5 Best running shoes for calf pain

How often do you take notice of your calf when you are running? Chances are never unless you are experiencing some type of leg muscle soreness.

Before you continue reading, I want you to understand that running shoes are not the only reason that can cause soreness in the calf. People who say “Buy my shoes and your problem solved” didn’t tell you the whole story.

However, if you have tried other methods and are quite certain that you’ll need a new pair of running shoes to prevent calf pain, you’ve come to the right place. After intensive research, we have compiled a list of some of the best running shoes to help solve your sore calves problem from running:

Our favorite running shoes for people who often experience calf muscle pain when running, walking, or in their day-to-day activity is ASICS Gel-Kayano 26.

The following is the list of the 5 Best running shoes for calf pain:

ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 (Our Recommendation)
ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Running shoes (Best Budget Choice)
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 (Best for speed)
Saucony Triumph 17(Max Cushioning)
Salomon X-Mission 3 (Best for Trail Running)

What’s making your calf pain?

Overloading your calf muscle

When we are performing any physical activities or labor, our muscle fibers break down. These mini tears in muscle tissue are created, and our body has the ability to adapt to these tears and recover. This is how your muscles become stronger.

Problems arise when you don’t give enough time for your muscle to rest and recover before your next workout. Maybe you’re excited about the new lifestyle you’re committed to or you’re trying to follow the pace of an experienced runner.

My advice is to give your muscle some time to rest and drop volume/intensity by 30% for a few days after every heavy run/workout. This is to make sure your body has time to adapt to the new pattern of the muscle that you’ve created. 

Read Also: Benefits of Compression Sleeves

Read Also : Calf pain: Causes & Remedies

Too much Hill Run

“Why”, you asked. There are two types of muscle contraction or or muscle cramp. 

1. Concentric contraction – Shortening of muscle 
2. Eccentric contraction – Lengthening of muscle

Concentric contractions happen when you lift your foot off the ground or sprint off.  What you have to be careful of is the second type, Eccentric contraction. This is when your foot strikes the ground, or you lower your body after a jump to control the movement. In eccentric movement, you are extending your calves muscle. Your calf muscle will need extra energy to perform eccentric contractions when you are running down the hill.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is another way you can experience calf pain. DVT occurs when there is a blood clot in the vein which can result into calf pain. this is very dangerous and you need to see a physician urgently.

It’s easy to overextend your calf’s muscle every time your foot strikes the ground. Be careful and control your speed, slow down or take breaks when navigating a steep incline. A good running shoe will help you to reduce the impact on your calf, thus, helping you decrease the chance of injury. 

Important things in shoe selection in the case of calves pain or tight calves

Cushioning

It’s okay to choose a more minimalist shoe if you don’t experience any muscle strain in your calf. But in the case of calf pain, a pair of fitted and cushioned running shoes can be helpful to reduce your soreness.  It’s recommended that you choose a shoe that has enough cushion thickness on the heel side of the shoe. 

Cushioning on the heel side will provide a shock absorption feature, thus, reducing the impact on your calf muscle in each stride. While most running nowadays provides some form of cushioning, not all cushioning systems are created equal. 

Each manufacturer uses different materials and has different technology for its cushioning system. Some use air pockets to create shock absorption systems, others use gel to cushion their shoes. In AthleticGens, we test and pick the running shoes that have the best cushioning system for shock absorption. 

High Drop(Offset between heel & forefoot)

Drop is the difference in height (usually in mm) between your heel and ball of your foot when you wear the shoes. Check our ultimate running starter guide if you want to know more about running shoe anatomy and lingo.

Most running shoes have a drop of 12mm. Some of the more minimalist shoes have 0 drops. If you choose to run with a shoe with 0 drop, you are asking your achilles tendon and the calf muscle to lengthen lower to the ground.

In this case, you are putting much more stress on your calf and achilles. If you are looking for running shoes for calf support, try going for shoes that have a high drop. Thickness in the heel side can reduce the stretch of your calf and achilles tendon need to perform in each stride. It can reduce the stress you put onto your calf muscle. 

Arch support system

Arch support and heel support are the two most important factors when choosing running shoes, especially in the case of ankle, or calf pain. You want shoes with maximum comfort and have good shock absorption features.

A good running shoe takes the load off your foot and joints. You’ll still want running shoes that have a good built-in arch support system, even if you often use shoe inserts to support your foot and body.

