A study conducted at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam found that diabetes-related calf muscle pain is associated with greater disability, poorer physical HRQoL and more depression.
This research examined 500 patients of whom 367 were diabetic. The researchers used biopsychosocial questionnaires to assess physical symptoms of discomfort, HRQoL and depression which were then matched against the severity of diabetic complications.
Dr Aletta de Graeff, who published her findings in Diabetes Care, said that patients with diabetes should be assessed for pain to ensure they get the appropriate treatment and avoid serious consequences such as depression.
The effects of aging on the pain signaling mechanism in humans have been studied by scientists at Trinity College Dublin.
The research, published recently in the journal Pain, found that as we age our bodies become less sensitive to pain stimulation and may result from a reduction in the number or sensitivity of pain receptors.
What is more, they have found that this decline in our response to pain occurs at an earlier age than previously thought.
The research showed that healthy individuals aged 50 years old had a 20% reduction of pain receptor activity when compared with younger people.
(Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com)
what causes calf pain in diabetics?
Calf pain is a common problem in diabetic patients. It causes pain and discomfort, often escalating to the point where walking becomes difficult. This study investigates calf pain in diabetics and looks at possible causes of this complication.
What is Diabetic Calf muscle Pain?
Diabetic calf pain (DCP) is characterized by persistent or intermittent dull ache in the lower leg. The pain becomes more intense after prolonged standing, climbing stairs, or walking.
It is not life-threatening and can be easily treated with medicine. However, DCP may reduce the patient’s mobility and interfere with their daily activities. Also, diabetic patients are at risk of developing ulcers which can lead to serious complications.
What Causes Calf Pain in Diabetics?
There are several factors that may be causing diabetic calf pain. These include nerve damage, poor circulation, and vascular problems.
Nerve Damage: Diabetic neuropathy can lead to loss of sensation in the legs. This causes the patient to not feel when they are injured or develop blisters and ulcers. The lack of feeling in the feet plays a part in causing blisters and ulcers which can lead to DCP.
Poor Circulation: Inadequate circulation is common among diabetic patients due to damaged blood vessels. This results in reduced oxygen supply to the tissues, making it difficult for them to heal from injury or wound.
Vascular Problems: Arterial disease can cause blood clots which result in reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. This problem is worsened when there are existing ulcers or skin wounds in the legs, causing DCP.
Treatment of Diabetic Calf Pain
calf pain in diabetics can be easily treated with rest, elevation, and over-the-counter painkillers. Avoiding standing for long periods of time can help manage the pain.
Patients may also need to rest their legs periodically during the day, especially after exercising or performing physical activities that require more effort on their part.
To promote better blood flow and prevent future issues, diabetic patients should eat a heart-healthy diet consisting of healthy fats, whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Patients who experience diabetic calf pain should immediately consult their doctor to determine the cause of the problem.
This is especially important if there are other associated symptoms such as skin ulcers or wounds on the legs.
Additionally, patients should bring their blood sugar levels under control because poor glycemic control can worsen nerve damage, leading to more serious complications.
If you are a diabetic and have been experiencing calf pain for some time now, it is advisable that you visit your doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
This will help prevent the condition from worsening and allow you to continue with your daily activities without experiencing a lot of discomfort.
what causes pain and swelling in the calf?
There are several possible reasons behind pain and swelling of the calves: Fractures, muscle injuries, muscle cramps, inflammation, lactic acid accumulation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cellulitis – an infection of the skin and soft tissues caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria, and stress fractures.
Fractures: Fractures of the leg bones are a common cause of pain in the lower legs. The calf muscles help support the weight of the body by acting as a shock absorber.
Any fracture that causes damage to one or both calf muscles can lead to pain and swelling in the legs.
Muscle injuries: Muscle injuries can also cause calf pain and swelling. Sprain of the ankle muscles is a common injury that may lead to such problems in the lower leg areas.
Straining or overuse of calf muscles can tear muscle fibers resulting in inflammation, bruising and pain.
Cramps: A severe spasm or cramp in the calf muscles is a common cause of discomfort and pain in the lower leg.
Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or lupus may affect the tendons, causing sudden sharp hurting in calves. Swelling and tenderness can also be present due to such conditions.
Lactic Acid Accumulation: Excessive build-up of lactic acid in the muscles may cause muscle pain and inflammation. This condition is called as lactic acidosis .
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot within a deep vein could also lead to swelling and pain in calves.
The clot blocks the normal blood flow through the vein. DVT is common among older adults, people who sit for long periods of time, and those with cancer or certain other health conditions.
Cellulitis: An infection of skin and soft tissues caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria (bacteria commonly found on the skin) is called as cellulitis. This condition may cause skin redness, pain and swelling of the affected area (calf or feet).
Stress Fractures: Stress fractures are tiny cracks on the surface of bones. They usually occur in weight-bearing bones such as those found in feet, legs and arms. A sudden increase in physical activity or change in training schedule is often the cause of this problem.
Cautions and Prevention:
There are certain things that one should do to manage pain and swelling in calves. Patients with diabetes should avoid high sugar foods, as they may aggravate the nerve damage, leading to more serious complications.
It is advisable to maintain a healthy weight because carrying extra weight puts extra stress on the muscles. In case of any fracture, immediate medical attention is needed as untreated fractures can become worse and lead to further complications.
People who suffer from swellings caused by cellulitis should keep the affected area clean and dry and seek proper treatment from a doctor. Resting and applying ice wrapped in a cloth can help reduce pain and inflammation. Leaning forward while walking helps stretch your calf muscles.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from deep vein thrombosis or DVT, do not wait to seek medical attention as it can worsen the condition if left untreated.
Individuals who experience calf hurting should always consult their doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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