

I notice it the most though when i stretch, as i can't go down nearly as much with my left side as i can with my right. I hold some stretches for about 3 minutes for that area, but it's still giving me pain.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

crabbyroad · 04-15-2004, 05:30 AM

Illuminator,

Maybe consult a different doctor for a second opinion. What test did they run?

I had a searing burning pain in my leg, that would come and go, sitting or squatting, walking, etc. And then the area, not the whole leg, would have a "numbness" feeling to it. I could run my hands over my leg and not feel it over this area. For me it ended up being a compressed pinched nerve in my hip, as I was pregnant when it began, and it persisted for months after my child was born. The neurologist actually did multitude of tests, walking up and down, watching my gait, standing on one leg, sticking a needle ***** in the area and surrounding areas with my head turned, to tell me if I felt it or not, etc. It was for me caused by the pressure of her weight, and compressed the nerve. It took awhile for it to open back up, another few months. But I would seek another opinion. Seems a strain, wouldnt cause the searing pain for this long.

CrabbyRoad

Illuminator · 04-15-2004, 03:59 PM

Well the thing is, the pain i've had doesn't really become prevalent all the time, and it comes and goes. but the thing is that i burns at times, and that area itself seems very tense. Since i'm trying to become more flexible this tenseness is very noticeable.

As for the test my doctor ran, i don't even know if i can call it a test. all he did really was ask me to lay down on my back, and started to move my knee joint and feeling the calf muscle, and then declared it to be a sprain.

I'm going to likely get it checked by another doctor and see what they have to say.

However i have a question to ask of you (since you've had pain in that area), and maybe you coud advise me as to what to do. Until i do get an appointment, should i continue to exercise? I don't really do anything strenous. I do some bodyweight exercises, then do some cardio for about 45 minutes, and then stretch. Did your doctor advise you to remain relaxed for it to rest, or did they tell you to keep active. I know this might be hard to answer, but anything would be great.

Thanks

crabbyroad · 04-15-2004, 05:02 PM

I stayed active, but Im no weight lifter or did the type workouts you do. My searing burning pains were sporadic. I would be standing or walking, squat down to pick up something and OUCH, the shooting burning pain. Or go to just sit down, it must have been intensifying the pressure on my compressed nerve if I move it a certain way. Because not every move resulted the same way, sometimes no pain at all. But as far as medical advice to me, no they didnt suggest that I stay seated or elevate legs, or anything like that. Good Luck to you, please let us know what your new doc says.

CrabbyRoad

04-15-2004, 06:24 PM

My wife had the same thing and still does. But from the reading she is much older than you (57). Her doctor gave her an echo test to check for any clots. There were none so he told her it may be a collapsed vein. She was told to prop up her leg with pillows while she grades papers and reads at night. She has done so and it has helped somewhat. Her's was an ache, not a severe pain.- gle