We’ve chosen the shoes with the right arch support system for calf support. This helps runners to reduce the probability of unwarranted pain and discomfort.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 (Our Recommendation)

ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 features soft heel cushioning and is known for its stability and high-mileage construction. 

Features

I.G.S (Impact Guidance System) Technology – ASICS combines four different types of technology to make sure runners have a cleaner stride. There is an external heel counter built to minimize ankle movement. This shoe also supports stable movements by reinforcing the middle part of the sole and preventing the shoe from twisting. All these results in easier, instinctive movements for more natural foot flexibility. You will have better control of motion to stay upright and in control.

Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Technology Cushioning System – Their rearfoot Gel Technology provides shock absorption, that would otherwise bear by your calf and Achilles tendon.

FlyteFoam Lyte and Propel Technology – This shoe has a lighter midsole compared to other running shoes due to its formulation using organic nano fibers. Other than that, they also use an elastomer compound in its construction to provide a better bounce.

AHAR rubber sponge – High abrasion rubber is present in the critical area of the outsole(bottom of your shoes) to reduce wear and tear, this results in a longer lifespan compared to others

Seafoam 45 Lasting –  They came out with foam material that retains that shock absorbing quality but increases the rebound component. It’s good for both long-distance and fast runners.

Pro(s)：

• Lightweight Cushioning
• Flexible Fit
• Structural Support

Con(s): 

• Above average price

ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Running shoes (Best Budget Choice)

Features

Ortholite X-40 Sockliner – Similar to Gel-Kayano 26(Our recommendation), this shoes has pretty good moisture management system and high level of breathability due its material.

Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning System – Cushioning system in heel side allows the shoes to absorb shock during heel strike. Compared to Gel-Kayano 26(Our recommendation), this shoes lack cushioning in the forefoot section.

Trail specific outsole – This running shoe has a reversed lug, which provides a great amount of traction for runners who are into trail running.

AHAR rubber sponge – High abrasion rubber is present in critical area of outsole(bottom of your shoes) to reduce wear and tear. This results in longer lifespan compared to others.

ASICS designs this shoe for athletes who love to run outdoors. It allows you to take on the tough terrain without worrying about the lifespan of the outsole. However, a reversed lug on a thicker outsole is adding weight onto the shoes, making it heavier than other normal running shoes.

This shoe is suitable for people who are into trail running, if you are constantly running on the road or treadmill, I advise you to skip this one. While it has decent cushioning, running long distances in heavier shoes will likely to affect your stamina. But if you are into trail running, this shoe is perfect for you!

Pro(s)：

• Affordable
• Flexible Fit
• Structural Support

Con(s): 

• Heavier(Due to reversed lug feature on outsole)

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 (Best for speed)

Features

The Nike Pegasus 36 is part of their Zoom series, which is known for its performance and speed. While this shoe shines at higher speed, it’s comfortable for casual walking too.

Nike wrapped this shoe’s upper with a single piece of mesh, which allows it to have a cleaner look. Other than that, it eliminates the need of any overlay or external support, which in turn makes the running shoes a lot lighter. Some of its features include:

Perforations on upper – Small hole on shoes upper enhance its breathability, your foot will stay as cool as possible when you’re on this shoes.

Zoom Air Cushioning System – Cushlon ST foam designed by nike sit on rearfoot and forefoot,which it balances soft cushioning with support. This is why we include this into the list, its cushioning system is one of the best in the world. It absorbs the shock and provides responsiveness that you can rely on.

Lightweight – Nike uses a slimmer heel collar and tongue to reduce its weight, without compromise on comfort. Thin and asymmetrical cut design on tongue helps you to avoid any irritation of tongue rubbing your foot. If you like lighter shoes that can give you speed, these shoes are what you’re looking for.

Pro(s)：

• Lightweight 
• Comfortable Cushioning
• Flexible Fit
• Great rubber coverage on outsole

Con(s): 

• Similar design with Pegasus 35
• Some people have complained that this shoes is sized tight

Saucony Triumph 17(Max Cushioning)

Features

“Great long run shoes without too much weight,” said one of their users. Indeed, Saucony Triumph 17 is known for its extremely comfortable ride. With its PWRRUN+ Midsole and plush inner construction. It provides a little boost in the long run with its responsible midsole.

Many runners shared that these shoes are quite pillowy, which helps them to reduce fatigue and soreness. However, extra cushioning means extra weight. This shoe is more on a heavy side, despite the company’s effort to bring it down in each newer version.

