Calf Pain at Night

The back part of the leg that lies below the knee is referred as calf. This area consists of muscles that gives support to the body weight and facilitate leg movements. Excessive physical activities during the day often puts a lot of pressure on them and result in a pulled muscle.

As a result, you experience pain at the end of the day. However, if you are having calf pain at night without any physical exertion, then it could be related to some underlying health disorder.

The most common form of injury is strained muscle. They may get stretched beyond its capacity while you perform a new exercise or due to repetitive use. When the calf area is directly hit in contact sports activities or a bad fall, it can injure the muscles. This often intensifies at night.

Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles with the heel. Inflammation or rupture in this tendon causes pain. It is mostly triggered by overuse of the tendon during sports-related activities. It often get extended to the heels where the Achilles tendon is located.

This is a condition where the veins present in the back part of the leg become wide and enlarged. This problem arises when the blood inside the veins of the legs fails to flow back to the heart. Those people who spend long hours on their feet are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins.

Arterial insufficiency is one such circulation problem that gives sudden pain that lasts for few minutes. It is caused by clogging of the arteries due to cholesterol build up in them. In this condition, blood supply to the calf region get affected.

It may also lead to venous insufficiency where the blood fails to move out from the lower part of the body. Intermittent claudication is a condition that restrict blood flow to the legs for a short period of time while sleeping.

Diabetic patients tend to get this problem very frequently, as high blood sugar levels damages the peripheral nerve. This condition is also known as diabetic neuropathy. Various forms of arthritis that causes inflammation in the knee joint can be responsible.

Sometimes, the cramps may result from sleep disorder as well. Dehydration, nutritional deficiency, and excessive body weight are the other general causes.

• First, stretch out your leg and keep it at that position for 15-20 minutes. This helps to ease off the cramps. Do not try to get up on your feet.
• Massaging the area gently with the tips of your fingers can make you feel better. Ice application have a soothing effect.

• Rest your leg at an elevated position throughout the night to reduce the chances of any further swelling. When intensity of the pain is too much, then take over-the-counter medicines for relief.
• If this problem persists, you should consult a doctor to ascertain the cause. The exact cause is diagnosed with physical examination and some laboratory tests.

• A badly pulled muscle's treatment includes medicines and physical therapy that involves deep tissue massage and gentle stretching exercises.
• A severe rupture needs to be repaired by means of surgery.
• Compression bandage and exercises are mostly recommended for varicose veins.

• A circulation problem is treated with help of medicines and dietary changes that can help in lowering down cholesterol levels.
• Smokers have to quit smoking immediately, as it tends to constrict the blood vessels even further.
• Diabetic patients are advise to control the blood sugar levels in order to reduce the frequency of this problem.

Most of the causes of this problem can be prevented with the help of a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods that are rich in potassium, such as bananas, grapes, beans, broccoli, tomatoes, and so on. Keep your body hydrated by drinking sufficient water.

Stay away from alcohol and smoking in order to prevent diseases related to nerve and circulation system. Regular exercises will make the muscles strong and flexible, and thus protect them from common injuries.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.