PWRRUN+ Midsole- An upgrade from its previous version “‘PWRRUN”, which is 28% lighter, claimed by the company. Its adaptive cushioning absorbs more impact than the previous version for greater responsiveness. Many runner use this shoes for marathon training.

Softness all around – Cushioning in these shoes is helpful when it comes to reducing calf pain. It’s known for absorbing hard pounding without sacrificing the integrity underfoot.

Responsive cushioning – Pwrrun+ is molded with expanded Polyurethane. Its less dense than their previous version foam. This new midsole is easier to compress than their predecessor, and bounds back quickly.

Good shoe for colder months – Polyurethane midsole has higher resistance to temperature than traditional EVA midsole. This is one of the advantages in using polyurethane as a midsole material. Lower temperature ground just won’t make your feet colder easily. If you run 4 seasons a year, this shoe is right for you.

Pro(s)：

• Soft, responsive
• Smooth cushioning
• Durable outsole
• Soft tongue
• Plush heel fit

Con(s): 

• Limited use-case: its best for casual running

Brooks Ghost 12

Features

The ghost series is one of the most enduring series in Brooks company. Their shoes are known for plush uppers and interiors. The Brooks 12 is designed for runners who love soft rides in a long run. High drop and soft heel side cushioning features in this shoe makes it a great choice if you are trying to ease your calf pain during runs. 

“Great shoes, great support, cushion” is the common feedback by their buyer. However, some customers complained that the shoes upper hold more heat than Brooks 11.

DNA Loft Cushioning – Heel side cushioning in this running shoe making the ride soft, but not squishy. Many customers are surprised by the shoe’s responsiveness despite the soft cushioning.

Responsive BioMoGo DNA midsole – Brooks Technology for its midsole strikes the right balance between stability and long distance comfort. You will enjoy the run if you like casual / treadmill running.

Excellent outsole grip – Durable blown rubber is covering up most areas of the outsole, allowing maximum grip. If you are constantly running on slippery/smooth surfaces, this feature can enhance your stability during runs.

High drop – High abrasion rubber is present in the critical area of the outsole(bottom of your shoes) to reduce wear and tear. This results in a longer lifespan compared to others

Pro(s)：

• Cushioning
• Flexible Fit
• Structural Support

Con(s): 

• Shoes upper hold in heat, not the best shoes in summertime
• Above average price (But durable)

Salomon X-Mission 3 (Best for Trail Running)

Features

Salomon company pitch: “Accept the challenge of any surface with the X-Mission 3”.Salomon X-Mission 3 is designed for people who are into trail running. From outside, the shoes look like an aggressive trail shoes.

But it’s designed for urban trail running. Their EVA(Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam is providing you a well-cushion base. Its 10mm drop together with soft foam cushioning can help runners to absorb footstrike impact. If you are into trail running, this shoe is right for you.

Multi-surface grip – This shoes features 3D Grip Technology, it has a lug pattern that works equally well on any surface. Surprisingly, their durable outsole doesn’t add much weight to the shoes. “Super light and also supportive with good tread for urban use” said existing buyer,

Breathable – Upper of these shoes is made of uniquely designed 3D mesh material, most buyers are happy with their breathable upper. It’s open enough for air to flow in but also blocking debris and sand from entering.

SensiFit with Quick lace design – Sensifit system in this shoes helps to ensure that runner’s foot is securely wrapped inside the shoes. The shoe features an asymmetrical quick lace system, it allows you to lace your shoes quickly and efficiently. If you don’t like lacing your shoes everytime you go out for a run, you’ll want to invest in this.

Pro(s)：

• Excellent traction in any surface
• Easy and quick lace system
• Comfortable cushioning
• Snug and secure fit

Con(s): 

• Toe box is too small
• Some have complaint midsole isn’t soft enough

My recommendation 

When it comes to choosing running shoes to reduce calf pain, there’s such a wide range of different brands from manufacturers. You can spend a little more to get decent quality shoes or opt for value for money. When it comes down to it, it’s a case of personal preference and running terrain.

Out of all the six running shoes we studied, the final product I’ll recommend is ASICS Gel-Kayano 26. People are happy with I.G.S(Impact Guidance System) Technology ASICS provide. Which allows them to have better motion control and flexibility. I personally love their Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel technology that provide impact absorption for runners with knee and calf pain.

Aside from their slightly above average price, It’s well liked by many people who thought it did an efficient job and at excellent value for money. Some people use it for casual walking, others think It makes good shoes for long distance running.

Other Accessories to ease Calf Pain after running

Other than changing your shoes, you should also incorporate recovery exercises after your run. One of the easiest ways to relax your calf after running is doing SMR(self-myofascial release), using a foam roller is one of the best ways to do it.

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Most pain in your calves develops in the middle, it’s caused by micro-tears and lactate buildup in your muscles as I mentioned above. SMR should be performed after every heavy workout, suggests the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Here is the video of how to use a foam roller for recovery after a run/workout. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can bad running shoes cause calf pain?

The short answer is yes, bad running shoes can cause calf pain.

The long answer is that the student needs to identify the root cause of his problem before it will go away.

How do I stop my calves from hurting when I run?

There are many possible causes for calf pain , but the one thing most of them have in common is poor foot biomechanics.

If your feet don’t hit the ground right, then your legs will try to compensate. This often results in injury like sore muscle pain, muscle tear, muscle fatigue or at least discomfort.

There are three possible causes of poor foot biomechanics that will lead to running-related calf pain.

First, those who have been wearing running shoes their whole life may not even know what it is like to have a proper foot strike . Knowing where your feet should contact the ground is crucial for avoiding injury and strain; the muscles in the legs have to absorb all of the force that the foot would otherwise spread across the ground.

Secondly, some people are born with tight calf muscles , which forces them to over-pronate their feet in order to turn properly. Over-pronation can also lead to collapsed arches, flat feet, bunions and other conditions. All of these foot problems translate directly to the calf, which will have to compensate for the incorrect gait.  

Thirdly, running on hard surfaces is one of the quickest ways of destroying your feet, ankles and calves . Cushioned running shoes are designed with shock absorption in mind, making them softer than any surface you would ever be required to run on.

For all of these reasons, it is very important that you get your feet checked out by a professional to ensure that there are no serious problems before buying new running shoes.

Is it OK to run with calf pain?

It is never advisable to run with any sort of pain because it may be a sign that you are doing something wrong. Achilles tendonitis , plantar fasciitis and other injuries can all develop into serious problems if ignored.

Running shoes can put a stop to calf pain, but only if they fit properly and only if the runner uses them properly.

Bad shoes and poor biomechanics can lead to more injuries, such as shin splints and knee problems , if the runner continues to run on with an incorrect gait. This is why it is important to get your feet checked out by a professional before buying new running shoes.

Should I run with strained calves?

The answer is no; there is never a reason to run with any sort of strain or injury.

There are many ways runners can suffer from calf pain , and in most cases, the root cause can be traced back to poor foot biomechanics and/or incorrect running shoes.

If bad running shoes could result in injury then that would imply that the runner’s feet must be touching the ground in a way that is doing damage to their legs. This could be because they are over-pronating, hitting the ground too heavily or wearing bad running shoes.

Do compression socks help calf strains?

Compression socks might help people recover from small injuries such as calf strains, but they aren’t going to be a replacement for proper rest and relaxation.

If you know that your feet hit the ground incorrectly and this has caused damage to your legs in the past then you should buy new running shoes with cushioning and arch support.

How do you fix running calves?

To fix your running calves , you need to stop over-pronating your feet. This can be achieved by following a few simple steps below.

Ensure that the shoes you choose are supportive and cushioned, to absorb the impact of each stride . An excellent way of checking if this is the case would be to wear them while standing up to test their comfort.

Make sure that you get your feet checked by a professional before buying new running shoes. If your feet are causing damage while getting checked, make adjustments immediately.

To stop over-pronating your feet when walking or running, grip the floor with the ball of each foot and let the heel rise naturally . This will allow your calf muscles to stretch and then contract, building strength from the ground up.

Stretch every day, at least twice a day. A good way of doing this would be to jump up and down on the spot whilst balancing on one foot . Try not to over-exert yourself when you are suffering from a strained calf muscle because it has not fully recovered yet.

Don’t run with a calf strain because this could lead to further injury. Try using the elliptical machine or cycling for exercise if required .

How long should I rest a calf strain?

If you are unsure about what a calf strain is, it is an injury which causes pain in your lower leg. It usually occurs when the muscle is overworked or pulled beyond its limits.

Calf strains can be treated using RICE – Rest , Ice , Compression and Elevation . Take at least three days off from exercise while wearing an ice pack to reduce inflammation. Try resting your calf on an elevated surface when it is not swollen, for example a chair or the edge of the bed .

Use compression socks while exercising if required. You can buy these online or at pharmacies and department stores.

Try strengthening the muscle by doing stretches which focus on the calf muscles, such as calf raises or wall sits .

Opt for shoes which offer extra support and cushioning, to absorb the impact of each stride, when exercising. If you cannot afford these types of running shoes then try using arch supports .

Only start jogging again when the pain has disappeared completely. Remember to stretch every day to increase flexibility whilst recovering.

When is calf pain serious?

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms after suffering from a calf injury :

Swelling . Redness in the area where the pain is occurring.

Changes to your usual shoe size while resting.

Bruising around your calf muscles after exercising.

What cardio can I do with a strained calf?

If you are looking for cardio workouts after suffering from a calf strain then there are many options available to you. Some of them are listed below.

Elliptical trainer : The best thing about an elliptical is that your feet never leave the pedals, placing less pressure on the joints . This also means that it can be used straight away, without having to rest your calf muscles first.

Stationary bike : Bike workouts are similar to elliptical exercises because you can stand with your feet on the pedals, easing the pressure which running places on the joints .

Stair machine : You should not use a stair machine until your calf strain has fully recovered , but if you do feel comfortable enough to use it then you will be able to burn lots of calories in a short space of time.

Running : If the pain has disappeared completely, try starting with jogging on flat surfaces for ten minutes at a time. Gradually extend this period over the next few weeks .

How long does a pulled calf muscle take to heal?

A calf strain which has not fully recovered could result in further injury or even chronic pain. If you want to avoid this then it is important that you treat your calf strain correctly, whatever the circumstances.

It takes around four weeks for a fresh strain to heal , although it will take longer if you try and push yourself too hard when exercising.

Why do my calf muscles hurt when I run?

There are many reasons why your calf muscles might be hurting after running, some of which are listed below.

You may be trying to do too much too soon, causing the muscle to overwork . Make sure that you gradually work yourself up to longer distances and avoid pushing yourself if you’re not used to exercising.

A swollen soleus muscle could be causing pain . If this is the case then try resting it by wearing high heels or arch supports , to take some of the weight off your calves.

If you are running on hard surfaces then that will likely increase your chances of suffering from a calf strain. Try using an anti-slip surface, such as astroturf , or softer routes .

What should I do for cramping calf muscles?

You can massage the affected area but it will be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the pain is coming from. If you still want to massage your calves then try applying gentle pressure with your fingers. You could also try mixing 1/4 cup Epsom salt into a bath of warm water.

What problems can Tight calves cause?

Most people will experience calf cramps at some point in their lives. However, if you suffer from tight calves then this could lead to other problems .

If the soleus muscle is too short it can cause pain around the ankle area and even plantar fascitis . You may also develop Achilles tendon inflammation which causes pain , swelling and stiffness.

Are Zero Drop shoes bad for calves?

Having zero drop shoes , or flat soled shoes, can help to alleviate various calf problems caused by running. They are beneficial for athletes who suffer from Achilles tendon inflammation because the change in height between the heel and the forefoot allows an even distribution of weight .

However, unfortunately there is not yet any concrete evidence available which could support this claim

Can poor arch support cause calf pain?

If you have poor arch support then this can lead to various calf problems, including tight calves and Achilles tendonitis . It is not always necessary to wear shoes with built in arches , you could use an insert or even try taping your feet.

What are the symptoms of torn calf muscles?

One of the symptoms of a torn calf muscle is swelling . As well as this, you may experience extreme pain . If the calf tear is particularly bad then it could also be difficult to stand or walk.

What exercises should I do after a torn calf muscle?

Once your torn calf has healed , you will need to start exercising it again in order to prevent further injury and to strengthen it. It is important that you don’t push yourself too hard during your first few sessions back in the gym, however, because this could result in further damage .

Make sure that you are fully warmed up before starting any kind of exercise or activity which involves using your calf muscles. This will help to prevent potential injury.

What is soleus syndrome?

Soleus syndrome is a condition which causes tightness of the calf muscles . It can also cause pain during movement, particularly when standing up.

You should try to stretch your soleus muscles at least once per day in order to keep them flexible . If you are suffering from an especially painful bout then ice the area for around 15 minutes afterwards

Can insoles cause calf pain?

Insoles are designed to support your feet and offer you some extra comfort. If this is the case, then using insoles should not be causing you any pain. However, if your insoles are too thin or worn out then they could lead to various calf problems.

Is it normal for legs to hurt while running?

It is normal for your legs to hurt when you are running, particularly the calves. However, if your calf muscles continue to be sore after you have finished exercising then this could indicate that there is an underlying issue.

One possible cause of ongoing pain in your calves is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Is it normal for calves to feel tight whilst running?

Yes, calf cramps are quite common during or after exercise. However, if your calves feel stiff even when you are not exercising then this could indicate that there is something else wrong. One possible explanation is plantar fasciitis, which causes pain along the arch of the foot.

Is it good to stretch a pulled calf muscle?

You should try to stretch a pulled calf muscle as soon as possible in order to alleviate some of the pain and inflammation. This is because the injury will only heal if it is allowed to, so you need to do everything that you can in order to encourage this process.

Do calf guards prevent injury?

Calf guards do not prevent calf injuries, however, they may help to ease the pain during a stretch. They are also often worn by athletes who have already suffered from a calf injury because this can reduce their chances of experiencing a repeat.

What causes constant calf strains?

There are various causes of constant calf strains. These include muscle tightness, muscle imbalances, and even an increased likelihood to suffer an injury, due to the athlete’s foot type.

You should try to address all three possible causes if you are experiencing regular or reoccurring calf problems. This will help you to prevent future injuries from occurring.

What does a calf tear feel like?

The pain associated with a calf tear is usually severe. It may also make it difficult for you to stand or walk.

Calf strains are often caused by overstretching, however they can also be the result of an impact, such as suffering a fall.

Should you massage a pulled muscle?

Yes, you should massage a pulled muscle very soon after suffering an injury in order to help it heal. This is because the more that your muscles are massaged, the easier it will be for them to return to normal.

What causes calf pain when running uphill?

It is possible that calf pain when running uphill could be caused by the tightness of your calf muscles. They may also be stiff, which can make it difficult for you to move them.

How do I warm up my calves before exercise?

Warming up is vital before performing any kind of workout or activity where you will be exerting a lot of force on your calves. This is because they are often used to being used in a sedentary manner, so they need time to prepare for the workout that you have planned.

Are calf stretchers dangerous?

Calf stretches should not be considered dangerous, because they are designed to help your muscles to stretch. Therefore, using them will increase your flexibility and decrease your chances of suffering from an injury during exercise.

Can dehydration cause calf pain?

Dehydration can cause calf pain because it reduces the amount of water that is found in your muscles. Therefore, they may be stiffer than usual and this can make them more likely to suffer an injury.

What deficiency causes calf pain?

Calcium deficiency can cause calf pain because it reduces your muscle mass and makes them more likely to suffer an injury. Therefore, if your calves are constantly in pain then you may need to increase your calcium intake.

How do I know if my calf pain is DVT?

DVT is a serious condition and it is important to see a doctor if you think that this may be the cause of your calf pain. You should not self-diagnose because this could lead to further problems in the future, such as pulmonary embolism.

What is a pulled gastrocnemius muscle?

A pulled gastrocnemius muscle occurs when the calf muscle is overstretched, which causes severe pain. This can also lead to further problems, such as inflammation and even calf spasms.

Why do my calf muscles hurt when I wake up?

It is likely that your calf muscles are stiff when you wake up, especially if you have been lying in one position all night. Therefore, it is important to perform some stretches before attempting to walk around.

How do you know you have a blood clot in your calf?

It is possible to know that you have a blood clot in your calf because it can lead to various symptoms. These include pain, swelling, redness and even cramping in the affected area.

Does a blood clot in the leg hurt all the time?

A blood clot in the leg will not always cause pain unless you exert pressure on it or stretch it. However, it is likely that you will experience some form of discomfort.

What are the symptoms of a blood clot about to break?

The main symptom of a blood clot about to break is calf pain, which can be sudden and severe. If you are suffering from calf pain then it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, in order to avoid the blood clot moving into your lungs.

What is popliteal artery entrapment?

Popliteal artery entrapment is when the main vein of your leg becomes trapped by the muscles. It is usually found in the back of your calf and it can cause pain, swelling, and cramps.

How do you treat a blood clot in the leg at home?

It is possible to treat a blood clot in the leg at home by using simple, everyday remedies. You can try elevating your leg and massaging around the affected area. If you are suffering from severe pain then it may be beneficial to take over-the-counter medication.

What should I do if I have calf pain during pregnancy?

If you suffer from calf pain during pregnancy, then it is essential to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to recommend the best course of action and they may also advise you on ways of improving your symptoms.